Attending a funeral home in Rockford IL services can raise a host of questions. The first question that will come up is should you attend the funeral? Unless the obituary says it’s a private service, then you can assume the public is welcome, and you should go.

Until you’ve lost a family member yourself, you won’t understand what a comfort it is to the family to see a full church and the pews packed with people who also care for and remember the deceased. The family knows that attending a funeral is inconvenient, and that’s why they’ll never forget that you came.

The Change in Funeral Culture of Today

Funeral home in Rockford, IL range from the rigidly ritualistic to the extremely informal. Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from attending funeral services. Even if the services are for someone of another faith, your presence is appreciated. If necessary, the funeral director or clergy will tell the mourners what to do and when.

Services often are delayed because of the people who show up five minutes before the starting time and find they have to park a block away and then try to find a seat, perhaps after the service has already started. If there is a registry or guestbook, be sure to sign in with your first and last names and, if appropriate, your relationship to the deceased. It is important to the family to see who attended the service, and they may use the registry to send thank-you notes.

Don’t try to seek out the family before the service; if you find that they are greeting people, keep your interaction brief and find your seat quickly. Sit toward the front only if you are a member of the family; close friends generally sit behind the family, while those who are co-workers or acquaintances sit further back or in the rear.

Observe Proper Etiquette

Turn off your cell phone. Resist the temptation to check your text messages. Unless you have a dire emergency, stay for the entire service. If you brought small children who start making noise or causing a distraction, take them outside immediately. Tears are normal and expected at a funeral; however, if you find yourself crying uncontrollably, in a manner that would be upsetting to others or call undue attention to yourself, it is best to excuse yourself from the funeral home in Rockford, IL service until you can gain control.

An open microphone for sharing memories of the deceased is sometimes available at memorial services. If you decide to participate, keep your remarks respectful and brief. Long-winded or off-color stories are inappropriate. Keep your story short but heartfelt.