A funeral service is meant to be a time when you gather to commemorate the life of someone who recently passed away. As the staff at Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon in Warren County, OH, explains, understanding how to behave appropriately during the service is essential so as not to make this time even more difficult for friends and family.

The following etiquette practices are among the most important for those attending a funeral service:

• Dress Appropriately: While you don’t necessarily need to wear all black clothing when going to a funeral, dressing your best is always recommended. Choose clean, conservative pieces—nothing bright or flashy. A simple rule of thumb is to dress similar to how you would for a job interview—in other words, jeans and a T-shirt are typically not an appropriate choice.
• Offer Sympathy: It can be hard to come up with words of comfort for the immediate family of someone who has recently passed away. Do your best and speak sincerely. Sharing a happy memory of the deceased or mentioning something you admired about them can be an excellent source of comfort to family members who are struggling with grief. If applicable, try to steer clear of sensitive topics.
• Avoid Becoming a Distraction: You don’t want to detract from the proceedings of a funeral service. A ringing cell phone is disrespectful and interrupts the service. Either turn it off or leave it at home. If you have young children who wouldn’t be able to sit still or behave appropriately during the service, hiring a babysitter is ideal. 

From helping plan arrangements to hosting the funeral service, Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon will help you and your loved ones navigate this challenging period. To learn more about how this funeral home can help you, visit them online or call (513) 932-1239.