Whether you’re dealing with the death of a loved one or supporting a friend in their time of need, attending a funeral is an emotional experience. If you’re not sure how to prepare for the event, it’s normal to have questions. To that end, here are a few key etiquette tips for funeral services to keep in mind.

Helpful Etiquette Tips for Funeral Services

1. Attire

It’s traditional to wear black clothing to funeral services. This tradition is rooted in the idea that your clothing should not be flashy or distract from the deceased; instead, reach for presentable, comfortable, and respectful clothing, such as a dark suit or a modest dress.

2. Where to Sit

During the service, the first few rows of seats are generally reserved for immediate family, and friends and other guests should leave those spaces open. If there are empty seats, it’s okay to move forward to fill them, but only once all of the immediate family members have arrived and are seated.

3. Honoring the Deceased

Lots of people have trouble finding the language to communicate and talk about a loss. It’s understandable — death is a difficult topic. Don’t feel embarrassed about relying on classic expressions of sympathy like, “I’m sorry for your loss.” If it’s coming from a place of earnest truth, it’s worth sharing. If you’re looking for other ways to talk about the loss, invite loved ones to share stories about the deceased. A funny, heartwarming, or personal anecdote can help remind people that funeral services don’t have to be somber — they can also be spaces for celebration, remembering and honoring the person who died.

Your loved one’s memory is worth celebrating. For over 20 years, people throughout the Cleves, OH, area have turned to the team at Dennis George Funeral Home for caring, personalized funeral services. Whether you’re interested in funeral planning or need guidance on urns and caskets, their skilled directors are available to provide expert help. To get started, call (513) 941-6700 or visit them online to learn more about their work. You can also find the funeral home on Facebook.