When someone you didn’t know well passes away, you may decide you’d like to pay your respects at their funeral service. Maybe they were a friend of a friend or a distant relative, but you are going to show your support to those who were close to the deceased. Since you didn’t know them well yourself, you might be wondering how to pay your respects appropriately. Use the tips below to learn the proper funeral etiquette for attending the funeral service of an acquaintance. 

Funeral Service Etiquette for Someone You Didn’t Know Well  

1. Offer Brief Condolences

It’s good etiquette to offer your sympathies to the family of the deceased, but since you didn’t know them well, it’s best to keep it brief. Tell the family how you knew the deceased —  or if you’re close to someone they were close to — and tell them how sorry you are for their loss. Try to avoid saying anything that would seem insensitive. For example, you could say, “I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I didn’t know them well, I feel fortunate to have known them.”

2. Bring a Gift

The obituary or funeral announcement may indicate some way you can give a gift to the family, whether it’s sending flowers or making a donation to the deceased’s favorite charity. If you’re close to a family member, you can ask them directly what their wishes are. This is a compassionate gesture and could help the family through a difficult time.

3. Read the Room

Every funeral is unique. Some may be more solemn, with loved ones crying and needing some consolation. Others may be a more cheerful celebration of the deceased’s life, with attendees sharing stories about them and even laughing or joking around. Take cues from those around you, taking care to remain respectful in the way you behave and speak.

The team at the Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors funeral home offers personalized and supportive funeral services for families in McDonough, GA. They have been part of the Henry County community for nearly 75 years and provide dedicated support to each family they work with. When you hire them for a memorial service, burial, or cremation service, you’ll work with one funeral director through the entire process. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (770) 914-1414 to speak with a team member today.