Going to a funeral is an important way to honor the life of a friend or family member, but sometimes it's not possible to attend. Fortunately, there are other ways to pay your respects and let the person's loved ones know you're thinking about them. Below are some options for when you can't make it to a funeral.

What to Do if You Can't Go to a Funeral

1. Send Something 

One widely accepted way of paying your respects is to send a card to the grieving family. Additionally, you could send flowers to the funeral, wake, or the family's home. Delivering food is also a good option, as the bereaved family might not have the time or energy to cook.

2. Create a Memorial

A memorial is a permanent and thoughtful way to honor somebody. Planting a tree is one of the most common ways to create one, and it's much appreciated as it contributes to the health of the planet. This memorial will also give the loved ones of the deceased a place to visit and remember the person they've lost.

3. Make a Donation

If the person who has passed had a particular cause or interest they were passionate about, you could donate to a related charity to honor them. Some families prefer this to physical items, as it helps others and acknowledges the person's memory in a lasting way. You could also donate to the funeral fund, which will help the person's family have the kind of funeral they want.

4. Support the Family

Even if you can't be there for the family on the day of the funeral, you can support them at any time as they grieve. It'll mean a lot if you're there in the days and weeks after the funeral to help them with cooking, childcare, or cleaning, and emotional support—either in person or over the phone—will also be highly valued.

If you want to arrange a beautiful occasion to honor your loved one, rely on Porto Funeral Homes in New Haven County, CT. Having served the community for more than 75 years, this family-run funeral home provides personalized ceremonies, memorials, and services, and helps with administrative tasks, such as obtaining the death certificate. To learn more, call (203) 934-5000 to reach their West Haven location or (203) 467-3000 to speak with someone in East Haven. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.