Archive for the ‘Etiquette’ Category

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Cemetery Etiquette and You

Saturday, May 16th, 2015
Cemetery Etiquette and You

Peaceful cemeteries help loved ones heal.

Most people know how to behave at a funeral or a memorial service, when respect and reverence are called for in equal proportions, but cemeteries provide a trickier funeral etiquette question. After all, cemeteries are public places open to the entire community—not only as a place to mourn, but to visit relatives, research local history, enjoy the ambiance, and even go for a jog.

Most cemeteries have their formal rules posted near the gates, and you should always take a moment to read them for specific information about where you can go and when. It’s also a good idea to follow these general cemetery guidelines. (more…)

What to Do with a Wedding Ring when a Loved One Dies

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015

What to Do with a Wedding Ring when a Loved One Dies

Few pieces of jewelry have more meaning than a wedding ring. Although family heirlooms, class rings, sports jewelry, and other items often have sentimental value of their own (not to mention high price tags), it’s the sign of our lasting commitment that carries the most weight.

When a spouse or parent dies, it can be difficult to know how to handle the issue of the wedding ring. Should it be buried with the deceased? Kept aside to be passed down to the next generation? Otherwise memorialized so that everyone can enjoy it? (more…)

Non-Denominational Sympathy Card Messages

Wednesday, February 18th, 2015

Non-Denominational Sympathy Card MessagesSending a sympathy card to a family who has just experienced a loss is a kind and low-cost way to show your support. Because too many funeral flowers can be overwhelming—and because many people would rather not receive financial support or gift baskets—sympathy cards allow you to share your regrets without overwhelming the family.

Because of the nature of death and dying, most sympathy cards and the messages for sympathy cards are religious in nature. However, not every family appreciates spiritual sentiments at this time, or you yourself may be agnostic/atheist and don’t wish to send a religious card. (more…)

Funeral Planning Tips: Tasks to Give Friends and Family

Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

Funeral Planning Tips: Tasks to Give Friends and FamilyOne of the most difficult thing about mourning the loss of a loved one is the feeling of helplessness that inevitably arises. Immediate family is tasked with the job of planning the funeral, sorting through pictures, preparing for guests, and other funeral-related tasks—which might not be fun, but does have the advantage of keeping individuals busy while they grieve.

For more distant relatives and friends, however, not being able to do more than send flowers or a sympathy card is difficult. They want to feel needed and useful—not just to help the family through their difficulties, but so they can begin their own process of grieving.

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How Celebrity Deaths Affect Us

Wednesday, February 4th, 2015

How Celebrity Deaths Affect UsNothing arouses curiosity quite like a death—and a celebrity’s death is cause for even more speculation. In addition to questions about how and why a beloved media icon passed on, we often find ourselves questioning our own emotional responses. (more…)

Where/How to Buy Funeral Clothes

Wednesday, January 7th, 2015

 Where/How to Buy Funeral ClothesAlthough there is no rule that says you have to go out and buy all black clothes for a funeral, many people find that nothing in their closet seems to fit the overall tone of a funeral—the somber atmosphere, the desire to be respectful, the fact that you’ll be seeing friends and relatives for the first time in years. (more…)

How to Do Your Hair for a Funeral

Sunday, December 14th, 2014

How to Do Your Hair for a FuneralAlthough what you wear to a funeral is important in showcasing your respect for the deceased and his or her family, it’s equally important to pay attention to your hair. As is the case with any semi-formal gathering, it’s the overall image you present that determines how appropriately attired you are—so take a few minutes to ensure that your hair matches the rest of your ensemble. (more…)

Funeral Etiquette Guidelines

Tuesday, November 4th, 2014

Funeral Etiquette Guidelines No one is born knowing how to behave at a funeral, and few of us are given regular opportunities to practice and brush up on our skills. Because funerals are so (thankfully) rare, it’s not uncommon to find yourself at a loss regarding attire, how to behave, what you’re expected to bring, or even if you should attend at all.

As is the case with most things, funeral etiquette is all about planning ahead and being considerate—and searching iMortuary to find the answers you seek. From what to wear to a funeral to lending a helping hand, we’ve got all the information you need right here. (more…)

Should I Attend a Funeral?

Friday, October 10th, 2014

 

Should I Attend a Funeral?

For many people, there’s no question of whether or not to attend a funeral. If the deceased was a close friend or relative—or if there was a strong emotional connection—your grief will compel you to attend if only so you can get the closure you seek. For some people, however (particularly when the deceased was an acquaintance or connection rather than a true friend), there may be a question of whether or not you want to attend. In addition to needing to take time off work, you may feel uncomfortable or unwelcome without a direct family invitation.

There are a number of different factors that should go in to the decision-making process. Depending on the nature of your relationship with the deceased and the family, here are a few questions you may want to consider. (more…)

Sympathy Gifts for the Loss of a Pet

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

Sympathy Gifts for the Loss of a PetFor many people, the death of a pet is just as emotionally devastating as the loss of a human friend or relative. Pets often serve as companions for decades at a time, and to lose them suddenly can cause deep feelings of regret and grief.

Because society doesn’t view funeral planning for pets the same way it does the death of a person, it’s often more difficult for people to cope with their loss. Support networks may not be as readily available, and it’s rare to get time off from work or access to other bereavement resources. People may become withdrawn or feel isolated because of the lack of sympathy from the outside.

 Why Send Funeral Gifts for Animals?

Sympathy gifts for dogs, cats, and other animals are a great way to show a loved one that you recognize their loss—even if you don’t quite understand it. By treating the death of a pet as you would the death of a human friend, you are validating their feelings of grief and providing a lasting memento keepsake. (Like sending funeral flowers or a bereavement gift basket, you can also show your support from a long distance.) (more…)

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