Visiting Funeral Homes – Do's And Don'ts To Follow There

by Tony Wilson Marketing Manager

The death of someone in a family is the most shocking phase of life for every individual family member. With very heavy hearts and deep emotions, they make arrangements related to the funeral. They even invite people to funeral homes to be a part of their grief and express their love and appreciation for the deceased. This visit to the funeral home can be a perfect moment to express gratitude and thankfulness to the deceased.

This is also the time to behave appropriately at funeral homes, but the problem is that it can be tricky and awkward for someone who has never experienced such a situation. This has made us develop a post that defines the significant DOs and DON'Ts to follow while attending events at funeral homes. By following these dos and don'ts, you will support the family and emerge as a good guest at the event. Let us begin by learning about the crucial DOs.

Be Very Punctual About The Timing

It is always a good idea to arrive at least 20 to 25 minutes before the funeral home services. You can use this time to park your vehicle at a good parking spot and groom up quickly before entering the funeral home. This time can also be used to have a quick and casual meeting with the family members or to find the right seat to settle down. Arriving late is never a good idea, as it can distract and disturb funerals-related services. Also, when you enter the building, turn off your cell phone or put it in silent mode.

Express Your Condolences To The Grieving Family

Yes, it is very tough to come up with the words to express your condolences to the grieving family, but you should offer sympathy to them without fail. Remember, you need not be a poet, writer, or philosopher to show sympathy to the grieving family.

A simple sentence like "I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family" is enough for the grieving family. If you fail to participate in the event, don't forget to send a card or leave a message on the memorial website to express your genuine sympathy.

Dress Appropriately

There was a time when "all black" was the appropriate colour to visit funeral homes for funeral homes services. But things have changed completely, and the simple rule here is to wear anything you would wear for a job interview or a wedding reception.

In other words, men can wear a suit with a collared shirt and tie or slacks with a sports coat. As mentioned above, black is not the only colour, and you can use dark-muted colours to attend funerals. You can keep shoes casual, but avoiding athletic shoes or sneakers is the best idea. Flip flops, sandals, etc., are not recommended at all. You should also avoid wearing jeans, short-sleeved shirts, sneakers, etc.

Women can wear a suit with a skirt or pants in any dark, solid colour. Black is not the only choice unless the culture has specified it. The suit should have an appropriate length, and you can combine it with a blouse or sweater. Flat shoes are also recommended, and you can showcase a hat depending on the culture. Jeans are considered too casual and, hence, should be avoided altogether.

Sign The Register Book

This is an integral part of visiting a funeral home, as the family will keep the register book as a memento for years to come. Hence, you must include your full name and relationship with the deceased. Another alternative is to sign the tribute wall on the funeral home's website and leave a message there.

Gifts

You need not be very spendthrift as far as gifting is concerned, and a meaningful gift will give the same impression as an expensive gift. For example – you can include flowers or a donation to the charity of the family's choice. Another option is to commit to service to the family later in the future. This service commitment can include cooking them a dinner or offering to clean up the house or any other activity that relieves the family during the hard time. Regarding gifting ideas, no matter what your choice is, you have to provide a signed card to let the family know that you gifted that article.

One of the most well-known and traditional ways to express sympathy to the grieving family is by sending a floral arrangement. You can also celebrate the deceased's life by sharing photographs or mementoes at the funeral home. Make sure that you show the family how much you care about them and that you are equally agonised due to this loss.

Stay In Touch

This is a tough time for the family, and you can relieve them by staying in touch with them and being available for any service. Make sure that you inform them that you are just a phone call away and available whenever they need your services. Even after the funeral ceremony, you can promise to stay in touch with them as the following months are the grieving period, and this is the time when they need the most support.

The following DON'Ts should be exercised at the funeral home.

Don't Bring Your Cell Phone

Leaving your cell phone at your home/office while visiting the funeral home is perfectly alright. If this is not possible, the least you can do is switch it off or put it in silent mode. You should keep ringers and notifications off, as the funeral homes services are not the right time to attend calls or check the messages.

Don't Let Your Kids Become Distraction

If you have brought your kids to the funeral home services, make sure that they don't become distractions at the event. An ideal option here is to not bring them to the funeral home and leave them at home with a babysitter or someone in the family.

Don't Be Afraid Of Remembering The Good Times

Funeral ceremonies are the ideal time to grieve over the loss, and they can also be used to remember the good times you spent with the deceased. Psychologists say this is a very handsome way of simplifying the healing process. You can share a funny or appropriate story about the deceased to show how great they were.

Stop Overindulging

Food and drinks are a mandatory part of the funeral home services, but it is recommended to not overdo at all. Alcohol is also served, and it is recommended to stay with one or two and avoid getting high or doing something inappropriate under the influence of alcohol.