Funeral Etiquette Australia

Knowing how to behave at a funeral, or around someone who is grieving, isn’t always easy, but in this blog, we share some guidance about funeral etiquette in Australia which may be of assistance.

Funeral Etiquette Australia

If you worry about how to handle yourself at a solemn event like a funeral or wake, then you’re definitely not alone.

We attend these events to support the relatives and loved ones of the deceased or to remember our dear friends who have lost their lives, and most people want to be considerate and not disrespectful in any way to those who are grieving.

With that being said, we’ve put together this blog which offers some advice on how to behave.

Attending a funeral etiquette

1. Be punctual

To ensure your arrival isn’t disruptive to mourners and the proceedings, it’s important to be at the venue well before the service begins.

Being on time is not only respectful, but it also means you will be able to find an appropriate seat without causing a disturbance in the middle of the event.

2. Pick your seat wisely

The relatives and closest friends of the deceased tend sit in the first few rows inside a chapel or church.

The extended family will then sit in the rows behind them, and at other acquaintances will sit towards to the middle or back of the venue.

 If you have to bring a small child to the service, or feel unwell, sit close to an exit in case you have to step outside unexpectedly.

3. Dress conservatively

A funeral is not the place to wear a distracting outfit, revealing item, or bright colour. (Unless, of course, the family of the deceased has specifically asked that you wear a particular colour or item their loved one adored.)

While most people still wear traditional black clothing to a funeral or wake, other dark colours, or modest outfits are becoming more acceptable.

Being well groomed for the event is also respectful, so that means it’s a good idea to ensure your clothes are clean and ironed, and that you look presentable.

4. Turn your phone off

It is not appropriate to check your phone in the middle of a service or to have it ring and interrupt the proceedings.

To prevent this from occurring, it’s best to turn your phone off or make sure it’s on silent (that includes all apps or reminders and alarms!).

It’s also not appropriate to post anything on social media about the service, unless you have permission from the immediate family or are responding to a picture or post they’ve shared.

Do you bring flowers to a funeral?

Bringing flowers to a funeral is not necessary, and more people tend to send them to the family in the days following a person’s death.

If you aren’t able to attend the funeral for some reason, you may wish to send flowers to the relatives along with a condolence card about not being at the funeral.

Furthermore, some families may have a specific request to donate to charity in place of flowers, so if this is the case, it’s best to follow their wishes.

Planning a Brisbane Funeral

Do you need help to plan a funeral in south-east Queensland, or would you like to find out more about our funeral services in Brisbane?

At Anton Brown Funerals, we always have a compassionate team member available to take your call, so please don’t hesitate to ring 07 3217 3088 when you’re ready to talk.