8 Items You Can Bring to a Funeral

Posted on January 3, 2022 by McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. under funeral home
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Funeral Homes in Loudonville, NY

Funeral Homes in Loudonville, NY, recognize that while the role of those closest to the loss may seem pretty clear-cut, it’s not always so for funeral guests.

Hence, out of their extensive experience on the subject, they seek to help people ease the confusion on this small yet meaningful aspect of this generally challenging period.

Whether you are a friend, relative, or acquaintance of the deceased, here is a guide on what you can take to that funeral if you have the chance.

1. Tissues or handkerchief

You’d think this part was obvious, but funerals can be a real tear-jerker. Even if you believe you won’t be doing a lot of crying, it’s best to have some tissues with you just in case. You can also hand them out to others who do if it turns out you don’t need them.

Also, depending on the weather and your needs, additional accessories like a pair of sunglasses or an umbrella may come in handy.

2. Flowers or plants

Flowers are also common gifts people bring or send ahead of the funeral day unless otherwise stated by the family.

You can get a bouquet or a single flower, depending on what speaks more to your relationship with the deceased or exemplifies their personality.

And if it’s another type of plant that checks these boxes, you can bring that too. As long as you’re sure the family will appreciate it.

3. Something on the “in lieu of flowers” list

Some families who are not fans of flowers, either for personal, cultural, religious, or charitable reasons, suggest alternatives in their obituary or funeral invitation.

If they don’t, ask their funeral director or whoever is taking questions for that list and pick whichever works for you.

4. Funeral guest book

Also known as a memorial guestbook, the organizer can provide this for people not just for attendance entry but also for tribute, memories of the person, and condolence messages.

5. Sympathy gifts

A sympathy gift can be as simple as a personalized card or handwritten note about fond stories or memories you share with the deceased. Some people add memorial items like a trinket, customized jewelry, or plaque.

Gift cards for essential items also work.

It can be to a nearby restaurant, self-care, household items they may be too grief-stricken to worry about, grief support resources. Whatever feels right.

6. Photos

A photo of or with the deceased also works irrespective of your role in the funeral. However, if you are not part of the organizers, you might want to stick with photographs you’re sure the family doesn’t have. Maybe something of a memento to a unique experience cherished by the deceased.

Even if it doesn’t eventually feature in the event, their loved ones will undoubtedly be grateful for it in the days and months to come.

7. Food

Food, like flowers, is another traditional present people give after a death. I’d take care to read the room, though, so you can know what serves the family better.

For example, are many people bringing the same type of food as you? Would non-perishable edible items serve them better, or should you opt for a gift card instead?

8. A donation

You can hardly go wrong with a donation. It works as a lone gift or in addition to other items. You can be proactive about it by giving it to the family to help with funeral arrangement costs.

Alternatively, one can liaise with the funeral home to see if the family has designated a cause or donate to a charity of your choosing in honor of the departed.

Funeral Homes in Loudonville, NY

Whatever you decide to bring to a funeral, do it thoughtfully and take care not to let them distract from the main event.

Still have questions? Funeral Homes in Loudonville, NY, are generally willing to help people out through these times. Reach out to the professionals at McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. via call or visit this address today.