What do you do if you are late to a funeral?

If you do come late, the Emily Post Institute recommends that you remain unobtrusive by entering a row through a side aisle. If there’s a procession, wait outside until it’s done. However, it’s not the end of the world if you’re tardy.

Is it rude to not go to a wake?

If the event is limited to family only, you should respect the family’s wishes and not attend. If you are invited to a wake, viewing, or visitation and would like to attend but for whatever reason you cannot attend, you can simply attend the funeral service.

What is the appropriate time to show up to a funeral?

If you are participating in the service in any way—such as serving as a pallbearer, delivering a eulogy or reading, or performing a song—you should arrive at least 30 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin so that you can meet with the funeral director, officiant, or coordinator to go over the schedule.

Is it rude to walk in late to a funeral?

Don’t: Show up exactly on time or late. You don’t want to walk in and have the entire room turn to you during an emotional eulogy.

Can we have a wake after a funeral?

For many people, holding a wake after the funeral ceremony is an important part of remembering the person who died. There are different rules about holding wakes depending where you live.

Is it OK to leave a funeral early?

While you should avoid leaving a funeral early if possible, it’s understandable that conflicts arise and you may want to participate in whatever you can. If this is the case, arrive on the early side, so you can ensure a seat in the back nearest to the exit.

Is it OK to take photos at a funeral?

In general, it is wise to avoid taking pictures at a funeral or a memorial service unless you have been specifically asked to do so by the deceased’s family. Deciding to snap a few candids of the cousins gathered together can create tension and ruin the mood at the service.

Is it possible to delay a funeral?

It is often best to hold the first funeral in a traditional way and delay the next one. Delaying a funeral might not be a traditional custom, but it is one that is growing in popularity. There are no rules about when and where you must hold a funeral, which means you and your loved ones have more options than ever before.

How early should you show up to a funeral?

DON’T: BE LATE Cunningham says it’s a good idea to show up about 10 minutes early to a funeral. (If you think the service will be crowded, swing by a half-hour early so you can nab a seat.) If you do come late, the Emily Post Institute recommends that you remain unobtrusive by entering a row through a side aisle.

Is it rude to not go to a funeral?

If you find that you can’t or don’t really want to go to a particular funeral, will people think you are being rude? Not attending a funeral isn’t a breach of social convention, as long as you have a good reason and duly honor the deceased.

Is it okay to skip the funeral?

Every family wants to see a large group there to support them and the deceased in their time of need. Sometimes it’s okay to skip the funeral. In general, if your presence would be unwelcome in any way or a disturbance, you should find another way to pay your respects.