Funeral etiquette dictates you shouldn’t applaud unless prompted to do so by the person holding the service or following the lead of the grieving family.
In this post
What should you not do at a funeral?
Things You Should NOT Do at a Funeral
- Laugh out of turn.
- Wear something revealing or loud.
- Disrespect cues.
- Make unnecessary noise.
- Speak out of turn.
- Applaud out of turn.
- Yawn excessively.
- Move around too much.
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…”
What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?
Senning advised: “Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind. There’s nothing good you can do with it in that situation. Bring your attention to the place you are and the people you’re with.”
How do you pay respects at a funeral?
It is customary to show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. You may wish to say a silent prayer for, or meditate about, the deceased at this time. In some cases the family may escort you to the casket. The length of your visit at the wake is a matter of discretion.
Can you smile at a funeral?
It’s OK to laugh and smile
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?
It’s Okay to Cry: How to Embrace Crying and Your Feelings. Finally, remind yourself that crying at a funeral is a natural part of the grieving process. You’re allowed to show your emotions, even if it feels awkward at first. In fact, some cultures include crying as part of the wake etiquette.
Is it rude to take pictures at a funeral?
Unless you have been specifically asked by the family of the deceased to do so, it is not appropriate to take pictures inside a funeral service or at a grave site. People in attendance at the funeral may be in mourning, or even crying, and taking photos is an invasion of privacy.
Is it rude to not view the body at a funeral?
Many people are a bit uncomfortable with the idea of attending a viewing, but keep in mind that funeral viewing etiquette does not require you to actually look at or spend time with the body if you are not comfortable doing so.
What is the most comforting thing to say at a funeral?
I’m Sorry for Your Loss.
This is one of the simplest things to say, which makes it perfect for almost any situation. It expresses your condolences in a graceful, understated way, and it is equally appropriate regardless of your relationship to the deceased and their family.
What should you not do at a wake?
Wakes tend to require less formal clothing than other traditional rituals, like funerals. In general, stick with neutral or muted colors. Avoid anything ostentatious or showy; keep it simple. Try to stay away from bold prints, and stick with comfortable dress shoes.
What songs should you not play at a funeral?
List of Worst Songs to Play at a Funeral
- “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen.
- “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC.
- “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang.
- “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees.
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
- “Problem” by Ariana Grande.
- “Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead” by Glinda and the Munchkins.
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.