Whether the deceased was a close family member or acquaintance, attending funerals is never easy. If you haven’t been to many services before, you may be unsure of what kind of behavior is appropriate or how to speak with others. Here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind.

4 Tips for Proper Funeral Behavior

1. Get There on Time

Leave a little early to avoid getting there late and disrupting the service. If you do arrive late, find a seat in the back so that you don’t disturb anyone.

2. Dress Conservatively 

Although the rules for funeral attire have loosened up lately, you should still wear clothes that show respect to the family. Stick with darker colors, like black or navy blue, and be careful not to show too much skin. Preferably, men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse.

3. Express Your Sympathy

No matter how uncomfortable you feel, it’s still important to say a few words to the family of the deceased. Saying something such as, “I’m sorry for your loss” or “He/she will be greatly missed” will show the family members that your thoughts are with them.

4. Send Flowers

Sending flowers to the family or directly to the funeral home is an excellent way to show the family that you’re thinking about them during this difficult time. However, if the family requests for guests to make donations to a particular cause instead of sending flowers, you should follow the request.

If you need assistance planning a funeral for a loved one, turn to the professionals at Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes. They have been one of the most respected funeral homes in the Cincinnati, OH area since 1938 and will handle everything from casket selection to floral arrangements. These professionals treat all of their clients with respect, no matter what their faith, culture, and beliefs are. For more information about their funeral services, call (513)-661-4059 or visit their website.