Before the Ceremony

Read the invitation carefully; there may be specific requests for attire, flowers or gifts

• Confirm your presence if requested
• Choose attire; traditionally one wears dark and discreet colors, but some families may wish for something different.
• Decide if you want to give a flower or memorial gift; check if there is a special fundraising or flower preference
• Plan your arrival well in advance; please arrive 10-15mins before the ceremony begins
• Follow the reference about placement in the church/chapel/site; in the funeral ceremony in church, the places for guests may be divided according to tradition:
• It may vary how guests are placed at a funeral, but it is common and traditional that the next of kin sit on the right side, as seen from the entrance, and the rest on the left. If there are no special instructions, guests choose the place themselves. Most important is to show respect and follow the instructions of the ceremony hosts.

During the Ceremony

• Silently turn off or turn on the mobile
• Show respect and follow the structure of the ceremony: priest, officiant or ceremony officer often leads the program
• Keep a low-key tone; avoid talking loudly or interfering during the ceremony
• Attend at the farewell if you wish; in some ceremonies, guests step forward to bid a final farewell at the casket or urn
• Follow instructions at any memorial service; if there is a memorial service afterwards, you can attend if it is open to all

After the Ceremony

• Show support to the next of kin; a simple hug, a few comforting words or a greeting can mean a lot
• Respect if the family wishes to be in peace; everyone grieves differently and some need time for themselves
• If you want, follow up with a card or greeting later; it might be nice to get back to you after a few weeks to show consideration