Attending a funeral is an opportunity for you to pay your respects and remember a person who meant so much to you. If you’ve never been to a service before, however, you may feel a bit uncertain about how to proceed. Understanding the proper etiquette before you arrive at the funeral home can be helpful. Here are some points to keep in mind.

Do:

Dress appropriately.

It’s customary to wear all-black attire to a funeral. Sometimes, though, the family may have a specific dress code in mind that dictates something entirely different. It may have been the deceased’s wish, or the family may wish to take a less traditional approach. Always find out beforehand.

Offer your condolences.

Don’t worry about saying the “right” thing during a funeral. There are never enough words to properly convey your sorrow or express your sadness. Simply stating that you’re sorry for the family’s loss is respectful; if you were especially close to the deceased, you may want to offer your time or simply share your love with the family.

Put your electronics away.

It’s best to turn off your cellphone or tablet before you enter the funeral home. This way, you don’t have to worry about a sudden ring or alert that might disturb the service and cause you general discomfort.

Don’t:

Forget the guestbook.

Many families elect to put a guestbook out during the service. Be sure to sign your full name, along with a simple note of sympathy and support. While you’re not obligated to do this, it’s a thoughtful gesture and will help the family remember everyone who attended.

Arrive late.

Always do your best to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the service. This gives you a few moments to visit with the family and speak with others if you choose. If you walk in after it begins, you may have to stand at the back. You also risk interrupting the service.

Leave your children out.

If you are concerned about a baby or toddler crying, it’s best to leave them in the care of a relative or sitter. Otherwise, it’s fine to bring a child to the service, particularly if they were close with the loved one or express a desire to attend.

Frederick Funeral Home provides caring, compassionate service to families throughout Colerain Township and Cincinnati, OH. They’ve served the community since 1932, assisting in everything from funeral to cremation planning. The family-owned funeral home understands that it may be difficult to proceed with planning during your time of grief. That’s why they take their time to work with you and provide grief support resources. Learn more about their planning options on their website, or call (513) 522-3700 to speak with a representative.