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.
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Is it okay to go to the wake but not the funeral?
Should I attend both the wake and the funeral? It is respectful to attend both, but not compulsory. If you don’t feel comfortable attending the wake, or you have a prior commitment you can’t avoid, it’s polite to let the grieving family know in advance – a phone call or message is usually appropriate.
Is it disrespectful if you don’t go to a funeral?
Choosing whether to attend is at the discretion of each individual, family member. Whatever you choose, know that it isn’t disrespectful to not go to a funeral for personal reasons.
Is it better to go to viewing or funeral?
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.
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.
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.
How do you apologize for not attending a funeral?
Please accept my sincerest apologies for not being able to attend the funeral. My heart aches knowing that I can’t be there to support you all during this difficult time. You may not feel it is necessary to explain why you aren’t at the funeral.
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 more important to attend wake or funeral?
If you didn’t know the deceased personally
To support them, you can go to the wake but not the funeral. Attending the wake helps express your condolences. And is appropriate for this kind of relationship. Your presence will be appreciated.
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.
Are funerals necessary?
It’s perfectly acceptable to not have a funeral. There’s no legal requirement for you to have one — it’s up to you how you’d like to be memorialized.
Is it a sin to not go to your parents funeral?
There’s nothing wrong with not attending a parent’s funeral if there isn’t a pressing need or motivation to be there. There are many reasons why a person may feel the need to skip out on the funeral or memorial service.
Does cremation go against the Bible?
New Testament
Since the Bible does not ban nor promote cremation, most Christian denominations do not consider cremation to be sinful. The Catholic church, however, held an opposing view for many years.
Where in the Bible did Jesus stop a funeral?
Well, to help us to frame an answer, I want us to look at the day Jesus stopped His very first funeral. The story is told for us in Luke chapter 7. Here is what Jesus did that day. Luke tells us that this incident occurred just outside the gate of the town of Nain.
Should you go to a funeral for someone you didn’t like?
As a general rule, if you feel like you want to attend the service and you’ve been invited, then you should attend. If you didn’t know the person who died but you have a relationship with the bereaved—even if only a casual relationship—your attendance can help to make the bereaved feel cared for and supported.
What do you wear at a funeral?
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 is appropriate to say to someone before they attend a funeral?
If you are struggling to find a way to put your thoughts into words, and you want to send a message but are unable to think of what to say to someone before a funeral, consider something simple; “I will be thinking of you today.” “Sending love and prayers to you and your family.” “I hope things run smoothly today.”
Is it appropriate to go to a viewing?
Wakes and viewings are usually open to all guests, though if the family has not invited you or specified that the event is family-only, you should respect their wishes and not attend. If the body will be present and on view, you may want to prepare yourself emotionally.
What should you wear to a viewing?
We recommend wearing dark or neutral colors, because darker colors reflect the mourning atmosphere of the service or visitation. Clothing can be formal (think suits and dresses) or casual (pants or nice jeans and shirts).
What is the purpose of 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.