Funeral Home Etiquette 

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Cameron Naugle under Funeral Etiquette
Leave a comment

Funeral homes in Fruit Cove, FL and beyond can be very intimidating. From the loss itself to the somewhat ubiquitous rules, it’s tough to understand and properly execute all the funeral home traditions and social constructs, which is hard enough.   

If you haven’t been to many funeral homes before, it can be hard to know exactly what the proper etiquette is, especially when it comes to being respectful of the proceedings and family members. Read on to learn a bit more about funeral home etiquette so you can be better prepared.  

  • Funeral homes in Fruit Cove, FLAttire – Funeral homes are serious places, and your attire should be as well. Unless otherwise noted or dictated by culture, keep your clothing conservative and in darker colors.  
  • Seating – The first two rows of seats are oftentimes reserved for the close friends and family, but other than that the seating plans are usually open. Try and remain seated throughout the service, unless dictated by the MC. This same basic rule applies to a graveside service, as the chairs right by the grave are typically reserved for family.  
  • Distractions – Turn off your phone. If you don’t want to turn if off completely, at least put it on silent or Do Not Disturb for the duration of the service. If you must take a call, do step outside as looking down at your phone or checking messages inside the funeral home is disrespectful. Along those same lines, people often do not bring children to funeral homes for fear they will be a distraction or disruption. Use your best judgment with your child, but toddlers and babies should generally stay at home with a sitter. 
  • Religion – Funeral homes can be religious places during services, and this may make some people uncomfortable. If the ceremony has religious aspects that do not match your own or make you uncomfortable, simply remain silent and respectfully engaged. Remember, you are there to honor the deceased not make a religious statement. 
  • Communication – There might not be many chances for you to speak with the family of the deceased at the funeral home, but if you do have an opportunity be sure to take it. All you need to do is express sympathy for their loss. If you knew the deceased well and feel it’s appropriate, you may say something more personal about the deceased. However, keep it short and simple as the family most likely has lots of other guests to attend to.  

Do keep in mind that the above are general guidelines and do not necessarily apply to every funeral home experience. Use your best judgment, and always try and follow the family’s lead when it comes to etiquette. When in doubt, lean in towards the conservative side.  

Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services is a Fruit Cove, FL funeral home located at 808 Margaret St Jacksonville, FL 32204. We have a range of services, and would be happy to help you in your time of need. Give us a call at (904) 683-9288 for more information about what we can do for you.  

 

Cameron Naugle

Paul (Cameron) Naugle, Jr., a fourth generation funeral director was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Wolfson High School and then went on to graduate from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services in Atlanta, Georgia where he was part of the National Mortuary Honor Society (Phi Sigma Eta). He then graduated from The University of North Florida with a degree in Business Administration. He is a licensed funeral director as well as a licensed embalmer. He took over the position of President and CEO of Naugle Funeral Home and Cremation Services in 2012, following in his father’s, grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s footsteps. Cameron is married to Katherine Schnauss Naugle, an estate planning, probate and elder law attorney in Jacksonville and has two amazing children. He enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys his hobby of restoring and showing his antique cars. Cameron is a member of the Southside Businessmen’s Club of Jacksonville, as well as a member of the Florida Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association (FCCFA).

Facebook Google Plus

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *