Especially if you haven’t attended many funerals in the past, you might be concerned about displaying proper courtesy at a service. You want to be sure that you are acting respectfully, and that you don’t cause disruptions. Here’s a look at six tips for proper funeral courtesy.
Arrive Reasonably Early
By arriving 15 to 20 minutes before the funeral begins, you’ll help to ensure that the service’s schedule is smoothly maintained.
Leave Infants/Toddlers with Babysitter
Because the little ones can suddenly cause a disruption, it’s best to leave them at home in the care of a sitter.
Dress Appropriately
Traditionally, black is of course the color that is most often associated with funerals. However, you’ll want to pay close attention to the invite, and any instructions that indicate a desire for less formal attire. But if there are no specific instructions, you’ll want to stick with black or, at the very least, dark colors.
Consider Appropriate Place to Sit
In most cases, the first and second rows are reserved for those who were closest to the deceased. If you are seating yourself as the service is just about to begin (or has already begun), then you’ll want to sit in the back.
Switch Phone to Silent
You definitely don’t want to be the person whose phone rings during the middle of a heartfelt speech. To make sure you don’t forget to silence your phone, in advance you can put a note in your electronic calendar that reminds you to shut it off at the appropriate time.
Observe Religious Customs
It’s important to remember that the service is about the departed’s beliefs, not your own. Therefore, it’s best to respectfully follow along with the religious customs (or lack thereof) that are a part of the service.
If you’re in need of assistance with planning a service, be sure to get in touch with a reputable funeral director. For a funeral director in Everett, Monroe, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Tulalip, Arlington, and Marysville, WA, the trusted name is Funeral Alternatives of Snohomish County at 1-888-381-6993. Funeral Alternatives also offers funeral services in Seattle, Bellevue, and King County. Feel free to contact Funeral Alternatives with any questions that you might have about planning a service.
