What To Expect During the Funeral
If you have never been to a funeral or it has been sometime since you last attended one, you may be unsure about what to expect. To help ease any anxiety you may have about attending a funeral service, we have developed the following advice to better prepare you. For further advice about funeral etiquette, we recommend reading our Funeral Etiquette page.
When To Arrive
Our facility provide a large space for guests to park. However, for larger services parking may be hard to find. This is why we always recommend arriving about 15 minutes before the start of the service. Upon entering the funeral home, you will most likely be greeted by a member of the deceased’s family who will thank you for coming. This is an opportunity to express your sympathy and acknowledge their loss.
Where To Sit
When the funeral service is about to begin, guests will be instructed to start moving into the chapel. Guests are typically asked to remain standing until the immediate family of the deceased has taken their seats. Please keep in mind that the area at the front is reserved for immediate family members to sit. Other guests should sit towards the middle and back of the chapel. If you are unsure about anything, please feel free to ask one of the funeral attendants or look to other guests for visual cues.
What To Expect During The Service
As you are entering the chapel, you will be handed a copy of the funeral order-of-service. This is similar to a program given out at a play or event. It will outline the order of activities to occur during the service including hymns to be sung, prayers to be read, and who will be involved with different aspects of the service.
Will People Cry?
The simplest answer is yes. The loss of a loved one is an emotional and stressful time for many people. This is a major life moment and some people will cry before, during, and after the service.
Do not expect the mood to be completely somber and filled with sadness. The funeral is an opportunity for friends and family to say goodbye and celebrate a life well lived. Expect to hear laughter and see smiles as guest exchange stories and reminisce over the good times they shared with the deceased. We often like to compare the mood at a funeral service to a famous quote by Dr. Seuss, “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.
How To Leave The Funeral
When the funeral service is complete, the officiant will thank everyone for coming and let you know the service has ended. The officiant will exit first, followed row by row beginning at the front of the chapel. As you exit the chapel, many guest will gather for quiet conversation.
The funeral service is followed by the committal service where the body will be transported to the cemetery or crematory. This part of the service is optional for guest to attend or not. If you plan to witness the committal service, a member of our staff will provide you with clear instructions.
If you would like to leave the service at this time, that is OK as well. Please make sure to say a sincere goodbye to the bereaved before you leave and again express your condolences to them.
Contact Us To Learn More
If you are unsure about attending a funeral service or would like to learn more about what to expect, please contact us
today. A member of our staff would be happy to speak with you.
