If you travel a lot for work, have family overseas, live as an expat, or are abroad when a death occurs, you might find yourself invited to a funeral in another country (or for someone of a different culture). This can be an intimidating prospect, since different countries have different outlooks on death and dying. Their funerals may be loud and celebratory and open to all. They might be small, private affairs that outsiders are not welcome to attend. Funeral flowers might be expected, or they might be considered an insult. Unless you have a lot of knowledge about a country or culture, you have no way of knowing about their rituals. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘funeral flowers’
International Funeral Etiquette
Wednesday, June 27th, 2018Deciding Whether or Not to Participate in a Funeral
Monday, February 26th, 2018One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the death of a friend or relative is, “Should I attend the funeral?” (more…)
What to Do When There is No Funeral
Monday, February 12th, 2018Not everyone is grieved in a big, formal way. Although most families hold some sort of memorial service when a loved one dies, there are times when there is no commemoration planned. This might be due to scheduling conflicts, a lack of finances, a recent spate of deaths in the family, or even because it was what the deceased wished. (more…)
Losing Someone to a Drug Overdose
Friday, December 8th, 2017Even though the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States outnumbers the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents, it remains one of the most stigmatized ways to lose a loved one. It doesn’t matter whether the death was caused by an addiction to prescription drugs or illegal drugs—society’s view remains the same. (more…)
What to Send to a Funeral for Suicide
Wednesday, October 25th, 2017When a friend or relative dies, it is common to send a sympathy gift in the form of flowers, food, or a card. This gesture lets the family know that you are thinking of them at a difficult time and that you are available for emotional support when it is needed. (more…)
What to Do When You Cannot Get Funeral Leave
Friday, October 13th, 2017If you recently experienced a death in the family and work for a company without a bereavement leave policy, you may find yourself unable to get time off to attend the funeral. Although most employers are understanding when a death occurs (especially if it was a close relative or immediate family member), it can and does happen that an employer denies a bereavement request or simply cannot give you leave at a particular time. (more…)
How to Decline an Invitation to a Funeral
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017Not all funerals are held at convenient times or convenient locations. Unlike weddings, which can be planned months in advance, funerals crop up unexpectedly regardless of the time, date, weather conditions, or other plans you might already have. (more…)
Attending a Funeral: Rules to Bend and Rules to Follow
Wednesday, August 9th, 2017When a friend or family member dies, most people make immediate plans to attend the funeral…and then frantically try to remember all the funeral etiquette they have learned. Wear all black. You must send flowers. Only attend the graveside service if you have been personally invited. (more…)
Memorial Photo and Urn Tributes
Thursday, June 8th, 2017
Funeral planning tends to be an event that involves all of the body’s senses. From the sounds of hymns playing in the background to the scent of funeral flowers wafting in the air, a funeral is a time when we are forced to acknowledge all the things that make us human and alive: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Perhaps that is why so much emphasis is put on funeral flowers and sympathy floral displays. Not only do these fresh blooms provide a lovely scent, but they provide a colorful, unforgettable setting to an otherwise somber day. (more…)