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four words. The funeral director will                     simply saying something like “I am sorry
       assist you in creating the correct format                 for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are
       and editing in order to minimize charges.                 with you and your family” is enough. If
                                                                 you can’t be at a funeral service in person,
       Writing an obituary is a difficult and                    sending a card or leaving a message on
       emotional task. First, you will need to                   a memorial website is a perfect way to
       gather information from family and friends                express your sympathy.
       of the deceased about their childhood,
       education, career and hobbies and                         Dress appropriately - gone are the days
       interests. Also, speak to the funeral home                of dressing up in all black for a funeral,
       to receive any important information on                   but jeans and a t-shirt isn’t exactly
       the date, time and location of any funeral                acceptable either. You should still dress
       service, or other funeral related events.                 to impress and avoid any bright or flashy
                                                                 colors. Wearing what you would wear for

       Funeral Etiquette                                         a wedding or a job interview would be
                                                                 the most appropriate.
       Like everything in society, funeral
       etiquette and what is expected of you has                 Sign the register book - the family will
       evolved over time. As always, common                      keep the register book as a memento for
       sense and good discretion is the best                     years. Be sure to include your full name
       guide to proper funeral etiquette. Here                   and relationship to the deceased.
       are a few do’s and don’ts of funeral
       etiquette.                                                Give a gift - you don’t need to go
                                                                 overboard with your gift, after all it is
       Do:                                                       the thought that counts. Suitable gifts
       Express your condolences - it’s not easy                  include; flowers, a donation to the charity
       to come up with the words to offer                        of the family’s choice, or you can make a
       sympathy to someone who has just lost a                   commitment of service to the family at
       loved one. You don’t need to be a poet,                   a later date. A commitment of service
                                                                 can be something as simple as cooking


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