Posts Tagged ‘Etiquette’

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Expressions of Sympathy

Friday, November 26th, 2010

Expressions of SympathyWhile some friends and family members find themselves deeply involved in funeral planning, others are instead searching for the most fitting expressions of sympathy. The appropriate expressions vary from culture to culture, as do so many of the customs that surround final arrangements. Those looking for the appropriate way to offer their condolences properly have several options available.

Funeral Flowers

One of the best-recognized expressions of sympathy is flowers. Arranged in a bouquet, basket, easel, or wreath, these outward signs of sympathy are often displayed at both the funeral home and the cemetery during the service. They may also be sent directly to the family’s home to lend comfort during the difficult time.

Funeral flowers offer a bit of elegance and an affirmation of the beauty of life. The flowers themselves are meant to honor the deceased’s life, so it is not important to worry about whether or not an arrangement is somber enough. Some people choose to send live plants that can be kept in the house or planted in a garden as an ongoing tribute. It is important to note that many religions do not follow traditional funeral flower customs, so you may need to alter your plan accordingly. (more…)

When You’re in Charge of the Funeral Plans

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

When You’re in Charge of the Funeral PlansWhen it is up to you to take on the responsibility of funeral planning, it can be helpful to have some guidance. From choosing a funeral home to making burial arrangements, there are a lot of decisions to be made. In addition, you likely need to attend to the comfort of others as well as to your own grief. Fortunately, there are resources available to simplify funeral planning.

Funeral Directors and Homes

The funeral planning process will probably be easier with the guidance of an experienced funeral director. These professionals are educated in proper procedures and can help you to respect traditions and the law regarding funeral services. The funeral director will work with the funeral home that you choose. You may find that your clergy person or a friend will have recommendations for you regarding what funeral home you may want to use.
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Funeral Planning and Family Heirlooms

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Funeral Planning and Family HeirloomsWhen funeral planning, it’s common to spend some time sorting through your possessions as well as the possessions of the deceased. This difficult time is often made better by going through memories that you’ve shared as friends and family members, and finding photographs, keepsakes, and hand-written notes is a great way to infuse a positive spin on the mourning process.

Much of the time, this is done before the funeral takes place, since you may want some of these keepsakes and pictures to display at the ceremony or to give to a loved one who will be in attendance. Some families also wait a few weeks in order to have the time they need to sort through items or even to determine who gets what, as determined by the will.

Both situations are just fine, and only you can determine for certain what works best for your family. However, one thing that remains the same regardless of your background and situation is just how precious family heirlooms can be.
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International Funeral Customs

Monday, October 11th, 2010

International Funeral CustomsFuneral planning is not unique to the Untied States or even to western cultures. For as long as there has been human existence, there has been a way to honor and celebrate the passage of life to death. Many of these funeral customs have their roots in religion, and those that are still in existence today have become a way to celebrate unique cultures and countries.

Although all funeral planning is different according to the individual, and there is no cultural universal that demands all funerals be the same, some of the most interesting funeral customs include:

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Why Funeral Flowers Continue to be the Right Thing to Do

Monday, October 4th, 2010

Why Funeral Flowers Continue to be the Right Thing to Do Green funerals are on the rise all over the United States, and more and more people are turning away from traditions like embalming and funeral flowers in lieu of eco-friendly alternatives. These steps are a great way to give back to the earth and pay a lasting tribute – especially if the deceased felt strongly about “green” issues during his or her lifetime.

While you should always respect the wishes of the deceased if there is a request to not send floral arrangements, green funerals (and traditional funerals) don’t have to forgo the beauty of a few floral sprays. Funeral flowers can be a great way to demonstrate your love and respect for more traditional ceremonies. A time-honored practice steeped in religious and social history, flowers are meant to represent growth and new life in the face of bereavement. The comforting scents, the bright colors, and the sense of warmth that flowers add to a funeral ceremony are welcomed by many, and it’s easy for a funeral without flowers to seem somehow lacking.

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At a Loss for Words? Offering Support for a Grieving Family

Monday, September 20th, 2010

At a Loss for Words? Offering Support for a Grieving FamilyIn the midst of death, grief, and funeral planning, it can be very difficult for families to cope with the loss they face. Everyone grieves in a different way, and providing support can be a challenge – especially if you’re uncertain what you can do that won’t add even more worry or work to an already overburdened load.

Depending on how well you know the family (and your location), here are a few different types of support you can provide.

Ask what you can do to help with the funeral plans. Although showing up at the funeral home to help pick out a casket or providing your thoughts on cremation aren’t great ideas unless you’ve been directly asked, it is nice to offer your support. Let the family know that
you are willing to help out in any way you can, even if it’s a simple as gathering favorite
photos or buying a nice flower arrangement for the memorial service.
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Is it Acceptable to Attend the Funeral of a Celebrity or Local Hero?

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Is it Acceptable to Attend the Funeral of a Celebrity or Local Hero?When a celebrity or local figure dies, it’s common for those who didn’t know the deceased to share in the mourning process. It doesn’t matter whether you grew up reading the celebrity’s books or if a local firefighter died while battling a huge forest fire – connections with those who have gone before us, whether shared or not, can have a big impact in your life.

However, before you put on your funeral attire and show up at the burial arrangements made in honor of the deceased, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
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How to Dress for a Funeral

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

How to Dress for a FuneralFor many individuals, funeral planning is about more than preparing the body for burial – it’s about preparing the entire family for the commemoration of a loved one’s life. With this in mind, it’s important to realize that funeral attire plays a big role in the days preceding the funeral as well as at the actual services. Now is not the time to pull out a flashy new wardrobe or show off a recently slimmed down figure; whenever you attend a function related to the funeral (even if it is just a casual meal for making final arrangements), you should always keep respect and tradition in mind.

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Flower Etiquette for Funerals

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Flower Etiquette for Funerals While much of funeral planning is left to the close family and loved ones of the deceased, some signs of respect can be made by other people who wish to offer their condolences and remembrances. Having flowers sent to the funeral is a beautiful way to express how much you care. Knowing when to send the flowers and what exactly to send, however, requires some knowledge of funeral flower etiquette.

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Funeral Etiquette: Leaving Flowers at the Gravesite

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Funeral Etiquette: Leaving Flowers at the GravesiteFlowers and floral arrangements are a common tradition respecting the deceased in many different cultures. Offered as bouquets, wreaths, or as part of larger displays, flowers add a touch of beauty and elegance to the setting, and also convey respect for the deceased.

When funeral planning or preparing a gravesite for burial, flowers are likely to play an integral role in the proceedings, and they. However, funeral etiquette dictates that there is more to the process than simply placing a flower or bunch of flowers on a grave and leaving them there. In order to respect the deceased as well other families going through the grieving  process, there are a few floral guidelines to consider.

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