Funeral Etiquette - What to Expect

There are several traditions however it's for a family to determine how to celebrate the life of the deceased the manner that they feel is suitable to them. Some chose a non-religious service, whereas others follow the traditions in a very church or place of worship. Each are equally as beautiful a service. Several individuals are selecting to not wear traditional colours to funerals too, maybe a toast to their loved ones with a glass of Prosecco or pausing in service to eat their favourite sweets.

On the day of the ceremony, the immediate family gather at the deceased’s home or another location and follow the hearse to the place the ceremony is to be held.

Other mourners can go directly to the place wherever the ceremony service is to be held.

The coffin is typically carried by pall bearers provided by the funeral director however could also be carried by family or friends if they wish. The coffin is placed before the altar in a church, on a bier in a crematorium, or on trestles as necessary. The immediate family sits nearest the coffin.

The service might include music, readings, hymns or songs, a eulogy, tributes, a period of reflection (and prayers) followed by a type of committal and a few final words before departure. the precise order and content can depend on the minister or celebrant also the needs of the family. Some families currently selected to have a “rolling image show” throughout the service or to organize an “Order of Service” that contains footage of the deceased.

Following the service families usually return to the deceased’s home or to a venue hall for refreshments. this might be an appropriate chance to listen to different tributes in memory of the deceased, to play their favourite music and maybe have more pictures on show.

Some families invite floral tributes while others request donations to a charity in memory of the deceased.

I hope that this helps if you're currently planning a ceremony, no matter what you choose, whichever service or format of the day please remember it is celebrating a lifetime of somebody that you love and paying your respects. There aren't any rules and after all.