Helping You Feel Comfortable: What You Can Expect at a Funeral

If you have had a relative or close friend pass away, and are nervous about attending their funeral service, you are not alone. While this can be a difficult time due to the feelings of loss and sadness you are feeling, if you have never attended a funeral before, you might experience additional feelings of stress or anxiousness. Learning what you can expect at the service can go a long way in helping you feel comfortable. Whether the services are taking place in funeral homes in Freeport, IL , or another location, here is what to expect.

When you first arrive at the location, there may be attendants that direct you where to park. If you are going to be driving in the funeral procession that travels to the graveside after the service, the attendants will typically park your car in the order it arrived in the procession line.

If you are not going to be driving in the procession, the attendant may park your car for you in another designated area or direct you so that you can park it yourself. Because of this, it is always a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This gives you time to park and find seating before the services.

When you enter the room, you might be given a memorial program. This program is a printed pamphlet that outlines the events of the service. It may also have the deceased’s obituary as well as other information such as the list of pallbearers. You will take this program and find a seat.

A general rule of thumb when it comes to funerals is that the right side of the room is for family and relatives and the left side of the room is for friends, coworkers, etc. Also, never sit in the first few front rows on either side as those are reserved for immediate family.

The service begins with a procession down the center aisle. You will see the casket carried by the pallbearers and followed by the family. The casket will be carried and placed in the front of the room, and the family will take their seats. Once the family has all been seated, the services will continue.

While every service can have unique elements or be done in different ways, most follow the same format. This format includes:

At the end of the service, the information for the burial service may be announced. If it is not announced, the family wishes to keep it private. If you are not invited to the burial service, respect the family’s wishes and do not attend.

Although funeral homes in Freeport, IL. do everything possible to help the family and guests feel comfortable, attending a funeral for the first time can be daunting. Knowing what to expect before you go can ease some of the stress and let you focus more on honoring your loved one than feeling nervous about the service.

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