When attending a visitation, here are examples of what you can say to the family:
- My condolences.
- I’m really sorry you’re going through this.
- Your mom was a wonderful woman.
- You loved him/her well.
- I’m thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Secondly, Do you bring anything to a visitation? Basketed plants and flowers are usually given to a grieving family at a visitation, displayed the next day at the funeral, and then finally delivered to the family’s home after the service is over. So if you are planning on giving flowers, bring them to the visitation.
What do you say at a wake receiving line?
They are often held in funeral homes and the family might be in a receiving line. Simply wait to go through the receiving line and offer brief but sincere condolences. For example, you could say something like, “I’m sorry for your loss.
Similarly, Is it OK to just go to visitation and not funeral? Is it OK to attend viewings, visitations, or funerals of those whom you didn’t know well? Yes. Unless the viewing or funeral is private, the family is open to receiving anyone who would like to pay their respects.
Is it okay to wear jeans to a visitation?
You should not wear jeans to a wake or visitation if at all possible. In some instances where it is inevitable due to leaving directly from work, etc. paying your respects to the family and the deceased comes before inappropriate clothing.
Can you wear jeans to a viewing? You should not wear jeans to a wake or visitation if at all possible. In some instances where it is inevitable due to leaving directly from work, etc. paying your respects to the family and the deceased comes before inappropriate clothing.
Do you wear black to a visitation? When attending a visitation it is best to dress conservatively. While most people typically wear black or other dark colors to anything funeral-related, that is not necessary. What you wear should be subdued, unless otherwise requested by the family.
What should you not say at a funeral? Seven Things You Should Never Say at Funerals
- “He/She Deserved to Die” …
- “It Could be Worse” …
- “It was Destiny” …
- “Everything Happens for a Reason” …
- “At Least…” …
- “You’re Still Young” …
- “It’s Better…”
How long should you stay at a wake?
According to the The Funeral Source, it is appropriate for guests to stay at the wake for as little as 15 to 20 minutes. However, you should use your own discretion upon deciding when to leave. If you’re close with the family, you may want to stay longer. Offer to help and socialize with the other guests at the wake.
Should I go to a viewing? As with a funeral service, if you are invited to a wake, viewing, or visitation you should feel free to go. If the event is limited to family only, you should respect the family’s wishes and not attend.
What comes first funeral or wake?
A wake is a social gathering associated with death, usually held before a funeral. Traditionally, a wake takes place in the house of the deceased with the body present; however, modern wakes are often performed at a funeral home or another convenient location.
Do you have to wear black for a viewing? When attending a visitation it is best to dress conservatively. While most people typically wear black or other dark colors to anything funeral-related, that is not necessary. What you wear should be subdued, unless otherwise requested by the family.
How do you act at a viewing?
Visitation Etiquette
Dress nicely, but you don’t need to be too formal. The standard protocol for a funeral visitation is to stop by, introduce yourself to the family (if needed) and pay your condolences, and then leave after a short period of time.
Is a visitation the same as a viewing?
Frequently the viewing is done prior to a traditional funeral service and guests are invited to come to the service early in order to view the deceased. Visitation services are times when the family makes itself available to friends other family members who wish to express their sympathy directly.
Is it better to go to viewing or funeral? They may hold a visitation for relatives only, and if so, you should respect their wishes. If you’ve been invited to both but you’re unable to attend the visitation, it’s fine to simply attend the funeral. It’s typically considered more important to attend the funeral service.
Are leggings appropriate for a funeral? Choose neutral or black color trench coats or long jackets, opaque leggings, and winter boots. The same rule applies to scarves, gloves, hats, or any other accessories you plan to wear. Stay away from color-blocking or contrast colors.
Can a man wear black jeans to a funeral?
The most common answer is that jeans aren’t considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.
Is it better to go to visitation or funeral? They may hold a visitation for relatives only, and if so, you should respect their wishes. If you’ve been invited to both but you’re unable to attend the visitation, it’s fine to simply attend the funeral. It’s typically considered more important to attend the funeral service.
Is a viewing the same as a funeral?
What is a Viewing? A viewing is an unstructured gathering of friends and family where visitors can pay their respects to either the deceased after having been prepared by a mortician, or to a cremation urn or series of memorial photos. A viewing, compared to a funeral, is generally a more informal event.
Is it rude to smile at a funeral? It’s OK to laugh and smile
A funeral doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. In fact, more and more people are accepting funerals as celebrations of life rather than somber affairs. Although there are times to be solemn, “humor is a powerful thing,” Cunningham says.
Is it rude to cry at a funeral?
Don’t feel guilty about saying or doing something that causes a loved one to cry or crying yourself. Crying is healthy. If, however, you find yourself weeping uncontrollably (you’re causing a scene or making other mourners uncomfortable), it is polite to excuse yourself until you regain control.
How should I wear my hair to a funeral?
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