Funeral Etiquette
Courtesy never goes out of style. If you are attending a visitation or funeral and are unsure what to wear, what to say, or how to act, these simple guidelines will help you support a grieving family with grace and confidence.
What to Wear and When to Arrive
Dress respectfully — dark or subdued colors are traditional, though many families now request attire that reflects their loved one's personality. Arrive a few minutes early, silence your phone, sign the register book with your full name, and follow the family's lead throughout the service.
What to Say — and What Not to Worry About
A simple, sincere word is enough: "I'm so sorry," "She meant so much to me," or a brief favorite memory. Don't worry about finding perfect words — your presence says the most. Avoid comparisons or explanations of the loss; just listen, and let the family talk if they wish.
Visitations, Flowers, and Following Up
At a visitation you may stay briefly — fifteen minutes is perfectly acceptable. Flowers, memorial donations, and sympathy cards are all thoughtful gestures. Perhaps most meaningful of all: check in with the family in the weeks and months after the service, when the quiet sets in and support matters most.
