It’s typically considered more important to attend the funeral service. Perhaps you’d feel more comfortable only attending the funeral; however, you might like the chance to speak to the family in a more relaxed setting at the visitation. As long as you’re kind and respectful, the choice is yours.
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Is it OK to just go to viewing and not funeral?
If you didn’t know the deceased personally, maybe you know a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker who recently lost a family member – consider attending the visitation. You don’t know the deceased, but have a good relationship with the bereaved. To support them, you can go to the visitation, but not the funeral.
What is the purpose of a viewing before a funeral?
A viewing allows mourners the opportunity to share their grief, support one another, and say goodbye on a personal level. This is also considered an important event for showing your respects to the family.
When should you not go to a funeral?
5 reasons not to go to the funeral:
Your attendance at the service would be disruptive or distracting to any member of the immediate family. Your attendance at the service would be upsetting to any member of the immediate family. The services are private and not open to the public.
How long should you stay at a viewing?
There is no requirement for how long you should stay at a visitation. The length of your visit depends more on how well you know the family and how long it takes to offer your condolences and speak to other visitors. Many people stay a short time, about 15 minutes, which can be long enough to extend your sympathies.
Do you bring anything to a viewing?
While it is customary in many families for immediate friends and family to bring family food like cake, cookies, or any sweet dish for the visitors. It is still a thoughtful gesture even if you’re not a close acquaintance.
What is appropriate to wear to a funeral viewing?
If you’re attending a visitation or calling hours, it’s best to wear something modest but not over-the-top; dress like you’re going to church on an average Sunday. For women, dress pants and a nice top will do fine, or perhaps a versatile dress. For men, slacks and a button-down are appropriate.
Why do they cover the legs in a casket?
They cover the legs in a casket because the deceased is not wearing shoes in many cases due to the difficulty of putting them on stiff feet. Also, funeral directors may recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in the event of trauma, for easier transportation, or with tall bodies.
What does the Bible say about not attending a funeral?
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” It is a testimony to our family and friends that we believe our deceased loved ones are not in the casket.
Is it selfish not to go to a funeral?
Attending or not attending a funeral is a highly personal decision; it’s not like you’ve come to your decision lightly. You’ve thought about it for a long time. If you really don’t want to go to the funeral, you can still support the family. See “Etiquette for Missing a Funeral” (above) for ideas on how to do that.
Why is it better to go to the house of mourning?
Moreover, the visit to the house of mourning teach us another powerful message, which is, though death awaits us all, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, there will be a resurrection for all of us in God’s Kingdom. Hence, Scripture likens death to sleep.
What color should you not wear to a viewing?
Funeral attire should be dark somber clothing. A shirt and tie for men and dress or slacks and a blouse for women. Black, navy, gray, neutral tones are all appropriate colors. Avoid bright or flamboyant clothing.
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…”
Can you wear jeans to a viewing?
It’s still important to show respect to the grieving family, so avoid wearing inappropriate shoes like flip-flops and athletic shoes or very casual clothes like shorts and jeans.
What do you say at a viewing?
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.
How much money do you give at a funeral?
How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.
Do you have to wear all black to a funeral?
Do you have to wear black to a funeral? In short, no. When it comes to knowing what to wear to a funeral that’s not black, there are an array of alternatives that men and women can wear. Although black is the most traditional of colors, smart and dark clothing is also acceptable.
Do you bring anything to a funeral?
What Family Should Bring to a Funeral. Most of the time, family members bring keepsakes to honor a deceased loved one including items like photographs, guest books, funeral programs, and memorial cards.
What do you say to someone after a funeral?
Offering Condolences: What to Say at a Funeral
- “I am so sorry for your loss”
- “You and your loved one are in my thoughts and prayers”
- “This is so sad to hear, I’m thinking of you and the family”
- “If you want to talk at any time, I’m here”
- “Shocked and saddened by this news if you need anything I’m here”
Can a woman wear pants to a funeral?
A pantsuit or dress pants and a jacket are now acceptable for funerals. You don’t have to buy a new outfit. Look in your closet and put pieces together to make an appropriate ensemble; A nice jacket can complete an outfit for a funeral.
Do they break your legs to put you in a casket?
Funeral directors and embalmers never break a person’s legs so they can fit them in a casket or a coffin: If a body is ever too tall for a casket, the mortician will simply find one that is larger. In some cases, legs may be slightly bent at the knee joint – but that’s about it.