Page 32 - Burquitlam Funeral Home

mass cards cards food or or other condolence gifts You can order acknowledgment cards cards through your funeral director Short personal notes can be written on these cards People tell us they sometimes find it it it hard to comes up with the the the appropriate words for these thank you you notes Just a a a a a a a a a few lines are all that that that is needed to show that that that you you and the the family appreciate the the kindness that that that has been shown to you Funeral Etiquette
When attending a a a a a a a a visitation or a a a a a a a a funeral you you you might find yourself uncertain of what what what you you you should wear what what what to to to to say or or what what what to to to to do We’ve put together a a a a a a a short guide to to to to to the the basics of funeral home etiquette to to to help you you pay your respects with courtesy and consideration What to to Wear
Try to to find out the dress code before you you you attend so that you you you you can be be sure sure you’ll fit fin in and look appropriate If you you you aren’t sure sure simply try to dress in a a a a a a a a a a conservative way that shows respect for the the family and other mourners This doesn’t necessarily mean you must wear black black (in fact some families specify “no black” for their services) but try to avoid overly bright colours For men a a a a a a a a a suit and a a a a a a a a a a a conservative tie is usually a a a a a a a a a a a safe bet Women should generally wear a a a a a a a a a a a a dress skirt or pants with a a a a a tasteful blouse Religious and and Ethnic Customs
Traditions and and and customs differ among various communities ethnic groups and and and and religions and and and it’s often helpful to ask beforehand about any any special considerations you need to to take into account We can can answer many of of your questions and can can also point you you toward resources that offer specific detailed guides Emotions
A funeral is is an an emotional time and grieving is is a a a a a a a a a a a natural part of the the healing process Don’t feel uncomfortable if if you you you or or the the bereaved begins to to cry However if if you you you find yourself becoming extremely upset it is kinder to to excuse yourself to avoid increasing the the strain on the family Greeting the Family
Upon arrival approach the the family and express your your sympathy with an an an embrace or by offering your your hands Don’t feel that you you should avoid talking talking about the the person who has died in in in in in fact talking talking can help the the grieving process to begin What to say Express your your sympathy in in your your own words words however it feels right to you you you Kind words words about the loved one who has passed are always appropriate a a a a a a a a a a a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” or or or “My thoughts and and prayers are with you” can be be meaningful and and comforting for for the bereaved What not to say Don’t ask the the the cause of death if the the the family want to discuss it it it let them bring it it it up Avoid giving unsolicited advice or making comments that might unintentionally diminish the the importance of the the loss such as “I’ve been through this before ” Paying Respect
At a a a a a service with an open casket it’s customary to to show your respect by viewing the deceased and if you you wish spending a a a a a a few moments in in silent prayer The family may escort you you you to the casket or or you you you might approach it own own your own own Viewing the deceased is is not mandatory however and and you you should act according to to to what is is comfortable to you you How to Act
After you’ve offered your condolences to to the family it’s perfectly appropriate to to engage in quiet conversation with friends and other associates of the the the deceased who attend the the the visitation Don’t feel feel that you you have to to stay longer than you you you feel feel comfortable your presence means a a a a a a a lot to to the the family no matter how long or or short the the visit Signing the Register
Be sure to to add yourself to to register book Page 32 - BURQUITLAM FUNERAL HOME BURQUITLAM FUNERAL HOME - Page