Cremation Service Etiquette: Things to Keep In Mind as an Attendee
Finding out someone you knew passed away can be shocking and we understand that it could make you and other people emotional. When it’s time to face other mourning people, you may want to still keep a straight head to not cause issues. Attending cremation services in Middleburg, FL? Here are some basic dos and don’ts.
Put Some Effort in Your Attire
If you’re used to wearing casual clothes, even to work, try to dress up a bit for a cremation service. You can go for semi-casual clothing, but avoid jeans and t-shirts. Your attire’s color is usually not an issue nowadays. But you can always be safe with black as this is the traditional color for mourning.
Be Careful With Your Words
It would be difficult to communicate and interact with a grieving family member. This is why you should be aware of your actions and your word choices. Be there for them and listen to them attentively.
Phones Off
You attended a cremation service to mourn and to pay your respects. Phones should be turned off during the service to avoid distracting others or becoming a nuisance. If turning off your phone is not an option, make sure it’s in vibrate or silent mode.
Pictures or No Pictures?
You could take photos, but it’s best to ask permission from the family of the deceased before doing it. Keep this in mind especially if you’d be taking photos with other attendees in it. Still, it’s recommended to avoid photographing during the service as a sign of respect to the family and the deceased.
Bringing Gifts
A cremation service attendee would traditionally bring flowers. But many families nowadays may request something else. These may be personal notes and letters to their beloved or sometimes an object that may remind you of the deceased. Whatever it may be, do your best to contribute to the service based on what the family requested.
Consider Their Religion and Ethnicity
The deceased’s family may not have the family religion or ethnicity as you. They may possibly have some customs that you should know of before attending the cremation service. You can ask a family member about this to be prepared. For example, it’s respectful in Buddhism to approach the altar upon entering the service. Then, you would need to bow with your hands together spending a few minutes to reflect on the deceased before taking a seat.
Prepare for the Eulogy
If the family asked that you deliver a eulogy for the departed, Do your best to prepare for it. Write what you’d want to say in front of the mourners before the service. You can use this as a guide just in case you forget what to say or when your mind goes blank.
Remember, you are attending the cremation service to pay respects to the person who passed away and to the family who was left behind. Try to be at your best during this sad and painful time.
It’s also helpful if the funeral home would help a family set some guidelines for attendees like dress codes and contributions. Naugles Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in Middleburg, FL is one of the few you can trust on such things.
