Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult, so attending a memorial service may help you find some comfort during this time of grief. You’ll have the opportunity to honor the person’s life and share memories with other mourners. Because the memorial takes place after a burial or cremation, it will typically occur somewhere other than a funeral home or a headstone at the cemetery. If you’ve never been to one before, here are three facts to keep in mind about this poignant service.

What You Should Know About Memorial Services

1. Dress for a Funeral

Just as you would at a funeral or when visiting the deceased’s headstone for a graveside service, dress conservatively for a memorial event unless instructed otherwise. Colors like navy and black are suitable. Men should wear suits and ties, while women may wear pantsuits or simple dresses or skirts. Avoid open-toe shoes or anything that might be deemed casual.

2. Practice Standard Etiquette

There’s no specific rule book for planning a memorial, and one service may differ dramatically from another. But standard etiquette applies to any type of event that honors a person’s life.

Arrive on time to avoid creating a distraction or interrupt people who are speaking or performing. For the same reason, turn off your phone.

Take a moment to speak with the family; if you were close with the deceased, it’s appropriate to hug them and share your deepest condolences.

Otherwise, you can simply express your sorrow. The family will appreciate your kindness.

3. Prepare Your Children

If you’re planning to bring your children to the memorial service, prepare them for what to expect. Tell them that the service is to remember the one who passed away and gather with others who loved that person. Explain that some might cry, and this is normal because the people in attendance miss the deceased very much.

You can also share some of the elements of the service if you’re aware of anything, such as spiritual readings or people who plan to speak.

Your child might wonder if the person’s body will be present; explain that this is not the case, but that it’s possible to visit the headstone later to leave flowers and pay respects if they wish.

Trust the compassionate staff at Hawaii Art Stone to help you honor your loved one in the most fitting way possible. Based in Honolulu and proudly serving customers across the islands, the company specializes in creating beautiful headstones and grave markers of all styles. Families have the option to customize the color, shape, and inscription to provide a loving and lasting tribute made with only the highest quality materials. To find out more about their stonework, visit the website, or call (808) 744-3162 to place an order.