Proper Funeral Etiquette

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. Paying your respects at the funeral service is an important part of mourning, but while some of the proper etiquette to follow at a funeral is obvious, some of it may not be. If you have any questions about how to act, you can ask the compassionate staff at Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd., a longtime provider of funeral services in Westchester, IL:

• Clothing: Funerals may have differing types of atmospheres. Some may be more somber in paying their respects to the loved one, while others may be intended to be a more joyous remembrance of the loved one’s life. That means attire isn’t limited to just black or dark gray, although this is the normal choice when getting dressed. If you decide not to wear black or dark gray, you should still remember this is a serious occasion and the attire should reflect that. At the very least, it should be clean, neat and pressed.
• Arrival: Attending a service involves respecting and honoring the service schedule. That means arriving on time and entering the location of the funeral as quietly as possible. When choosing a place to sit, the seats closer to the front are usually reserved for family and close friends of the deceased.
• Smart use of smartphones: Smartphones are now a fact of life, but during a funeral service, it is respectful to not use them. That means turning them off, or at the very least making them completely silent. Don’t let them remain on vibrate, because that can still be heard during the service. Out of respect for the service, you shouldn’t use or even glance at your smartphone unless absolutely necessary.
• Children: Kids may not understand exactly what’s going on during a service, but they learn through these experiences. Considering a child’s age before taking them to a funeral or memorial service is important. Younger kids may be restless and have trouble staying quiet. Knowing that younger children may be attending, providers of funeral services in Westchester, IL can do whatever is possible to make them and the rest of the family comfortable during the service. Children should sit with their family and remain close to whomever can give them the most comfort.
• Recessional order: At the end of the service, a recessional takes place. The officiant will lead the honorary pallbearers, the coffin and members of the immediate family out. It’s a common practice that one of the relatives stops at the door to thank those who attended. If you have any questions about what to do in these situations, you can ask the compassionate staff of Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd.

We at Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd. are proud to be locally owned and operated providers of funeral services in Westchester, IL with decades of experience in helping individuals and families through the process of planning and executing funeral and memorial services. Please get in touch with us about any questions you have that relate to your loved one’s service—we would be pleased to assist you during this difficult time.

Categorised in: Funeral Service

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