Ideal things to take for a funeral
Nothing can bring back the loss of a dear one, be it a friend or relative, and the grieving family is still coming to terms with the harsh reality.
For some people, it’s difficult to come up with the appropriate things to take for a funeral because it’s not a regular occasion and it’s often laden with emotional triggers. Moreover, it’s a solemn ceremony as it calls for prayers and reflection of the departed.
Do you have a funeral to attend in the nearest future? Then, this post will help you prepare better.
You may not eagerly anticipate a forthcoming funeral; be it for a friend, family, or relative. Nevertheless, it’s essential to get things off in the right direction to ensure you don’t come off as an irresponsible and tactless person.
You should make an appearance at the funeral without anything if you’re confused on what constitutes an acceptable gift at the ceremony rather than to offend the grieving family.
However, the essence of this post is to provide you with useful tips on what you could take along with you.
Several items represent the much-needed support to give before or after the funeral ceremony such as a monetary gift in the form of a check and sending of flowers to the deceased family.
So your relationship with the deceased will determine the role to play at the funeral and consequently the things you could take with you. We shall briefly look at appropriate items you could bring to a funeral either as a family or friend below.
Items to take to a funeral as the deceased family
As an immediate family member, you could be involved in the preparation of the ceremony. The following items could help you stay on track:
Framed Photographs: You could enlarge a favorite photo of the deceased and place it on an easel during the ceremony. Portraits seem to work best in this regard.
Funeral Program: A printed funeral program is another essential item to consider and should be thought of ahead of the service. It typically contains photos of the deceased with a biography, the order of service, and other relevant information relating to the ceremony.
Memorial cards: These are portable prints you could give to guests before or after the funeral service, and they are designed with a photo of the deceased, the year of birth and death, with a short message or prayer.
Flowers: You should decide the kind of flowers to present at the funeral with other members of the family. Work together with a florist and make the right selections. It would be placed on the coffin during the ceremony, and some could be used as decorations.
Accessories: You may need tissues, sunglasses, and handkerchiefs on hand during this period of mourning as bouts of suppressed tears may flow during the service. And while you may think it’s completely unnecessary, you don’t want to be caught unawares when your guards are down.
Also go with an umbrella if its summer period and wear comfortable shoes that makes for a good walk along with other guests at the graveside.
Items to take to a funeral as a friend
The following should be taken into consideration when you’re heading for a funeral as a friend.
Clothing: Your comportment and decorum at the funeral matter a lot, so it’s important you turn up in the appropriate attire. You should wear a dark shade or a black outfit for a funeral, so don’t come in looking like a rainbow. Kindly avoid bright accessories as well so they don’t give you away. Look conservative and sober in a suit and tie clothing and a dress or two-piece combination formal wear for ladies. Your cell phone should be on silent mode or switch it off and try to be punctual.
Food: You’re not expected to turn up with food or drink at the service, except it’s on request by the grieving family.
Condolence message: You should prepare a brief but remarkable message to write in the register book. You may also need to commiserate with the family so choose your words carefully to deliver a soothing effect.
Donations: You could donate to the grieving family if they’re in financial distress to reduce the burden off them a little. Such acts of kindness would be appreciated. You could ask if any specific bank account was created for donations rather than taking your checkbook or physical cash to the funeral. You could inform the deceased family of your financial gift, but it’s better to avoid stating the amount given.
Flowers: Sending flowers to the family of the deceased is standard practice. You could send flowers to the family’s home and shouldn't be taken directly to the funeral. More often than not, only the flowers of the deceased family are placed on the coffin during the service before interment. Furthermore, you should take note of the religious practices of the deceased family as some religions do not encourage the presence of flowers while mourning.
Accessories: It helps to take a pack of tissues or handkerchiefs to a funeral. It’s emotionally stressful for many people involved, and though you may have a tight rein on your feelings, not everyone can maintain control. You should be considerate of others. So, go with packs of tissues and handkerchiefs which you could share with other guests overcome with grief at the service.
It’s advisable to take an umbrella with you while going to a funeral. It’s possible you may spend a considerate amount of time outdoors during the service. You don’t want any unpleasant weather surprises that’ll distract your attention and respectful composure at the ceremony.
Comfortable shoes are the best option to wear when attending a woodland funeral as you may need to walk a reasonable distance with uneven grounds.
With all these in mind, you’re sure to be adequately prepared and have a worry-free time during the funeral ceremony.