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FUNERAL ETIQUETTE
Like everything in society, funeral Sign the register book – The family
etiquette and what is expected of you will keep the register book as a
has evolved over time. As always memento for years. Be sure to
common sense and good discretion include your full name.
is the best guide to proper funeral
etiquette. Here are a few do’s and Give a gift – You don’t need to go
don’ts of funeral etiquette. overboard with your gift, after all it
is the thought that counts. Suitable
DO the following: gifts include; flowers, a donation to
Express your condolences - It’s not the charity of the family’s choice,
easy to come up with the words to or you can make a commitment
offer sympathy to someone who has of service to the family at a later
just lost a loved one. You don’t need date. A commitment of service can
to be a poet, simply saying something be something as little as cooking
like “I am sorry for your loss, my them dinner, or offering to clean up
thoughts and prayers are with you and their house. Make sure you provide
your family” is enough. If you can’t be a signed card so the family knows
at a funeral service in person, sending who gave the gift.
a card or leaving a message on a
memorial website is a perfect way to Keep in Touch - You may feel that
express your sympathy. the family needs their space and
time to grieve, but a simple phone
Dress appropriately – Gone are the call or note after the funeral lets the
days of dressing up in all black for a family know you care. With social
funeral, but jeans and a t-shirt isn’t networking leaving a quick note is
exactly acceptable either. You should as simple as a click of a mouse. The
still dress appropriately. Wearing months following a death is when
what you would wear for a wedding grieving friends and family need the
or a job interview would be the most most support.
appropriate.
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