If you have recently lost a loved one, your feelings of grief may be compounded by some nervousness surrounding the upcoming funeral service. Below, the experienced, respectful staff at Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home in Rochester, New York, offers some suggestions for coping with common anxieties surrounding preparations for a funeral service.

3 Important Things To Prepare For At A Funeral Service

1. Your Role

If you’re dealing with the loss of a close friend or family member, you may be expected to play a certain role in the memorial service. Whether you will be delivering a eulogy or receiving condolences from others who were close to your loved one, it is wise to mentally and emotionally prepare, as you may struggle to deal simultaneously with the weight of expectations and your own feelings of grief. You may gain some comfort from practicing or role playing whatever actions you will be expected to perform, even simply as a way to prepare for some of the emotions you may feel.

2. Awkward Condolences & Difficult Questions

While preparing for the funeral service, keep in mind many others in attendance share your feelings of grief. While this means most of those who show up at the funeral home will be especially kind and understanding toward you, some may feel confused and awkward at the loss as well. It will usually work to your benefit to assume those who attend the funeral service are operating out of feelings of kindness and mutual loss, even if they don’t manage to express that perfectly.

3. Grooming & Dress

While it may seem trivial, make sure you’ll be comfortable with your appearance at the funeral service, especially if you find yourself in the spotlight. Many cultures have traditional expectations for appropriate funeral attire, and it will usually make you more comfortable to adopt whatever dress you believe your lost loved one would have considered appropriate out of respect for their personal beliefs.

If you have recently lost a loved one in the Rochester area and need to plan a funeral service, consider turning to the thoughtful, understanding staff at Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home. Visit them online to find out more, or call (585) 426-7830 to speak with a staff member about planning a memorial service.