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571 Suffolk Ave., Brentwood, NY 11717

Social Expectations: a Primer on Funeral Etiquette

Most of us are uncertain about what to do at a funeral. We see it all the time. In fact, I think Funeral Directors are the only people who are truly comfortable in this social setting. After all, we’ve had a lot of practice.

We’ve put together this section to share everything you need to know to help you do the right thing before, during and after the service.


What to Do


Offer Words of Condolence

Offering comforting words to the family is usually the easiest thing you can do. It's also something the family will appreciate and remember. If you're attending the service, offer your condolences in person or share a story or special memory about the deceased. If you can't be there, send a card or share your message using the Book of Memories online memorial tribute page.

Sign the Register

When you sign the register at the funeral home, be sure to list your name and your relationship to the deceased. The register is something the family will have forever, and they will appreciate knowing who you are and how you knew their loved one in years to come.

Send a Gift to the Family

Appropriate gifts include flowers, a donation to a charity (oftentimes the family will have a preferred charity), food or a service. You can send your gift to the family's home or the funeral home. Please ensure you include a signed card with your gift so the family knows who sent it. However, please take a few minutes to recognize that certain faiths have proscriptions about what should be sent to the bereaved. If you’re unclear, check with a close family relative or friend.

Stay in Touch with the Family

Depending on your relationship with the family, you may choose to stay in touch in person, by telephone or online. The grieving process can be long and difficult, so don’t just walk out of their lives after the funeral service. You will serve the family well by letting them know you're there for them during the days, weeks, and months follow the death of their loved one.
 

What to Wear

Historically, people wore black or only somber colors to a funeral. Today it's acceptable to dress in a wider range of colors and clothing styles. In fact, we’ve seen services where the family asked everyone to dress in pink, or in colorful Hawaiian shirts and shorts. But, these unique events aside, a good rule of thumb is to dress as you would at church or a job interview.

Have other questions about funeral etiquette? Contact us. We’ve got the answers you’re looking for – after all, we’ve been to hundreds of funerals. So call – we’d love to help you get through what can (but doesn’t have to) be a challenging social situation.
 

Daily Grief Support by Email

Grieving doesn't always end with the funeral: subscribe to our free daily grief support email program, designed to help you a little bit every day, by filling out the form below.

Weekly Email Tips to Support a Grieving Friend

It's hard to know what to say when someone experiences loss. Our free weekly newsletter provides insights, quotes and messages on how to help during the first year.

Helping You Plan

Are you looking to add a personal touch to your loved one's funeral service? Would you like to browse through our catalog of viewing merchandise? Maybe you want to learn more about planning your own funeral.  We've made all of this information — and more — available for you to explore in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Helping You Grieve

It's not unusual to feel lost and alone after losing a loved one. Our grief support programs can help you through this difficult time. Visit our Online Grief Resource Center here. or call us at (631) 273-4443.

Our Services

We understand that it is not always possible to pay respects in person, & hope that this small token will help. You can search for your loved one using the form below.

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Book of Memories

The pinnacle of memorialization, any family member or friends can take advantage of this free services by creating an account and a book to memorialize their loved one.

Pre-Arrangement

Dying is one of the few events in life that's certain to occur, yet one we rarely plan for. Should we spend more time preparing for a two week vacation than we do our last days on Earth?

Expressions of Sympathy

It can be difficult to find the right words, so we have hand-picked a collection of sympathy and remembrance gifts that will be cherished.

Proudly Serving the Communities of Brentwood and Long Island Community
(631) 273-4443 Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes, Inc.
571 Suffolk Ave.
Brentwood, NY 11717
Email:
(631) 696-0909 Coram
3640 Route 112
Coram, NY 11727
Email:
(631) 273-4443 Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes, Inc.
571 Suffolk Ave.
Brentwood, NY 11717
Email:
(631) 273-4443 Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes, Inc.
571 Suffolk Ave.
Brentwood, NY 11717
Email:
(631) 273-4443 Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes, Inc.
571 Suffolk Ave.
Brentwood, NY 11717
Email: