All about the Etiquettes of Post-Funeral Reception

Funeral reception is undoubtedly much different from all other types of reception, and you need to know the decorum so that you can be more presentable. People are often found confused about the dos and don’ts for this post-funeral reception. So here are a few tips you can follow:

1. Get the Complete Information from the Host or Coordinator

The host may arrange a reception in a separate place, not in their home or the church. Feel free to ask the time and place of the reception your host forget to mention these. In most of the cases, the host invites you over the phone, so, try to ask everything quickly and do not forget to share condolences then.

Keep in mind that all who have attended the funeral are not at all invited for the reception, so attend only if you get the invitation.

2. All About The Gifts

Remember that it is not a wedding ceremony or a birthday party. If you want to bring gifts, go for a simple sympathy card. Make sure a thoughtful message is written on the card. You can offer food as a gift too for the bereaved family for the mourning period. Some people do not like a gift, and you can do charity in the name of the deceased person. Write about this in a note. Try not to talk about this during the meal.

3. Dress Code

There are no hard and fast rules regarding the dress of post-funeral reception. You may not wear a black suit or a black dress. But don’t dress up as if you are going to a party. Avoid the funky dress and try to wear simple formal outfits.

4. Do Not Hurry

When you are attending a post-funeral reception, you must know that the family members of the deceased will be served first. So, let them have the meal first and wait until they have finished. Till then, have you can sit silently, or you can have a simple conversation in a lower tone with others.

5. Eat With Decency

Keeping in mind the occasion is not a happy one, you need to eat lightly. People often tend to eat as if a free meal is offered to them; indeed, it looks very bad. Try to limit the quantity of food even if it is a buffet.

6. Lower Your Voice Throughout

Remember that it is not the place of gossips or fun-filled stories. Keep a sombre tone while talking even if you are excited to see someone after a long time.

7. Have A Control Over Your Behavior

Maybe you are much close to the bereaved family, but when you attend the reception, do not expect a warm welcome from them. Also, do not give any loud expression on the day of reception to them; rather, a compassionate hug will be enough here.

8. Mobile Manners

Keep your mobile in silent mode. It is possible that you got an urgent call; in this case, you can go outside of the reception area to talk. Also, remember not to keep talking over the call for hours and try to join the conversation with the family members of the deceased person or other guests soon.

9. Keep the Surroundings Clean

Before you start the meal, look for the dish-picker trash. It looks extremely odd to ask about it while eating. If you are unable to find it or you find the trash Is already filled, wait but don’t place the dish anywhere you like.

10. Keep Your Eyes on Your Child

If you take your child to this post-funeral reception, keep your eyes on him or her. If he or she is getting extremely naughty, do not rebuke him or her at the reception, rather, go outside with your child. Alternatively, you can tell the host to excuse you, so that you can leave the place.

You have to remember that the bereaved family is offering a meal to you in memory of the deceased person, so it is better to spend time in the reception remembering or talking about that person. At the time of leaving, don’t forget to bid goodbye and share condolences again with the bereaved family members.