Attending A Funeral

It’s a part of life we will all eventually have to face – the loss of a loved one. Attending a funeral can be one of the hardest things to do. Whilst it is a time to mourn the loss of a dear person to us, funerals are also a time to remember and celebrate them. This week is about what you need to know when attending a funeral.

Dress

Depending on the funeral you are attending will depend on what clothes to wear. While the traditional black, which represents the mourning and loss, is worn at most funerals, some cultures and families would rather their guests to dress in a particular colour (this could be the deceased’s favourite colour), or in bright or light clothing’s. Make sure you ask before attending the funeral to respect the wishes of the family.

Tip – Be sure to bring sunglasses and tissues.
There will be expected tears and it is polite to cover crying eyes.

Flowers
Depending on your relationship with the deceased will depend on what flowers are appropriate to buy for the funeral.

Immediate family members –  order flowers that will be displayed on top, inside it or around the coffin (casket spray, wreaths, easels, pillows).
Extended family members – buy flowers arrangements that can be displayed at the funeral and also be taken back home to the immediate family members (standing sprays, wreaths).
Friends of the family – send baskets or an arrangement of flowers to the immediate family members homes.
An acquaintance or business associated – send wreaths, baskets or plants to homes or offices of immediate family members.

For more information, check out People’s Flowers Network

Gifts
Each funeral is different so depending on your relationship to the family of the deceased will depend on what appropriate gifts to give. Some popular choices of gifts to the family are…

Charity donations – some families might ask for a donation instead of flowers.
Cards – write a message to the family of support and sympathy.
Keepsake boxes – for the family members to keep some precious items of the deceased to remember them by.

Food is also seen as an appropriate gift. After some funerals, there might be a wake or reception held at the homes of an immediate family member. If so, bring some homemade finger food – sandwiches, cakes or biscuit for guests to enjoy or bring a homemade meal for the family to reheat later so they don’t need to cook in a time of grief.

– Lights x

Related articles

• Funeral Planning: Ways to Make a Lasting Memory (savealittlemoney.com)
• Choosing Between Funeral Flowers and Sympathy Flowers (floraldesignblog.wordpress.com)
• 7 Things About Funerals (theredheadchronicles.wordpress.com)
• Funeral Etiquette: Thanks for Being There. (mckenziefuneralservices.wordpress.com)