When you plan a funeral, you’ll realize that it takes a whole team to make sure the event goes on seamlessly and without any issues. After all, it’s not easy to prepare details and execute plans for such a trying time and sensitive matter. Moreover, you’ll likely feel very emotional during this period, so you will be relying on the support of your funeral service providers. Read more
When someone moves on from this ephemeral world, it’s common for families to host a wake. In general, a wake is referred to as a memorial event or social gathering which is held before a funeral with the body present.
In the olden tradition, a wake is usually held at the deceased person’s home. The body receives preservation treatments while the funeral services team sets up the place for viewing. But in these modern times, more and more families choose to hold the wake at a funeral home or an alternative location like a church. Read more
Due to the current pandemic, many places have enforced stringent quarantine and social distancing measures. Hence, it may be hard to congregate and travel to attend a funeral. For this reason, many bereaved family members are opting for virtual funeral ceremonies to honor their dead loved ones. If you happen to get invited to a virtual funeral, there is important etiquette for you to follow in order to not disrupt the service.
If you are wondering if a lot of rules have changed in the virtual funeral scene compared to stand-in ceremonies, read on. Here are some of the things you need to take note of to save yourself from being that kind of guest. After all, you don’t want to cause distraction and interrupt poignant moments. Remember, a virtual funeral is a special time to honor the memory of the deceased, so remaining on your best behavior is crucial.
Be Mindful of the Time and Don’t Be Late
Some people believe that it’s fashionable to be late. However, that uncanny rule never applies to funeral ceremonies, whether in-person or online. Since the funeral is held in the virtual world, it may be easy to feel worry-free and lax as you don’t need to travel far, drive, and find parking. Despite that, it is still important to set a schedule and be on time in attending the ceremony. For best results, put a calendar reminder on your phone a day before the virtual gathering. You must also put one an hour before the event so you won’t forget.
Remember, it is advisable to turn on your device and run your browser at least 10 minutes before the announced time. You want to give your computer time to load. Moreover, this ensures you will have time to troubleshoot and fix any unforeseen glitches. Certain platforms also require that the host press the accept tab to let anyone into the call. It will be difficult for them to see your join call request once the ceremony has started.
Make It a Priority to Avoid Distractions
Be fully present during the virtual funeral program. Remember, this is your last tribute to the deceased, so giving an hour or two of your time is not a huge imposition. Cast aside social media activity for now, and resist the temptation to multitask while facing the computer. Show up to the event as if you were attending in person – giving the funeral services your full attention. Be an active participant and join in singing the funeral songs and other activities.
Take the Effort Dress Appropriately
Some virtual funerals are interactive, and you may be asked to turn your camera on. Since people will see you on-screen, it is important to dress appropriately. It is preferred that you wear a shirt color that matches the motif (if there is one) attached to your invitation. Otherwise, neutral colors like gray, white, and black are also advisable. Keep a tidy appearance by fixing your hair and applying makeup if you’d like. Give it the same effort and preparation as you would an in-person funeral.
Choose a Background If Needed
Before logging onto the virtual funeral, check your surroundings. Disordered surroundings may distract other attendees from the service. If you cannot clean your background or move to a more clean space in your home, consider using the available backgrounds on-call platforms. It doesn’t need to be fancy as the purpose of such is to obscure clutter.
Keep Yourself on Mute
Unless you are one of the scheduled speakers, keep yourself on mute. Only un-mute yourself when asked to do so. Having your mic on while others do the same will cause interference and audio feedback. If you are speaking, do so slowly and clearly to accommodate people with slow internet speeds. It would be best to use a microphone for clarity, especially if you are one of the special participants. The built-in computer mic is not as vibrant, so using an external one assures that everyone will hear what you say. And, of course, be very careful and thoughtful about the comments you make because things cannot be unsaid and unheard.
Do Not Do Other Things
Since the funeral is conducted virtually, it may be tempting to open up your phone, sneak a snack, or answer notifications on your gadget. Do not do it. As much as possible, be present and attentive to the ceremony as it is the right and respectful thing to do. If you need to answer an urgent call, turn off your mic and video cam before answering.
Remember to Extend Support Even After the Virtual Services
You must keep in mind that grief takes time. Make it a point to check in with the bereaved. Connect via phone call or messenger. You can also make your gestures more personal by sending flowers or food. These small tokens convey your deepest sympathies and support. Though it may be difficult to attend any real-life memorial service for a dear relative or friend, you should not miss the chance to say your final farewell online to get full healing and closure.
When it comes to funerals, there are a few key individuals that we all expect to be there. You’ve got the funeral director at the helm and the officiant who will give the final words. However, we must not forget to thank other individuals who work hard to make sure the funeral services are smooth.
If you are funeral planning, don’t forget to keep them in mind when extending appreciation or sending out thank you notes. Here are five other individuals that you may not have realized are involved in planning a touching and successful service commemorating your departed loved one:
We live in a digital world with over 5 billion people owning a mobile device. Within this gadget, you will find at least two social media apps everyone uses to connect with others. Of course, staying on social media has become a new way of life where we have fun and learn what’s happening worldwide. Read more
Today, almost 5 billion people in the world own a mobile phone. Clearly, smartphone use is intertwined with daily life, so you may forget to turn it off. After all, staying connected in this digital world remains the top priority. It is evident when you walk down the street or eat dinner in a restaurant. People are just continually texting or scrolling through their social media profiles. But, in certain cases, like funeral services programs, you must draw the line. The last thing the bereaved family wants to hear is your cellphone’s ring tone during a heart-warming eulogy. Read more
It is best to take a family member or a friend when you go shopping for caskets. They can give you advice and offer your immeasurable support. Since funeral homes sell caskets, they typically offer the most pricey ones straight away. Usually, these brands are the ones on display. Read more
Sadly, the pandemic strips us of the most important component of funeral services, which is social support. With strict government regulations in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, funeral homes and crematoriums have to comply with strict social distancing measures and limit funeral attendees. Read more
If you’ve been tasked to deliver a eulogy in the funeral services, you are most likely close to the one who passed away. As such, your goal is to deliver the best eulogy speech to pay tribute to your deceased loved one. It is perfectly normal to worry about how to write a eulogy because you don’t want to make mistakes. Since funerals are fraught with dark emotion, you don’t want your words to result in more sadness, hurt feelings, resentment, or even anger. As such, it is vital to do some careful preparation when you’re writing your eulogy.
Though planning a loved one’s funeral services can be a daunting task, you can make it an extra memorable event with the right music. After all, music is not just sound. It is in itself a universal language that’s renowned for soothing the soul. In fact, it is so powerful that it can transcend languages. Read more
