3 Funeral Etiquette tips *1. Walk in inconspicuously* *Meaning*: Enter quietly and without drawing attention to yourself. *Why*: A funeral is about the family and the person who passed, not about the guests. Walking in loudly, late, with your phone ringing, or in bright flashy clothes pulls focus away from them. *How to do it*: - Arrive on time or early - Sit toward the back if you’re late - Keep greetings low, hugs brief - Put phone on silent Think: blend in, don’t be the center of attention. *2. Don’t take photos of the deceased and the family grieving* *Meaning*: No pictures/videos of the body, casket, or family crying. *Why*: Grief is private and raw. Photos can feel exploitative and cause more pain later. Some cultures also see it as disrespectful to the dead. Plus, those images can circulate online without the family’s consent. *Rule of thumb*: If you wouldn’t want it posted of you on your worst day, don’t take it of others. If you need a photo for memory, ask a family spokesperson first, and only of the setup/decor, not people. *3. Don’t make negative insensitive comments on the remains* *Meaning*: Avoid comments about how the body looks, cause of death, or anything judgmental. *Examples to avoid*: - "They look so different" - "They died too young / because of X" - "Why didn’t they..." - Comparing to other funerals *Why*: The family is already hurting. Comments like that add guilt, shock, or shame on top of grief. *What to say instead*: - "I’m so sorry for your loss" - "They were loved" - "I’m here for you" - Or just sit with them in silence *Bottom line*: Funerals are about comforting the living and honoring the dead. Inconspicuous presence + no photos + kind words = respect. #griefjourney - @phionahthespeaker