The Etiquette of Going to a Funeral

Are you familiar with funeral etiquette? Do you know the proper behaviors for attending a memorial or funeral service? Being unsure of what to say or do at a funeral can make for an awkward experience, or even prevent some loved ones from attending.When someone passes away, there are so many questions about how we conduct ourselves when attending a service at the funeral chapel. Has this ever happened to you?If you want to learn more about funeral service etiquette, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services, who shares advice for what to say and do during a service.Knowing what to do at a funeral can be confusing. This interview is an opportunity to learn how to conduct yourself with decorum when honoring the memory of a loved one lost.Should I Attend this Funeral Service?Valerie begins the podcast by addressing how to know if you should attend an upcoming funeral. She uses specific examples that will relate to a wide range of listeners.Then Valerie shares questions she hears while working at the funeral chapel in Vancouver as well as the answers she gives the people who call to ask.The choice of whether to attend a funeral or not can pose a challenge if the deceased is outside your circle of close friends and beloved family members.How Should I Dress for a Funeral or Memorial?Next Valerie dives into funeral service etiquette on the day of the service. Some of the questions she addresses include:- What do I say to the family when I see them at the service?- What happens if I mess up and say the wrong thing at a funeral?- What kind of clothes should I wear to a funeral or memorial service?Now ask yourself these two questions: Do I have questions about funeral etiquette? Do I want to know the best ways to show respect at a funeral or memorial for someone who passed away? If you answered “yes” to either or both questions, then the advice in this podcast is for you.Should I Bring a Card, Flowers, or Something Else?Then Valerie touches on the topic of whether it is more appropriate to bring flowers, a card, or something else to help honor the memory of the deceased person.Valerie segues into a family’s request for donations to specific charities and explains why this does not have to affect a person’s decision to attend that memorial or funeral service.Attending a funeral is a way to honor someone who has passed on from this life. It is better to get your questions about funeral service etiquette answered now so you do not live with regret.The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about funeral service etiquette.Do You Have Questions Not Answered Here?Do you have questions that you don’t see addressed here? Do you want to know more about a specific aspect of etiquette for attending a funeral service? Listen to the entire podcast now and then share your thoughts below. We look forward to talking through them with you.Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.Martin Brothers Funeral ServicesVancouver: Funeral Services Centre3398 Dunbar StreetVancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1Telephone Number: 778.330.7799Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901Fax Number: 778.330.7633Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtdTwitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1