Where Should I Sit at a Funeral?

Sitting at a funeral or memorial service can be complicated. You will want to ensure that you pay your respects to the deceased person and show your support for the family members while ensuring that you don’t offend anyone or overstep any boundaries. These are a handful of things to consider when choosing a seat:

Your Relationship With the Deceased Person

The first thing to consider is your relationship with the deceased person. If you are a friend, coworker, or acquaintance, you should stay in the appropriate area. Typically, the immediate family sits in the first few rows of seats so that they can grieve and console together. Exes and other individuals will sit a bit further back.

As you move through the venue, you’ll meet other people who are there to support the deceased person’s family. You might meet someone who has the same relationship with that person as you, and then you can sit in the same area as that individual. Otherwise, you can ask one of the family members where they would like you to sit. There’s nothing wrong with asking. 

Your Relationship With the Family Members

You may be able to sit closer to the front if you know some of the family members. For example, it might work if you’re a close friend of one of the children of the deceased or even a friend of the deceased person. It may be acceptable for you to take a seat close by. 

The Atmosphere

Think about the atmosphere and the message you want to convey while you are there. You want this family to know that you care about them, but you don’t want to be too overbearing. The middle area is the best place to sit to show just the right amount of care and concern without overwhelming any of the members. 

Other Tips for Funeral Etiquette

These are some additional tips for handling yourself properly at a funeral or memorial service:

Silence Your Phone  

Remember to silence your phone or put it on vibrate at the very least. It would be very rude and disrespectful not to do so. The attendants deserve peace and time to honor their loved one in silence, and you can support them well by silencing your phone. 

Share Positive Memories if Asked

Be prepared to share some positive memories if one of the family members asks you to contribute. They will appreciate your effort and willingness to stand up and discuss the departed. 

Respect Religious Elements

The deceased person’s family might have religious beliefs that you don’t agree with. You do not have to perform any rituals you don’t believe in performing. However, it is proper etiquette to be respectful while the family is doing theirs. Remain calm, quiet, and neutral during these processes, they will appreciate your tact. 

Remember to be a beacon of light at this event if you choose to go. The most important part is celebrating the life of the departed individual and remembering his or her time on earth. 

Categorised in: Funeral Homes

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