Greetings, Traveler Weekly Readers!
I’m Sherry Gordon-Harris, Certified Etiquette Consultant, owner and instructor of Royal Purpose School of Etiquette. Our purpose is to assist with the Total Refinement of You, including children and adults, by offering classes and workshops on Etiquette and Proper Manners.
As we learned in the last article, Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Manners are a person’s outward bearing or way of behaving toward others. It’s a way in which a thing is done or happens. In general, Etiquette is simply respecting others and not causing an offense to others.
Proper Etiquette at a funeral or memorial service is not one that is often talked about. However, it is just as important of a polite, customary code as in any other social setting. A funeral is all about paying your respects to the deceased. Some examples of proper funeral Etiquette topics are what to wear to a funeral, where to sit at a funeral, and how to sign the guestbook at a funeral.
Whether the deceased is a close relative, special loved one, a co-worker, or an acquaintance, it is always appropriate to wear clothing and colors that are conservative. Although in general, the color black is worn at funerals. But wearing black is not always required. In any case, it is important to dress dignified and respectful. To steer clear of sending the wrong message to the mourning family, avoid wearing bright colors and patterns. In some cultures, the immediate family may decide and ask others to wear the favorite color of the dearly departed. This is acceptable if it is a family request.
Typically, the first and second rows of seats are reserved for the close family and friends of the late beloved. All other attendees should sit in the remaining rows. Arriving early so that you are properly seated will help to not disturb others if you are part of the close family and friends. If you arrive late, try to find the next nearest place to sit close to the family without disturbing a whole row of grieving family. Once seated, it is important to remain seated for the full length of the service.
Signing the guestbook is a way to show support to the bereaved family. It lets them know you attended the service to pay your respects to the deceased. It also assists in expressing the fact that the deceased touched and affected the lives of those who sign the guestbook. For both sides, it is a way to help start the healing process after a loss. Sign your first and last name and a brief description of your relationship to the deceased.
Once again, it has been my pleasure sharing this Etiquette tip with the Traveler Weekly Readers. I encourage everyone to “Live your life with Purpose in a Royal Manner.”
Whether you, your family or group want to learn Etiquette for the first time or just want to brush up on your skills, consider enrolling in a scheduled class or book a private class with Royal Purpose School of Etiquette LLC. We can help with the Total Refinement of You. Contact Sherry Gordon-Harris at (309) 585-6145 or e-mail RoyalPurposeSOE@gmail.com or visit http://www.RoyalPurposeSOE.com.
Thank you.
The Traveler Weekly 