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Home » Visitors Guide » Funeral Etiquette
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What is a visitation?
A formal visitation provides a time and place for you to offer the family your expression of sorrow and sympathy. Visitation is typically held at the funeral home, and the deceased is typically present so that you can pay your last respects.
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How do I know when visitation hours are?
Forest Lawn makes this information available at: Service Locator. It may also be listed in the newspaper obituary, or you may call Forest Lawn at 1-800-204-3131. It is appropriate to visit any time during the established visiting hours. If prayer services are to be held, it is important to be prompt.
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How long should I stay at a visitation?
The amount of time you spend at a visitation is discretionary. Once you have expressed your sympathy to each member of the family and spoken a few moments to those you know well, it is acceptable to leave, although you may wish to stay longer.
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What should I do when I attend the visitation?
When you arrive, go to the family and express your sympathy. If you were an acquaintance of the deceased, but not well-known to the family, immediately introduce yourself. Conversation about the deceased is natural, as is crying.
If offered by the family, it is customary, but not mandatory, to show your respects by viewing the deceased and, if you desire, spending a few moments in silent prayer.
Always sign the guest book using your full name (i.e., Mrs. John Doe), and if you were a business associate of the deceased, note your company affiliation.
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What should I say to the family?
Using your own words, express your sympathy. Kind words about the deceased or shared memories are always appropriate.
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What other expressions of sympathy are appropriate?
Notes, cards and emails to the family are always appreciated, especially if you were unable to attend the funeral.
Flowers can be a great comfort to the family and may be sent to the visitation/ funeral service or to the home of the family. Click here to order flowers for the service. For more information on what flowers are appropriate, see the Frequently Asked Questions in the flower shop.
If the deceased was Catholic, a mass card or arranging for a mass to be said for the deceased is also appropriate. The Mass offering card or envelope is available from any Catholic parish.
Gifts of food are also welcome.
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What is the difference between a Memorial Service and a Funeral Service?
A memorial service is a service without the deceased present. The deceased is present at a funeral service. The same rules of etiquette apply.
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What is appropriate dress for visitations and funerals?
It is no longer necessary to wear black when you go to a funeral. Dress should be conservative and should be selected to indicate dignity and respect for the family and the deceased.
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What is a private service?
This type of service is by invitation only.
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Should children attend the visitation and funeral?
Children who were intimate with the deceased should be given the option to attend visitation and the funeral service.
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What do I do when I arrive at the funeral/memorial service?
When you arrive, quietly take a seat if the service is being held in a church or chapel. The first few rows are usually reserved for the immediate family and the casket bearers. There may be an opportunity during the service for you to share some words about the deceased. If the ceremony is being held at the interment site, seating is usually only available for the immediate family.
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