Attending a funeral if you’ve never been to one before can be a daunting prospect. Read on to learn what to expect and discover some tips to get you through the day.
What to take
Whether the funeral is large or small, it’s helpful to know what things you need to take with you to avoid feeling uncomfortable at any time. You may wish to bring the following:
● Tissues
● Flowers
● Charity donation
● A story or memory of the deceased
● Sympathy card
● Sunglasses or umbrella
● Guestbook (if you are the organiser)
What to wear
Black is the most traditionally-worn form of funeral attire due to its sombre colour and association with mourning. However, in recent years wearing bright coloured clothing to symbolise a celebration of life has become popular. You will probably have been informed of any guidance on what to wear before the ceremony but to avoid any awkward moments, consult the family organising the funeral, or dress neutrally. As a general rule of thumb, men typically wear dark-coloured suits with a collared shirt, black tie and formal shoes. Women usually opt for dark-coloured dresses or suits, with smart shoes and jackets if required. Generally, guests are expected to dress in smart attire and avoid casual clothing such as jeans, hoodies and trainers. The most important thing is to be comfortable and dress for the weather – it’s important to remember that churches and cemeteries can be very cold in the winter.
What to say
Funerals can be overwhelming occasions and you may find you struggle with paying your respects to the friends and family members of the person that has died. Often, a few kind words of sympathy will suffice – here are a few expressions that are appropriate to say to family members of the deceased:
● I’m so sorry for your loss
● They were a wonderful person and will be sorely missed
● You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
● I’m here for you if you need anything
Where to sit
If you’ve not attended a funeral before, you may be wondering where you should sit. At a funeral, immediate family and close friends will normally sit in the first few rows and then and then the remaining seats can be filled. In a large church or hall, it is important not to sit too far back as the seats can often remain unfilled, leaving the close family at the front feeling isolated and the clergy having difficulty making themselves heard
If you’ve been searching for funeral services in Wakefield, look no further than Normington & Sons Ltd. Everyone copes with grief in different ways, and we can handle the specific funeral arrangements while you focus on family and friends at this difficult time.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about ways in which we can support you.
