You don’t have to take etiquette classes in order to attend cremation services in Northern Cambria, PA, but providers have some suggestions you should follow in order to show your respect and support in the proper manner. While all cremation services are different, these suggestions will help you work your way through attending a service of any kind.
Leave The Phone Behind
It doesn’t matter if you are attending a somber memorial or a celebration of life, if your phone rings or you are found poking away at it, you are going to be frowned upon. It’s disrespectful to show your attention to anything but the person being remembered. You could distract others and that’s even worse. Put your phone in a safe place in your car, turn it off, or, at the very least, put it on silent and ignore any buzzes you get.
Dress As Requested
Cremation services may have different dress requirements, depending on the type of service the family is having. If they are having a picnic in the park, for example, you aren’t expected to wear a black suit. IF they are having a formal memorial in a funeral home or church, conservative, business attire is a good idea. Find out what the family wants for attire and then follow through. You can often tell by the service style or they might even make certain requests, like for everyone to wear their loved one’s favorite color. Whatever they ask, follow through with it in respect for the services they are having.
Talk To The Family
If there are a lot of people at the service, you may not have time for a long conversation with the family of the deceased and that’s okay. But it’s a nice idea to approach them at the end of the service and share your condolences. Simply tell them that you are sorry for their loss and that you are thinking of them. They will appreciate knowing you were there for them, supporting them and grieving the loss of their loved one alongside them. If you aren’t able to talk to them, leave a card behind so they know you were there later when they go through those things.
Follow Along With Services
Not everyone is going to have services that make sense to you. If the family is part of a religion you aren’t a part of, there may be customs that you don’t understand. Try to just follow along and stand when everyone else stands and so on. You don’t want to stand out and draw attention to yourself, out of respect.
There are plenty of other things you might want to know revolving around cremation services in Northern Cambria, PA. If you have questions about a particular type of service you have been invited to, contact the professionals at Simple Alternatives Funeral Home & Crematory by calling (814) 533-5832. We can also show you around our facilities when you visit us at 717 Main St Windber, PA 15963.