Losing a loved one is never a good occurrence for anyone. It delivers a lot of sadness, grief and a sense of emptiness. The burial service is one of the essential ceremonies where the family and friends get the final chance to bid goodbye to the departed soul.
ACT RESPONSIBLY AT A BURIAL SERVICE:
If you are invited to the burial, you are expected to share the sorrow with the family. You must be well-dressed, groomed and well-behaved to show your solidarity. Even if you have attended many funerals or burials in Aberdeen, you might avoid making little mistakes that dent your reputation.
ETIQUETTE RULES DURING A BURIAL IN ABERDEEN:
In this blog, you can find more about burial etiquette. These will help you remain on your best behaviour throughout the process.
Be On Time: If you are known for your late arrival everywhere, you must improve yourself for an event like a burial. This is not an event where showing up late is acceptable. The burial ceremony should not be stopped or interrupted due to your arrival. It is an important rule that you must follow at funerals as well.
Things to Wear: While wearing a black dress during an event of sorrow is quite the norm, you can experiment with the shades. However, show up with something other than bright-coloured apparel. Watch the footwear and the hat that you will be wearing. It is not the perfect event to dress in flip-flops or other fancy shoes. Women should take care in choosing their tops as well.
Things to Say: The burial is where you should see your words and try to control your emotions. You will naturally offer words of condolences to the family of the deceased, so try to keep it simple. Express your feelings about the death, but choose the terms carefully. Do not compare or equate the loss with any of your past experiences.
Be Sympathetic: It may be possible that some people in the burial service may not know you or your association with the deceased. You may face this if you benefit from your past colleague. In situations like these, you should be more sympathetic in your approach. Introduce yourself with your name and how you knew the departed. Express your condolences and move on as the burial service ends.
Avoid Distracting Behaviours
During a burial service, it is important to minimise any actions that might divert attention from the ceremony. This includes silencing your phone completely and avoiding the temptation to check it. Refrain from chatting unnecessarily, even in whispers, as it can disturb those nearby. If you have young children with you, ensure they understand the importance of remaining quiet and respectful. Avoid unnecessary movements such as pacing or repeatedly leaving and re-entering the service area. Your goal is to blend into the moment and allow the family to grieve without disruption. By staying still, focused, and attentive, you contribute to the dignity of the occasion and help create a respectful environment for everyone present.
Respect Cultural and Religious Traditions
Different families may follow specific cultural or religious customs during a burial. Before attending, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these practices, especially if you are from a different background. In some cases, certain gestures, prayers, or clothing styles may be expected, while in others, there may be rituals involving flowers, incense, or readings. Even if the customs are unfamiliar to you, participate respectfully and follow the lead of others. If unsure, quietly ask a close family member or the funeral director for guidance before the service begins. Respecting traditions shows your understanding and consideration, making the family feel supported. It also helps avoid any unintentional offence during an already emotional and sensitive time.
Offer Practical Help
While words of sympathy are valuable, offering practical help can be even more meaningful to grieving families. This might include helping with seating arrangements, guiding other guests, or assisting elderly attendees to their places. Sometimes, small gestures—such as carrying flowers, holding an umbrella, or passing tissues—can be a huge comfort. If the family has many guests to manage, offer to take on simple tasks so they can focus on the ceremony. Be discreet in your approach and avoid making your assistance a distraction. These thoughtful actions will be remembered long after the day has passed, as they demonstrate care, compassion, and a genuine willingness to ease the family’s burden during a difficult time.
Maintain Composure
Funerals and burials are emotionally charged events, and it is natural to feel sadness. However, it is important to maintain your composure to avoid placing additional emotional strain on the family. If you feel overwhelmed, take a quiet moment away from the main gathering to compose yourself before returning. This ensures the focus remains on honouring the deceased rather than managing heightened emotions. Avoid outbursts or dramatic displays of grief, especially if you were not closely related to the deceased. Your role is to provide comfort and stability to those most affected by the loss. A calm presence can be deeply reassuring, allowing the family to process their grief in a peaceful and supportive atmosphere.
These are the etiquettes that you should follow at a burial service. If you want a professional source to help you arrange the event during your tough times, call Victoria Funeral Home. We are an independent arranger and director of funerals and burials in Aberdeen. You can expect all types of help from our team of experts. For more details, you can contact us today.