Is It Okay to Smile at a Funeral? It's not only okay to smile at a funeral but it's also encouraged, especially when greeting the bereaved. Seeing someone smile at us can help lift our spirits. It's also a nonverbal way of showing support.
It's possible to be both angry and happy, sad and relieved, frustrated and grateful — all at the same time. It's not wrong, it's just the way we are wired. Our bodies and minds find a way to balance out emotions, striving to find the good in every situation. Perhaps it's a coping mechanism of sorts.
It is generally not appropriate to smile in pictures at a funeral. A funeral is a somber and respectful occasion, and smiling in pictures may be seen as inappropriate or disrespectful.
It is not written anywhere that you have to speak at your loved one's funeral. There are no rules requiring such a moment. If you feel compelled to greet and thank all those gathered or share your thoughts about your loved one, write your thoughts and have someone else read your words during the service.
Stand quietly at the back and avoid squeezing past people to get to a seat. Arriving early and in time to show support is a good way to show your respect to the deceased and their families. In our ever-connected world, a funeral is a good chance to turn off your phone.
"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.
This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
Is it normal not to cry? It is perfectly normal not to cry when someone dies. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone deals with loss in their own way. It doesn't mean that you don't care, that you are cold, or that you are broken in any way.
Funeral Farewell Quotes for a Celebration of Life
A life well-lived finds rest and rewards in the afterlife. Farewell to our friend until that moment we meet again. Let not sorrow replace the love and memories of your friend. Rejoice in the kingdom of God that has unfolded and welcomed our beloved.
Milan, Italy
Turn those frowns upside down if you're in Milan people! Why? There's an old law that actually states that you're required to smile at all times whilst in public places and if you frown you could be fined! The only times you're exempt is during funerals or hospital visits.
Makeup/Jewelry:
Foundation, a bit of blush and black eyeliner should suffice. Avoid bright lipstick, if any at all. As with clothing, you're makeup should not make you stand out. Jewelry is fine as long as it is kept to a minimum!
In general, you don't want to show a lot of skin at a funeral. It's best to avoid sleeveless outfits or outfits with very short sleeves. Instead, go for long-sleeved outfits. If you have a sleeveless black dress you want to wear, you can cover up your arms with a shawl or shrug.
If you have an adult with you at the funeral home, it is ok to touch a dead body, and you will not get in trouble. You are naturally curious, and sometimes when you see and touch a dead body it helps you answer your questions. Remember to be gentle and have an adult help you.
If you are dreading the moment, you are not alone. You may have heard that public speaking, along with death, are mentioned by many as their biggest fears. So talking at a funeral, where the two come together, is a very brave act indeed!
It is not a selfish act to request not to have a funeral after you pass away. There are many reasons why you may not want to have a funeral and any of them are valid. You deserve to have any send-off that you wish for, so don't be afraid to share your last wishes with your family openly and honestly.
The period after the funeral can be challenging. Between the death and the funeral, you may have been surrounded by family and friends, and kept busy making arrangements. It may not be until after the funeral that you feel the full intensity of your grief.
The speech is ideally given by someone who knew the person well enough to gather and share memories and highlights of his/her life. Sometimes the choice is obvious within the family. There is often one person who seems to be the unofficial family spokesperson.