Poems of Mourning and Comfort

Poetry read at a funeral is an eloquent way to pay tribute to the life and legacy of someone you love. For the bereaved, poems about dying, the pain of loss, grief, mourning, the afterlife, or rebirth can bring comfort and be a source of inspiration and hope.

Attending a Funeral: What to Know

Legacy offers advice from experts to help answer all of your funeral etiquette questions: What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral? What should I say to the deceased's family at the visitation? Does it matter what I wear?

What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

is a beautiful way to show you care. But it's easy to get stuck when you're trying to think of what to write on the card. There's only space for a few words, and you want them to be just right. You're also likely to be struggling with your own difficult feelings about the death, making it even harder to put your thoughts in words. What should you say?

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.