One of the memorial service options that appears in almost all funeral plans, regardless of religious or personal preference, is the moment of silence. Defined as a period of silent contemplation (ranging from one to ten minutes), this time is used for everything from personal reflection and prayer to meditation. In funeral planning, it can be part of the decision-making process, memorial service, burial, ash scattering, or any other ceremony that comes with emotional weightiness.
Archive for the ‘Etiquette’ Category
Funeral Planning: Moments of Silence
Friday, March 30th, 2012Funeral Procession Etiquette
Friday, February 17th, 2012
One of the most time-honored funeral traditions is the procession. Once a time when carriages, people, and sometimes even hired mourners made a slow journey from the home of the deceased to the cemetery, funeral processions have long been a way to exhibit honor and grief at the passing of a loved one.
While few people make the trip on foot these days, the funeral procession is still a large part of many memorial services. In it, the line of mourners (usually with each family in their own vehicle) makes its way to the cemetery, following behind the hearse, limo, or even a police escort.
Because so many funeral homes are located some distance from the cemetery, it’s not uncommon for a procession to travel for a few miles. In these instances, it’s important to follow a few key funeral procession etiquette guidelines.
Mourning Whitney Houston and Other Public Figures
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012When the news of Whitney Houston’s death became public on February 11, 2012, people of the world came together to share their shock and grief. Thanks to the prevalence of social media and how quickly information can be spread, the death of a high profile celebrity like Houston quickly takes the highlight as far as news goes, and the results can be seen in the outpouring of support for Houston’s family members, friends, and the millions of fans whose lives she touched.
But in our digital age, what is the funeral etiquette for this kind of situation? Many of us want to participate in the celebration of Houston’s life, but because Houston’s family has made her funeral a private affair, it’s impossible to show physical support. Even more importantly, we don’t want to be a burden on a family already going through the worst situation.
How to Mourn Celebrities
In almost all cases, celebrity funerals are private affairs open only to close family members and friends. This isn’t to keep the grieving public away, but rather to protect the family. For every truly compassionate person mourning a celebrity, there is usually another individual who wants to capitalize on the death or to make some kind of political statement.
What to Do if You Can’t Attend the Funeral
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
No matter what your intentions are or how highly you regard a loved one, there are times when it is impossible to attend a funeral. Although most employers are understanding when it comes to the last minute nature of funeral planning, it can be hard to take the time away from your job, especially if the service is being held out of town. From travel impediments and cost restrictions to former engagements, there are a number of reasons why you might have to send your condolences in place of yourself.
Unless you are a very close friend or family member of the deceased, this is probably okay. It might not be ideal for you to be absent during this difficult time, there are alternate ways to send your regards.
Funeral Etiquette: What to Expect at a Buddhist Funeral
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
Buddhist funerals are very common in the Eastern part of the world, primarily in Japan, Cambodia, and Thailand. And while all these types of funerals have similar roots, they are each unique and varied. Buddhist funerals in the United States are even more unusual, in that they often draw from both Buddhist and Christian practices, often incorporating both viewpoints simultaneously.
This means that although there is a general format to the Buddhist funeral, there is no exact answer of what you can expect during your attendance. As is the case with any religious ceremony, your best option is to remain quiet and respectful, and to perform any tasks that are asked of you. Here are a few other traditions you might come across.
Writing Funeral Thank You Notes
Friday, June 10th, 2011
One of the aspects of planning a funeral that can be the most emotionally draining is writing thank-you notes in the days and weeks following the memorial service. From the people who helped you plan the funeral to those who sent flowers, it’s good funeral etiquette to acknowledge individual contributions with a thank you note.
Unfortunately stress and grief often make this simple task too difficult to even comprehend. If you find yourself facing the task of writing thank yous but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few helpful tips:
Funeral Planning: The Funeral Luncheon
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
One of the customs many people look forward to during funeral planning is the funeral luncheon, or the reception following the memorial service. Although this is obviously not a traditional family gathering, since the recent death will necessarily cast a gloom over the proceedings, the funeral luncheon can be a time of great celebration.
This is an ideal time to share happy memories and funny stories of the deceased, and to play music he or she loved. If you have had a chance to funeral pre-plan because of a terminal illness, you might even be able to incorporate the direct wishes of the deceased, who might have helped to select the venue or events.
Personalizing Cremation Urns
Friday, April 1st, 2011
One of the best ways to make funeral planning a little bit easier on the whole family is to stay true to traditions while also respecting the wishes of the deceased. If you or a loved one has decided on cremation, you’ve taken a great first step in saving on funeral costs, providing a more green funeral approach, and in holding true to your own beliefs.
However, choosing cremation doesn’t mean you are choosing to fly in the face of tradition. Thanks to great options in cremation urns, you can combine the more traditional aspects of burial arrangements with cremation to plan a funeral that meets everyone’s expectations.
What to Do After the Funeral
Thursday, March 10th, 2011
Oftentimes, we get so caught up in funeral planning we forget about things like all the funeral etiquette and bereavement issues that arise after the fact. No matter how well prepared you are for death, or how many funeral pre-plans are in place, it can be difficult for both you and the other bereaved individuals to navigate the days, weeks, and months following the death of a loved one.
The most important thing to remember is that everyone grieves differently, and there is no wrong or right way to do thing. As long as you keep honor and respect at the forefront of everything you do, you should be able to help those in need—as well as yourself—as you figure out how to continue on in this world without the deceased.
Traditional Funerals
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
These days, there are as many types of funerals as there are types of people. From funeral planning efforts that include web memorial services to those that might find you placing a loved one’s remains in a container bound for space, you can personalize a funeral to match the personality and beliefs of the deceased.
However, while all these these funeral plan options are great for putting your loved one to rest in the manner he or she would have preferred, there is something to be said for tradition. In fact, one might argue there’s quite a lot to be said for tradition: the majority of U.S. funerals still follow the traditional pattern that has been favored for centuries.
