{"id":3354,"date":"2016-07-25T06:00:23","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T14:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.imortuary.com\/blog\/?p=3354"},"modified":"2016-04-30T12:45:15","modified_gmt":"2016-04-30T20:45:15","slug":"funeral-etiquette-cell-phones-and-funerals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imortuary.com\/blog\/funeral-etiquette-cell-phones-and-funerals\/","title":{"rendered":"Funeral Etiquette: Cell Phones and Funerals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Funeral<\/a>

Funeral Etiquette: Cell Phones and Funerals<\/p><\/div>\n

We are asked to turn our cell phones off for movies, theatrical productions, weddings, and school, but what about at the funeral of a loved one? It should go without saying that a memorial service is one of those times when it is best to leave the cell phone in the car or ensure you have put it on silent. An estimated one in six funeral attendees not only leaves their cell phone on, but actively uses it to text, surf the web, or take selfies.<\/p>\n

When to Turn the Cell Phone Off<\/strong><\/p>\n

The majority of family members and friends at a funeral should switch their phones off the moment they step foot into the funeral parlor. Any last minute conversations or texts should occur in the parking lot, and the phone should not be switched back on until you are alone or the funeral has ended. This is especially true if you have a distracting ring tone (there is nothing worse than an inappropriate song chiming out as the casket is being lowered) or if you tend to get a lot of communication over the course of an hour.<\/p>\n

It is becoming more and more common for funeral officiants to politely ask everyone to turn off their mobile devices before beginning the service. It is best to comply with this request, not only as a way to show your respect for the deceased, but to ensure that close family members are able to properly mourn.<\/p>\n

When to Turn the Cell Phone On<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of course, that does not mean there are not times when a cell phone is okay at a funeral. Depending on your situation, you may find it acceptable to use a phone for the following.<\/p>\n