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If a friend of yours has recently lost a loved one, you may have a lot of questions about attending the funeral service. Although customs range widely based on culture and individual wishes, there are some general guidelines everyone should follow. The information below contains four pointers for etiquette at a memorial service.

Your Guide to How to Behave at a Funeral Service

1. Bring a Gift

While it’s not required, it is considered proper etiquette to bring sympathy flowers, unless the family has requested a donation to a cause instead. If you know the family of the deceased well, a gift basket with meaningful items is thoughtful. You may also consider bringing meals or offering other assistance as they grieve.

2. Dress Appropriately

funeral serviceBarring more specific cultural customs, the general dress code for a funeral is modest and subdued. Men should wear a dark suit with a white shirt and dark tie. Women should choose dark colors and garments that aren’t designed to draw too much attention.

3. Respect Religious Beliefs

For many people, religious beliefs impact the way they grieve. Whether you’re religious, agnostic, or atheist, a funeral is not the time or place to promote your views or look down upon others’. Try your utmost to follow along with the service to show your support for the grieving family members.

4. Be Considerate

To avoid disrupting the service, consider carefully before bringing young children. They may react unpredictably if they haven’t been exposed to grief before. You should also silence your cellphone and avoid using it. Also, be mindful of the time you spend greeting the family members. It’s easy to get carried away sharing memories of the deceased, but move along and let others offer their sympathies as well.

 

Planning a funeral service can be intimidating and exhausting, so find a funeral home with a compassionate, helpful staff. For those in Dayton and northern Cincinnati, Donald Jordan Memorial Chapel offers touching memorial services, funeral pre-planning, cremation, and traditional caskets. To learn more about their legacy of service, visit their website or call (937) 610-1900 to speak with a caring representative.

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