Attending a funeral, whether it’s for a loved one or for someone else’s family member, can be a stressful experience. In addition to the grief or sympathy they feel, many people are worried about acting appropriately. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when attending a memorial service. 

Do

Be on time.

Arriving at the service at the time indicated on the announcement is a way to show the family of the deceased you respect them. It will also ensure you don’t accidentally interrupt a particularly meaningful part of the service. However, traffic jams and other unexpected incidents can happen, so if you do wind up being late, be as quiet as possible and grab a seat in the back.

Say less.

Expressing your condolences can be awkward. At this difficult time, it feels like all words are trite compared to the magnitude of the loss the family feels. In this instance, it’s perfectly fine not to overwhelm them with words — a simple, “I am sincerely sorry for your loss,” will be more than enough.

Don’t

Bring an infant.

It’s okay to bring children to a funeral service, as long as they’re able to sit still and stay quiet for extended periods. An infant or toddler won’t be able to do these things, so it’s best to either leave them at home with a babysitter or stay behind and send sympathy flowers in lieu of attending.

Wear bright colors.

There’s no need to dress strictly in black for the service, but stick to darker, conservative colors. This shows you respect the family’s grief and ensures you won’t distract anyone from the reason they’re attending — to remember the life of the deceased.

For more funeral etiquette tips, speak with the professionals at Cornwell Funeral Home. Since 1898, this family-owned establishment has helped the residents of Dardanelle, AR, honor their departed loved ones with a wide range of quality funeral services. To learn more about their offerings, call (479) 229-2524 or visit them online today.