Does Funeral Etiquette Matter?

Traditions come and go in Miami Beach, FL and in today’s modern society, it might not seem like they matter any longer. Who cares what fork you use when you eat? Why can’t you wear white after Labor Day? Maybe some things don’t matter, but when it comes to funeral etiquette and lifestyle changes, you will want to pay respects with a sense of dignity. There are some funeral etiquette pieces that are timeless. If you are about to attend funeral services, whether traditional or with cremations services, keep these points of etiquette in mind.

Funeral Attire

You may think that you have to wear black to a funeral, but that is not the case. Whether cremation or a traditional burial service, you don’t have to wear black. In fact, some cultures associate mourning with other colors like white or yellow. Black is not a necessity. However, you will want to keep outfits within a conservative boundary. The focus should be on the departed individual and not on you or your clothing. Dress appropriately and you won’t feel out of place.

Timing

When it comes to showing up late for coffee with a friend, you can apologize and move on. If you are late to a regular church service, you simply walk in and sit in the back and that’s that. But when it comes to a funeral service with cremation or a traditional burial, showing up late can be seen as disrespectful. Wait for a break in the service so you don’t interrupt something important and call attention to yourself. Or, better yet, arrive early so you can ensure you aren’t late.

Distractions

When you attend traditional burial services or a memorial service with cremation, you need to be focused on the individual that has passed on and nothing else. Any distractions are seen as disrespectful and jarring to the scene as a whole. You will want to leave your phone in your car or put it on mute. Don’t check your phone, even if it vibrates. You will also want to avoid repeatedly looking at your watch, digging through your purse, or seem distracted in other ways. Attention to detail honors the person who you lost.

At Ferdinand Funeral Homes & Crematory, we are happy to help you get through the funeral or memorial service process from start to finish. If you have any questions on etiquette, we can answer them for you. We have years of experience in the industry and we know what different services are like as well as what should and should not be done based on traditions. We want to honor your loved one with the utmost respect and dignity. Perhaps, for your family in Miami Beach, FL cremations are the best way to go. We’ll help you with that process. Give us a call today and set up an appointment with our funeral director at 305-631-0001. We’re located at 2546 SW 8^th St. Miami, FL 33135 and we’re here to help with your grief.