Funeral etiquette

Losing a loved one is a time where your friends, family, and community will likely show up to support you in any way they can. This support often comes in the form of lending an ear, donations, condolences, general availability, and flowers, among many other gestures. No matter the gesture, sending

Even if you’ve never participated in one, chances are that you’ve seen a funeral procession on the road, and you may have wondered how they work or how you should react. Here’s a short guide to funeral procession etiquette for those planning, participating in or just encountering one. (However, as w

Every type of event has its own social etiquette, so it’s normal to be unsure about when to arrive a funeral or memorial service. Here’s a quick guide to help with your funeral etiquette: When to arrive at a funeral as a guest If you’re att

When many western men think of a typical funeral attire, they often tend to think of a black suit and neutral tie, or of what not to wear. It’s important to note that traditions are changing and the rules aren’t as black and white as they used to be for previous generations. While it’s important to

When many western women think of funeral attire, they imagine long black dresses and veils. However, traditions are changing, and while it’s still important to be respectful, there are many more options for what women can wear to funerals. Before making any funeral outfit decisions, start by lo

While thoughtful, writing a sympathy note or condolence can feel daunting. You may still be navigating your own emotions, making them even more difficult to express to someone else. You may also worry that you’ll say the wrong thing. Here are some templates that you may want to use as a guide, bu

When someone you know loses someone close to them, many people are unsure about what to say or do. However, your support can make a world of difference. Here’s a short guide for offering your condolences. Sharing condolences with a friend If a friend has lost someone close to him or her, re

What is a funeral visitation? A visitation is a funeral event for friends and family to gather to express their sympathies to the family of the deceased. It’s common for a casket to be present (open or closed) to allow guests to say final goodbyes before the burial. You may also hear it referred

When someone you know passes away, it can be hard to put your feelings into words. Even still, sharing your condolences with the family of the deceased is a thoughtful gesture during a difficult time. How to share your condolences Following a death, the most common two ways to share condolen