The officiant (and the choir, if there is one) leads the procession in for religious services, while the celebrant or funeral director usually leads secular (non-religious) processions. The coffin follows, with honorary pallbearers in front of it if there are any. The chief mourners walk behind the coffin.
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Who sits in front row at funeral?
Friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and others typically sit on the left. The front rows are reserved for close relatives. If you are a member of the immediate family and there are step-parents or step-siblings, you must take into account where everyone will sit.
Why does someone walk in front of a funeral procession?
When the cortege is ready to leave, the funeral director will ask everyone to make their way to their cars. The funeral director will then walk in front of the hearse for a short distance. This is a mark of respect to the deceased and also gives following cars an opportunity to join the cortege.
Who leads the funeral procession?
The officiant
The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.
What is proper etiquette for a funeral procession?
If You Encounter a Funeral Procession
- Yield the right of way. Just as you would defer to an emergency vehicle, you should do the same for a funeral procession.
- Pull over and allow the procession to go by.
- Never cut into or tag onto the end of a procession.
- Be respectful.
- Watch for the last driver in the procession.
What is the order of family at a funeral?
The spouse is first, accompanied by children. Parents and siblings would be next, followed by extended family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc). Where should immediate family sit at a funeral? The immediate family members sit in the front rows.
Who is considered immediate family at a funeral?
Who is considered immediate family as it relates to taking funeral leave? Immediate family, as it applies to leave taken for a funeral leave, includes an employee’s spouse, the employee’s and spouse’s parents, children, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, and sons- and daughters-in-law.
Who normally goes in the funeral car?
In a funeral procession, the vehicle directly behind the hearse carries the close family members – partner, children, parents or siblings – and transports them to the venue. Some processions have more than one vehicle, with mourners travelling in their own cars behind the bereaved family.
Can you overtake a funeral car?
Moving to a different lane is deemed the easiest way to respectfully let the group pass. Pulling over and waiting for the procession to pass by is an enormous sign of respect but only if it is safe to do so.
What is the party after a funeral called?
A funeral reception is a post-funeral gathering where friends and family members can come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved one. The reception typically follows immediately after the funeral service. It is relatively simple to plan a funeral reception.
Is it disrespectful to pass a funeral procession?
Do not pass. Drivers traveling in the same direction as a funeral procession should never pass or attempt to pass unless the highway has two or more lanes going in that direction. When on a highway, never pass a funeral procession from the right side unless it is traveling in the far left lane.
How do you show respect 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.
Who rides in the family car for a funeral?
Best friends, close cousins, and other members of the deceased’s ‘chosen family’ now have a place in formal funeral arrangements, which may include the funeral limousine. In general, those who handled the funeral arrangements themselves are the ones who take the place of honor in the limo.
Why do funeral directors bow at the coffin?
So why do Funeral Directors bow at coffins? Respect. The aim when working with any family is to show their loved one as much dignity and respect as possible. Even though this person may not be walking on this earth any longer does not mean that they deserve any less respect.
Who stands in line at a funeral?
Typically, members of the immediate family stand in the receiving line at a funeral. The immediate family typically includes the spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, grandparents, and in-laws of the deceased.
Who should speak first at a funeral?
1. The deceased’s religious leader. In many communities, the deceased’s priest, pastor, rabbi, or minister writes and gives the eulogy at the funeral. If the religious leader knew the deceased personally, he or she would probably add personal stories, especially those that tell the story of the person’s faith.
Where does an ex wife sit at a funeral?
While this might be clear-cut for close family, it’s not always obvious when it comes to an ex-partner’s funeral. In general, since you are no longer part of the close family, you should sit towards the back in the friend section.
Who pays for food after a funeral?
Typically, family members of the deceased will sponsor the meal. When financial issues are present, the family may request a donation from the attendees. Agreeing on who pays for the repast meal is essential. The post-funeral luncheon can easily exceed $2,000.
What should you wear to a funeral visitation?
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.
What flower do you wear to a funeral?
Carnations are commonly used for funerals as they keep for a long time. Pink carnations represent remembrance and white carnations represent pure love, which makes these two colours a very popular choice.
Who goes in the first car at a funeral?
Traditional funeral etiquette dictates that at least two limousines are required, as only the closest family members – parents, spouses and children – are entitled to ride in the first limousine, with in-laws, other family members and close friends following in the second.