If you’ve been invited to the funeral service of a friend or relative, you may not have given thought to the practical aspects of the event in the midst of your mourning. However, if it’s an outdoor funeral, you’ll need to be prepared for the unexpected. To ensure you’re emotionally and mentally present at the funeral service, follow these tips. 

How Should You Prepare for an Outdoor Funeral Service?

1. Plan for the Weather

At least a day before the funeral, check the weather forecast. If it’s scheduled to rain, make arrangements to bring an umbrella. Don’t take a bold-hued one if the family has requested guests wear black. You might also need to take a jacket or wear stockings if it will be cold, both of which will have to be coordinated with the suggested dress code as well.

2. Think About Your Footwear

If the funeral service is taking place in a grassy cemetery, you may want to stay away from thin high heels. Stilettos and pumps can sink into the soil, ruining your formal footwear and potentially leading to a trip-and-fall accident. If you’re attending an ash scattering ceremony, you may have to walk to a scenic destination with uphill or rocky terrain. Whatever the case, choose modest footwear that will accommodate the location, such as flats or formal boots.

3. Take Care of Your Needs Beforehand

It’s also important to remember that the funeral may last longer than you expect, so you should eat a meal before you go. However, don’t drink a lot of liquids or consume a large meal right before you leave for the service — the site may not have access to a bathroom. Instead, eat an hour or so before you plan to leave and use the restroom right before taking off.

If you’re looking for more advice on an upcoming funeral service or need help planning one for a loved one, turn to Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors in McDonough, GA. They have been crafting personalized ceremonies for more than 75 years, and they’ll be happy to help you pre-plan one of your own. To reach them on the phone, call (770) 914-1414. Visit their website for more information on their history and services.