What To Do Or Not Do At Cremation Services

You might recognize that there are certain standards for funeral services, but those don’t completely go out the window for cremation services, even though memorial services can be quite different than a funeral, if you plan them that way. You might want to know what you should do and what you should avoid doing at a memorial service if you are going to attend one sometime soon. Here are a few items to keep in mind.

Wear The Right Clothes

Just as is true with a funeral, you are going to want to wear the right clothing to a memorial service. The difference is that the clothing that is appropriate can vary. Funeral services usually call for something dark, neutral, and conservative. With a cremation service, you are going to want to wear something that suits that style of the service. You may be attending a memorial service that is to feel like a funeral, in which case you would wear similar clothing to a funeral. Or, you might be invited to something more casual and light-hearted. You might wear a sundress, short-sleeved polo shirts and pants, and other such things. Figure out the style of the service first, then decide what is right to wear.

Talk To The Family

When you attend the memorial service, it’s a good idea to talk to the family so you are able to share your condolences. Even if they are celebrating their loved one’s life instead of mourning the sadness around their death, let them know you are sorry for their loss and perhaps share something you appreciated about their loved one.

Don’t Bring Your Phone

Any memorial event has a purpose—to honor someone who has passed on. And it’s important that you focus on that, even at events that are more casual in nature. Avoid bringing your phone to the event and if you do have it, silence it or turn it off and don’t look at it for messages. You are doing something very important at the event and the rest of the world can wait.

Eat/Drink Moderately

If there are food and drinks at the service, it’s good to partake, but you are going to want to eat and drink in moderation. Some memorial services are celebrations and there might even be alcohol. Drink what you wish, of course, but don’t overdo it. With the food, you want there to be plenty for everyone so eat until you are full and don’t go back for more.

Don’t Let Your Kids Run About

Kids can be a blessing to have at memorial services, but you don’t want them to be a distraction, either. Talk to them before the service to let them know what you expect from them. There might be activities that they can enjoy, but you still don’t want them misbehaving.

When you are facing attending a memorial service for someone after cremation services, it’s a good idea to get your mind ready for the event.