There are numerous reasons why you might not wish to attend a funeral. For example, they are often tearful affairs. You might be out of town or have to adjust current plans. Alternatively, you might have had a falling out with the deceased or a member of the family. However, should you attend the event anyway? The following information may help you decide.

Reasons to Attend

Bad blood between you and the departed is often no reason to stay away. The real purpose of a funeral is to enable the bereaved to say farewell to a loved one. If you wish to support the family, offer them condolences, or say goodbye in your own way, you have the right to do so, especially if you have received an invitation. However, most funerals are open to the public and do not require one. You can bring a friend to provide moral support, even if that friend never knew the deceased. Most families appreciate everyone who shows up and are grateful for their attendance.

Reasons Not to Attend

If the family has requested a private service and you have not received an invitation, it would be better to let them grieve in private.  Additionally, if you have reason to believe that your presence would upset a close family member or otherwise lead to a disturbance, reconsider attending and instead send flowers, a card, or a gift to express condolences. This might also be a nice gesture to make if other circumstances are keeping you from making an appearance.

If the loss of a loved one has you thinking about pre-planning your own funeral services, contact Silver Creek Mortuary in Gallup, NM. They've been in business since 2003, serving the Navajo nation and communities within 200 miles of Gallup. Visit their website to access their pre-planner or call (505) 371-3690 to speak with a helpful, compassionate funeral director.