Here are things you should say at a Cremation Ceremony

Many people are still learning the social etiquette of ceremonies organized by cremation services in Phoenix, AZ. If you are one of them, you are probably still figuring out what to say to your friend or family member who just lost a loved one. You are not alone. 

Here are some heartfelt words to say to express your condolences to the surviving friend or family member. 

“I’m Here” 

The feeling of abandonment is usually high when people are going through a hard time. Your presence at the ceremony and these words reiterate to the mourner(s) that they are not alone. It also gives them an outlet to share their thoughts on what happened. 

“I Love You” 

If you are close to the survivor(s), as a friend or family member, you can’t go wrong by saying, “I love you.” The words are reassuring and always comforting to the ears. 

If you are not close, you can say, “I’m sending my love to you and your family during this difficult time.” You can also write it in a sympathy card if you feel too nervous or overwhelmed to say the words. 

“I’m Listening” 

Lots of people want someone to listen to them without judgment during their darkest hours. That can be you. 

These words tell the griever(s) that you are here, involved, and willing to be attentive to their pain. You don’t have to express any other emotional sentiment. Knowing that someone is listening provides comfort. 

Share a memory 

You don’t have to say something deep to comfort the survivors. And since memories are a huge part of a cremation ceremony, you can stick to sharing a memory of the deceased. 

Learning new things and other sides to their loved one can deepen their relationship with the deceased. 

What You Should Not Say 

Knowing what you shouldn’t say is just as important as what to say. Here are a couple of phrases you should never say at a cremation memorial ceremony or funeral. 

“It is part of God’s plan” 

It may be consistent with their religious beliefs, but saying it during the ceremony minimizes their sadness and grief. No one wants to hear the death of their loved one was part of a plan. 

“I know how you feel” 

Regardless of your motives, grief is unique to every person, even if you’ve lost a loved one yourself. Thus, you can’t understand exactly how they feel. Furthermore, the phrase makes it about you, not them. 

“How are you doing?” 

First, the answer is obvious for a grieving person, and two, whatever response you get is likely to be insincere. A better way to express the sentiment of care is to ask, “Do you need anything from me” or a variation of it.

There are other phrases like “Life goes on,” “God never gives us more than we can handle,” and “You just have to be strong.” Avoid these statements like the plague and incorporate phrases like “I’m here for you” and others mentioned above. 

Overall, we at Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements believe that the best thing is to do less talking and more listening. Call us or visit our location today for more information about memorial service etiquette or anything else related to cremation services in Phoenix, AZ.