Youngstown, AZ funeral homes

Etiquette for Funerals at Funeral Homes

At funerals in Youngstown, AZ funeral homes, etiquette when dealing with a bereaved family is critical to them feeling supported and comforted in their time of need. We’ll offer a few etiquette tips that will help alleviate the awkwardness and that will help the grieving family as they process the loss of their loved one. 

One point of funeral etiquette that is often overlooked is asking family members to tell their favorite stories about their loved one. Remembering the deceased person through storytelling can be very comforting to family members, and it helps them focus on the good memories and the funny memories of their loved one. 

Another point of funeral etiquette that is often awkward is whether or not humor, smiles, and laughter is okay. Even though funerals are often somber in tone, there is a place for smiling, humor, and laughter. The humor should be kind and gentle. The smiles should be genuine. And the laughter should be light and encouraging. 

Sending a handwritten note to the family is also an acceptable part of funeral etiquette. Don’t email or text, because both of those methods of communication suggest that you’re in a hurry or that you putting an invisible amount of space between yourself and the grieving family. A handwritten note shows thought, caring, and effort. 

Another vital part of funeral etiquette, especially if you were close to the deceased person and/or the family, is to remember the anniversary of the deceased person’s death. Again, this should be a handwritten note that tells the family that you didn’t forget the deceased or the family. It’s a lonely feeling to seem like the only one in the whole wide world who remembers the day someone you loved dearly died, and it tends to exacerbate or resurrect deep feelings of grief and loss. 

A fifth point of acceptable funeral etiquette is to forgo the flowers at the funeral and instead donate to a favorite charity or plant a tree in the name of the deceased person. The family will be notified of the contribution and it will mean a lot that you took the time to thoughtfully memorialize their loved one. 

Acceptable funeral etiquette also includes being tasteful and respectful in what you wear, and not drawing attention to yourself. Black is always an acceptable color. Clothes should be simple and modest for both men and women. Avoid bling. Small earrings are acceptable, as are watches. Avoid high-heeled shoes and open-toed shoes. 

Another point of acceptable funeral etiquette is to be respectful of the beliefs and/or religious practices of the deceased, even if you don’t believe or practice them. For example, if you are not Catholic, but are attending a Catholic funeral mass, you should sit quietly and respectful while Catholic mourners take communion. 

A final point of funeral etiquette is that you are not dismissing the family’s loss if you opt out of the burial service. Often, funerals take place late in the evening or at night, so that people who are working can attend. Many burials take place the next morning, while people who work are at work and can’t get away. Everybody understands this. 

If you’d like to know more about funeral etiquette at Youngstown, AZ funeral homes, you can speak with our experienced and empathetic team at Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements. You can also come to our funeral home at 16952 W. Bell Rd., #303, Surprise, AZ, 85374, or you can call us today at (623) 975-9393.  

One Comment on “Etiquette for Funerals at Funeral Homes

  1. It’s good to know that you should send a handwritten note to the family. My best friend’s mom died last week and I’m wondering if we should fly to the funeral. I’ll be sure to send him a note and see when the funeral is happening.

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