Funeral Etiquette

12 of the Best Famous Eulogies (Examples for Inspiration)

Writing and delivering a eulogy can be challenging. Most of us are not professional speakers, and grief makes finding the ability to say the right thing even more difficult.

A funeral director in 2020: 'I worry about masks'

Sammy G. Oakey III is a fifth-generation funeral director, the president of in Roanoke, Virginia. In the 150 years since his great-great-grandfather founded the business, it has never changed quite as fast as it has in 2020.

Funerals During the COVID-19 Coronavirus Epidemic: How to Plan

As the new coronavirus strain COVID-19 travels around the globe, it’s not always easy to know what to do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. In many areas of the U.S., public gatherings have been banned or discouraged. We're practicing social distancing, staying home as much as possible. 

What Kind of Flowers Should I Buy for a Funeral?

A guide to which sympathy flowers are often used to remember the most important people in our lives.

What to Wear to a Funeral (video)

This guide explains how to choose appropriate clothing for funerals and memorial services in today’s more casual world. It outlines respectful attire options for women, men, and children, with additional guidance for seasonal services, family members, and funerals with specific dress requests. Emphasizing modesty, neutral colors, and consideration for the grieving family, the article also clarifies what to avoid wearing and offers practical advice for situations where expectations are unclear. Overall, it helps readers balance personal comfort with tradition and respect, ensuring their appearance supports—not distracts from—the purpose of the service.

What Is a Wake?

A wake is one of the ceremonies some people perform after a death. It’s often used interchangeably with visitation or viewing, though historically it was a different kind of ceremony from our modern-day visitation.

How to Choose a Pallbearer

Serving as pallbearer is a position of honor. Here are tips on who to ask.

Tips and Advice for Pallbearers

Serving as a pallbearer is a serious job, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Jewish Funeral Service Rituals

Will you be attending a Jewish funeral for the first time? If so, you may have questions or be unsure what to expect. Here is a general overview of Jewish customs and traditions surrounding death, burial, and mourning to be aware of when attending a funeral in the Jewish faith. 

Military Funeral Service Rituals

One of the most revered traditions of military life, a military funeral honors ceremony is a key part of how many families honor their lost veteran. But like all formal ceremonies, they can be a little intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. Read on to learn what happens at a military funeral and find answers to questions on how to behave, what to bring, and how to best help a family say goodbye to their veteran with dignity and respect.

Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

Sending flowers is a meaningful way to express sympathy after a death, but etiquette can feel unclear—especially around what to send, where to send it, and when flowers may not be appropriate. This guide answers common questions about funeral and sympathy flowers, including timing, arrangement types and sizes, message card wording, and practical delivery considerations. It also outlines respectful alternatives such as potted plants, food baskets, memorial gifts, or charitable donations, and highlights faith-based customs where flowers may be discouraged or require specific choices. Overall, it provides straightforward guidance to help you offer support thoughtfully and respectfully, whether or not you can attend the service.

What to Expect at a Memorial Service Held at Home

A casual setting can make it more comfortable to share memories.

Sikh Funeral Service Rituals

Will you be attending a Sikh funeral for the first time? Here is an overview of the general Sikh customs and traditions surrounding death, burial, and mourning to be aware of when attending a funeral.

Hindu Funeral Service Rituals

Will you be attending a Hindu funeral for the first time? Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion, with over a billion followers. Here is an overview of the general Hindu customs and traditions surrounding death, burial, and mourning to be aware of when attending a funeral.

Feeling Guilty About Missing a Friend's Funeral

Missing a funeral can bring up a lot of emotions, but guilt shouldn't necessarily be one of them.

Attending a Funeral: What's In It For You?

So many rituals, which bind us together, have fallen by the wayside in our society — and funerals are on the endangered species list.

Who Pays for the Funeral? Defining 'Immediate Family'

Money is always a touchy subject, whether you're requesting financial help or being asked to provide it.

What to Wear to a Funeral

Advice from experts on funeral dress: what is appropriate to wear to a funeral—and what you should never wear when attending a funeral, memorial service, visitation, or wake.

What Is a Memorial Service?

This article explains what a memorial service is and how it differs from a traditional funeral, helping first-time attendees know what to expect. It outlines why memorial services are held without the body present, how their timing can be flexible, and why they are often more informal and personalized. Emphasizing remembrance and celebration of life, the guide describes common elements such as shared stories, music, and opportunities to connect with other attendees. It also offers practical etiquette tips on participation and expressing condolences, highlighting how personal memories can bring lasting comfort to the family.