The ultimate goal of a funeral service is to honor the person that has passed. To help keep the focus on them, attendees are encouraged to follow certain guidelines. However, these rules are often unspoken, posing an additional challenge for anyone not familiar with the traditions. If you fall into that category, make sure to convey respect at the service by following these do's and don'ts. 

Do: 

Wear modest attire.

Wearing bright colors or flashy garments is distracting, as it takes attention away from the deceased. For that reason, dressing conservatively is considered an act of respect. Dresses, slacks, and pant suits are typical, and stick with clothing in dark, neutral colors, like black, gray, and navy. 

Turn off your cell phone.

In general, funeral services are quiet gatherings. As such, any unnecessary noise is easily noticeable. The biggest interruption risk is cell phones. Even vibration may be noticed, so turning the phone completely off is recommended.

If your children are attending the service as well, make sure to confiscate any phones, tablets, or other electronics before arriving at the funeral home. 

Don't:

Arrive late.

As with cell phones, arriving late is a sure-fire way to disturb other attendees. It's important to remember that there are potential obstacles that can affect your drive time, such as traffic, roadwork, and parking limitations.

To prevent these issues from making your run behind, plan to arrive around 30 minutes early. Even if a problem occurs, you should still have plenty of time to sign in and find a seat. 

Choose a seat at random.

There isn't assigned seating at a funeral, and there aren't ushers to direct you to a seat. However, the first few rows of seating are reserved for family. Close friends sit behind them, followed by co-workers, acquaintances, and general contacts toward the back. Choose a seat according to which category you fall into.
 

For over 100 years, Abriola Parkview Funeral Home has served families across Fairfield County, CT. From burial services to cremation, our compassionate team is committed to guiding you through the process of honoring your loved one. Visit our website for more resources regarding grief, funeral service etiquette, and the planning process, and request assistance today by calling (203) 373-1013.