Funerals and memorial services are very difficult and upsetting occasions, making them tough to navigate appropriately. However, it's important to be respectful and gracious when expressing your condolences to ensure the day is peaceful for those who are grieving. To avoid making any social blunders, review the following tips.

Your Guide to Memorial Service Etiquette

1. Hire a Babysitter

Funerals and memorial services can be long, and it may be difficult for toddlers and children to sit through them. They might have a lot of questions during the quiet ceremony, and they may struggle to remain still for an extended period. By leaving your child with a babysitter, you won't have to worry about your cranky or fidgety youngster causing disruptions.  

2. Sit in an Appropriate Place

When deciding where to sit during a formal memorial, remember that the seats in front are typically reserved for immediate family. The seats behind them are for close friends and relatives, and the seats behind those are for colleagues and acquaintances. Where you sit should reflect your relationship to the person who has passed or their loved ones. 

3. Offer Your Condolences

If you were a casual acquaintance of the person who has passed, you might not know their family members or other people in attendance. Mourners are expected to approach the family, so don't be scared to introduce yourself. Mention how you knew their loved one and express how you'll miss them. If the person wishes to continue the conversation, relay a fond memory. However, don't monopolize their time, as other mourners will want to share their condolences too.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, the caring funeral directors at Lawlor Funeral Home will help create a touching tribute in their memory. Based in Columbia, IL, this funeral home has been serving the community since 1896. To discuss making memorial or funeral arrangements, call (618) 281-4123. Visit the funeral service provider online to learn more about its rich history, and follow them on Facebook for announcements.