If you were to go to a funeral service in the next few days, would you confidently know what to say, what to wear and how to act when you get there? Many people aren’t quite aware that funeral service etiquette is real and is made up of unwritten, yet widely accepted, rules about how things are done. Read on for a look at some of these rules so that you know what to do the next time you’re at a facility that holds Nashville, TN funeral home and cremation services.
Dress Respectfully
It used to be customary for people to wear all black at funerals since black is often viewed as a symbol for mourning. But this unwritten rule has been relaxed somewhat such that it’s now okay to wear colors other than black. Even so, you should not dress too casually, and wearing clothing that is too tight or that reveals too much skin is inappropriate. Think of it this way: If you’re getting dressed for a funeral service and are unsure about whether your outfit is appropriate, ask yourself if you’d wear the same outfit to a job interview. If you can honesty answer in the affirmative, then what you have on is likely okay. Just remember that you’re there to honor the dead rather than to attract attention to yourself. What you wear certainly matters.
Express Condolences
This one’s tricky since it can be difficult to know exactly what to say when people are suffering. First of all, you don’t have to deliver a speech. You might simply want to approach the grieving family and say something such as, “I’m sorry for your loss” or, “You’re in my prayers.” Say it sincerely and make eye contact. A few words spoken with meaning can go a long way.
Sign Guest Book
Sometimes people go to funeral services and forget to sign the guest book. Try not to forget. Oftentimes the grieving family keeps the guest book as a memento to commemorate the event.
Turn Off Smartphone
It’s understandable if you want to be reached in cases of emergency, but you should turn off your smartphone when you’re attending a funeral service. If this is impossible, then put it on vibrate so that it doesn’t disrupt the service.
Offer Gift
Offer a sympathy gift of some sort. It can be sympathy flowers, a donation towards funeral expenses, a gift basket with anything from baked goods to fruit, or something else that makes sense. If finances are an issue, pick out a nice sympathy card, add a short personal message, sign it and then give it to the grieving family.
These are just some of the funeral service etiquette rules you should be mindful of ahead of time. Are you perhaps planning a final disposition for a loved one and need help from a premier provider of Nashville, TN funeral home and cremation services? Look no further than Ellis Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Phone us at (615) 255-5412 or visit us at 2627 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211 for a free consultation on your specific needs. Let our professional, compassionate staff help you during your time of need. We’re here to assist.
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