How to Behave in a Funeral Home

It’s hard to be aware of the accepted behaviors in common social situations, but even more difficult to be up to date on etiquette on more uncommon situations like funerals. If you’re unsure of how to act at a funeral home in Yardley, PA, the following tips can help.

What to do:

• Offer Your Sympathies: It’s almost always appropriate to offer sympathy to the deceased’s friends and family. Oftentimes a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” is all you need. Feel free to offer your own personalized condolences as long as they are respectful and come from the heart.
• Reach Out Afterwards: Don’t be afraid to reach out to the family after the funeral, as a phone call or card can go a long way in comforting them in their difficult time.
• Find out the Gift Preferences: Its tradition to bring some sort of gift for the deceased or the family. Usually flowers are the best choice, but sometimes the family requests charitable donations in lieu of flowers. Don’t forget to include a note or a signature so the knows who the gift is from.
• Express Your Emotions: Its ok to laugh and cry at a funeral home. The deceased’s life was filled with emotion, so it makes sense for his or her funeral to be too.
• Sign the Guest Book: The guest book may seem silly, but it can be an important way for the family to look back and enjoy who came to honor their lost loved one.
• Inquire About the Dress Code: Black is the classic funeral color, but sometimes the event or the family calls for a different look. If you’re unable to discover the family’s wishes, dress conservatively and avoid bright colors.
• Turn off Your Phone: Turn your phone to silent, and never check your messages during the funeral service.

What not to do:

• Hang Around too Long: Don’t feel like you have to stick around the funeral home for too long. Sometimes a quick condolence is enough.
• Bring Overactive Children: Loud or disturbing children have no place in a funeral home. It’s all right to bring the kids if they are able to be quiet and respectful. If they can’t, or if there’s a chance they might act out, be sure to leave them with a sitter.
• Avoid the Family or Receiving Line: Never skip the receiving line, even if it’s long. A quick hug, hello, or “sorry for your loss” goes a long way with a grieving family.

It’s important that you are up to date on what personal, religious or cultural considerations you need to make for the deceased’s family and friends when at a funeral home. If you would like more information on etiquette, or about Yardley, PA funeral homes in general, please reach out to J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel. You can visit us at 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067, or give us a call at (215) 295-7725 to learn more.