Wake/Funeral Etiquette?
Aug. 31st, 2008 11:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
asterrocA colleague of mine whom I didn't know well but respect greatly passed away yesterday. It was not unexpected - she was in hospice care for terminal cancer. And yet in early July she joined me and many others in the trip to Washington DC for the jumbo union meeting as a retired member. Hence some of my great respect.
I am planning to attend her wake and funeral on Tuesday. I have never been to such things as an adult. What do I need to know other than wear black (and not a cocktail dress)? The family has asked that instead of flowers that people make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Is a card expected? Should I bring flowers in addition to a donation? The only thing I know about the funeral service is that it will be conducted by another colleague of hers who is a Reverend.
I am planning to attend her wake and funeral on Tuesday. I have never been to such things as an adult. What do I need to know other than wear black (and not a cocktail dress)? The family has asked that instead of flowers that people make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Is a card expected? Should I bring flowers in addition to a donation? The only thing I know about the funeral service is that it will be conducted by another colleague of hers who is a Reverend.
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no subject
Date: 2008-09-01 03:48 am (UTC)I am sorry for your loss.
"gifts" are not mandatory or expected at funerals. Showing up empty handed is actually the norm, from my personal experiences. If they have requested a donation in lieu of flowers and you feel inclined to donate then please do.
Flowers aren't necessary since they requested the donation, and may have made private arrangements for flowers. A card sent to the family is nice, but since you were not close to the family, I'd personally forgo.