Posts Tagged ‘Etiquette’

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What to Do if You Can’t Attend the Funeral

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

What to Do if You Can't Attend the FuneralNo matter what your intentions are or how highly you regard a loved one, there are times when it is impossible to attend a funeral. Although most employers are understanding when it comes to the last minute nature of funeral planning, it can be hard to take the time away from your job, especially if the service is being held out of town. From travel impediments and cost restrictions to former engagements, there are a number of reasons why you might have to send your condolences in place of yourself.

Unless you are a very close friend or family member of the deceased, this is probably okay. It might not be ideal for you to be absent during this difficult time, there are alternate ways to send your regards.

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Funeral Etiquette: What to Expect at a Buddhist Funeral

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Funeral Etiquette: What to Expect at a Buddhist FuneralBuddhist funerals are very common in the Eastern part of the world, primarily in Japan, Cambodia, and Thailand. And while all these types of funerals have similar roots, they are each unique and varied. Buddhist funerals in the United States are even more unusual, in that they often draw from both Buddhist and Christian practices, often incorporating both viewpoints simultaneously.

This means that although there is a general format to the Buddhist funeral, there is no exact answer of what you can expect during your attendance. As is the case with any religious ceremony, your best option is to remain quiet and respectful, and to perform any tasks that are asked of you. Here are a few other traditions you might come across.

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Writing Funeral Thank You Notes

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Writing Funeral Thank You NotesOne of the aspects of planning a funeral that can be the most emotionally draining is writing thank-you notes in the days and weeks following the memorial service. From the people who helped you plan the funeral to those who sent flowers, it’s good funeral etiquette to acknowledge individual contributions with a thank you note.

Unfortunately stress and grief often make this simple task too difficult to even comprehend. If you find yourself facing the task of writing thank yous but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few helpful tips:

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What to Do After the Funeral

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

What to Do After the FuneralOftentimes, we get so caught up in funeral planning we forget about things like all the funeral etiquette and bereavement issues that arise after the fact. No matter how well prepared you are for death, or how many funeral pre-plans are in place, it can be difficult for both you and the other bereaved individuals to navigate the days, weeks, and months following the death of a loved one.

The most important thing to remember is that everyone grieves differently, and there is no wrong or right way to do thing. As long as you keep honor and respect at the forefront of everything you do, you should be able to help those in need—as well as yourself—as you figure out how to continue on in this world without the deceased.

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Traditional Funerals

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Traditional FuneralsThese days, there are as many types of funerals as there are types of people. From funeral planning efforts that include web memorial services to those that might find you placing a loved one’s remains in a container bound for space, you can personalize a funeral to match the personality and beliefs of the deceased.

However, while all these these funeral plan options are great for putting your loved one to rest in the manner he or she would have preferred, there is something to be said for tradition. In fact, one might argue there’s quite a lot to be said for tradition: the majority of U.S. funerals still follow the traditional pattern that has been favored for centuries.

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Catholic Funerals

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Catholic FuneralsWhen you’re planning a funeral, it is important to adhere to the religious beliefs that sustained the deceased during his or her lifetime. Not only does this honor the life of the deceased, but it often brings great comfort to those he or she left behind, as well.

One of the most well-known types of burial arrangements belongs to those of the Catholic faith. Catholics believe that in addition to grieving during a funeral, it’s also a time of rejoicing for the passing of the deceased into eternal life. Depending on how traditional the deceased’s beliefs and the church he or she attended, a Catholic funeral can be a long and somber event or a more lighthearted affair.

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Military Funerals

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Military FuneralsIf you are planning a funeral either in advance or soon after the death of a family member, you may want to consider military funeral benefits. In some cases, you can receive financial assistance in covering funeral costs; in others, you may receive ceremonial privileges that will allow you to send your loved one off with the honor and respect achieved over a lifetime of hard work and devotion.

The traditional components of a military funeral—including the playing of Taps, a gunshot salute, a drumming corp, a flag ceremony, or even a procession of guards—range from simple to ostentatious, depending on the contributions of the individual to our country and how he or she wished to be honored in death.

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Jewish Funerals

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Jewish FuneralsModern Jewish funerals follow in a long line of traditions and practices that have been around for centuries. Depending on the wishes of the deceased and the family he or she leaves behind, a Jewish funeral can be highly traditional or follow a more modern format. If you are funeral planning for a loved one, it’s important to talk with his or her religious advisors and other members of the family to determine how strongly you wish to adhere to traditional Jewish rites.

The Role of the Synagogue

The first person to contact in the event of a death in the family is typically the rabbi or synagogue leader, who will become your guide to the funeral planning process. Unlike other religious funerals, which typically go first through a funeral home, the Jewish custom requires certain key steps. Having a rabbi or other religious official at your side means that you can navigate these steps and the death care industry in your city that much better.

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After the Service – Funeral Etiquette

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

After the Service – Funeral EtiquetteFor those not involved with the actual funeral planning, it can be awkward to know what to do. Fortunately, there are standard “rules” of funeral etiquette that can help you navigate the situation. Everything from funeral attire to expressions of sympathy is covered on many funeral resources such as this site.

The Funeral Service

The parts of the funeral that most people are familiar with are the memorial service and the burial. In some cases, the memorial service may actually take place “graveside” and will include the burial. During the services, a eulogy will usually be offered, a religious ceremony may take place, and guests are sometimes given the opportunity to speak before the attendees in order to share their memories of the deceased.

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Funeral Attendance and Etiquette

Monday, December 27th, 2010

Funeral Attendance and EtiquetteShould you send funeral flowers? Is it OK to wear blue instead of black? What should you say?

These are all questions that may run through your mind when planning to attend a funeral. Times like these tend to cause people to walk on eggshells, and knowing the proper funeral etiquette can be helpful in alleviating some nerves. Being aware of what to expect and the role you will play can make funeral attendance less intimidating. If you plan to attend the services or send funeral flowers, you should be aware that there could be multiple services. For example, a “visitation” or “viewing” may take place at the funeral home sometime before the actual funeral or memorial service. This can be a time to visit the deceased and to lend kind words to the family. The memorial service itself can be held at the funeral home, a house of worship, or even in the cemetery.

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