Attending a funeral for the first time can be a difficult occasion—you may not know what to wear or how to interact with others. This is a time to honor a loved one that has passed away, making it important to follow certain etiquette rules that help you to properly honor the decedent. When attending your first funeral, avoid common etiquette mistakes by following the tips below.

How to Ensure Proper Funeral Etiquette

1. Arrive Early

When attending a service, it’s important to arrive anywhere from 10-20 minutes prior to the service to allow interaction with other guests. This may include paying your respects to family members or sharing memories with other loved ones. Arriving late can interrupt to flow of the service, so always take a seat in the back if you do show up a few minutes late.

2. Dress Appropriately  

While funerals can differ in the formality of attire they require, dress in a way that is respectful to the decedent. This means opting for something simple, like black pants and a nice top or a black dress and sweater. Avoid wearing casual attire or bright, distracting clothing, and stick to black shoes, leaving the flip flops for use at home.

3. Silence Your Phone

Always make sure to turn your phone on silent when entering a service. Whether it’s a call or text message, the dings of your phone can be distracting to other guests. Before you head into the funeral home, remember to switch your phone to vibrate or silent and put it away in a purse or bag during the ceremony.

4. Honor Your Loved One’s Wishes

While it’s often customary to bring flowers to a funeral, don’t ignore the wishes of your loved one if they left other instructions. Check with other family members or read their obituary to confirm flowers are appropriate and the decedent didn’t prefer donations made to their favorite charity.

Doing so will allow you to pay respect to the deceased and even help you get through the grieving process, as you know you followed your loved one’s wishes. 

Whether you’re planning or attending a funeral, the professionals at Carolina Cremation Center in Winston-Salem, NC, strive to take the pressure off of this occasion. With a multitude of options for funeral planning and services, this team ensures your family can pay their respects in a way that honors you and the deceased. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (336) 368-4000.