Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Arriving at the funeral
• Method 2 of 3: How to behave during a funeral
• Method 3 of 3: Attending a Religious Funeral Ceremony
• Tips

As a rule, the funeral takes place on the second day after the death of a person. If you are attending a funeral for the first time or have not attended such an event for a long time, check out this article. After reading it, you will learn the general rules and norms of behavior at a funeral. Be sure to attend your funeral on time. Choose appropriate clothing. As a rule, people go to funerals in dark-colored clothes. Also, do not forget to express condolences to the relatives of the deceased. In addition, various religious rites can be performed at the funeral. Find out in advance what ceremonies will be performed to prepare and feel more at ease.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Arriving at the funeral

1. 1 Dress conservatively. When considering how to dress for a funeral, the first thing to note is that conservative outfits should be preferred. Don't wear brightly colored clothes. Also, avoid baggy items of clothing.Also, do not wear short skirts or dresses to funerals. You don't have to wear black clothes. However, choose clothes in darker colors, such as blue, gray, or green. For funerals, as a rule, dress is more formal, following a business style.
2. 2 Come early. Try to arrive at the funeral 10 minutes early. This will allow you to take a comfortable seat. If there is a registration of guests at the funeral, be sure to include your first and last name; you can also indicate who the deceased is like, for example, a friend, acquaintance, colleague.
3. 3 Do not sit in the front row seats. As a rule, these places are intended for relatives and close friends. If you are not a close friend or relative, choose a seat in the middle or back.

Method 2 of 3: How to behave during a funeral

1. 1 Turn off devices that might distract you during the funeral. If possible, turn off your phone. If not, keep it in your bag or pocket. You will feel embarrassed if your phone rings at the most inopportune moment.
   • During the funeral, don't use social media like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or Snapchat. This behavior is considered bad form.
   • Funeral photography is generally prohibited. However, you can clarify this question with the organizer of the funeral.
2. 2 Express your sincere condolences to the family of the deceased person. As a rule, at the funeral, everyone who comes expresses condolences to the loved ones of the deceased. There are many ways to express condolences. For example, you can send or bring flowers to a funeral, or say a few kind words about the deceased. The main thing is to behave calmly and do nothing unnecessary.
   • Before buying flowers for a funeral, check with family members or the funeral planner if this is appropriate.
   • Express your condolences by saying, "I am very sorry for what happened" or "I will always be there if you need anything." If you think words are not enough, hug the person who has lost a loved one or send them a card with words of comfort.
3. 3 Don't hold back your tears. If you feel like you can't hold back your tears, cry. It is quite appropriate to cry at a funeral. Tears are a normal reaction to grief. However, if you feel like you’re struggling to pull yourself together, apologize and try to calm down a bit.
4. 4 Listen to the mourning speech. Of course, not all funerals have a mourning speech. For example, in some denominations it is not customary to give a mourning speech at a funeral. However, if you are at a funeral where such a speech is scheduled, listen carefully. By doing this, you show your respect. If you are distracted during the mourning speech, the loved ones of the deceased person may take offense at you.
   • Everyone knows that you can't laugh at a funeral. Laughter will be justified if something funny is mentioned in the mourning speech related to the life of the deceased. Observe the relatives of the deceased and follow their example.
5. 5 Look at the deceased only if you can handle your feelings and emotions. At some funerals, the coffin is open, and everyone who comes can see the deceased person. If you find it difficult, you may not come close to the coffin. If you want to go to an open coffin, but you think that you cannot cope with your emotions, ask someone to come with you.

Method 3 of 3: Attending a Religious Funeral Ceremony

1. 1 Find out in advance what kind of religious observance can be performed at a funeral. In some cases, a person may find themselves at a religious funeral ceremony without even having an idea of ​​what ceremonies will be performed during the ceremony. To avoid embarrassing situations, do a little research related to your upcoming funeral attendance. For example, it is not customary for Jews to lay flowers or wreaths on the grave. It is customary for Catholics to send an invitation to Mass.
2. 2 Do what others are doing. If you do not know how to behave, observe others and do the same as they do; get up and sit down when others do. It will be easier for you if you sit in the back. You will have the opportunity to observe others and follow their example.
3. 3 Don't compromise on your religious views. Remember that you should not do what is contrary to your beliefs. If you are attending funerals where there are religious observances that are not appropriate for you, you may refuse to do so. For example, if a prayer is being said or a song is being sung, you can simply lower your head. By doing this, you show your respect for those present.

Tips

• If you plan to take your children with you to funerals, prepare them emotionally for the upcoming event. Tell them what will happen at the funeral. However, if your children are still very young, ask someone close to look after them. You shouldn't take them with you to the funeral.