Funeral Etiquette – The Cemetery

The decision to go to the cemetery after the funeral service is an individual one usually based on your relationship with the family.

Upon arriving at the cemetery, park and leave your vehicle to gather at the grave site as quickly as possible. This is not a time to socialize with others or begin a conversation with the immediate family. It is most respectful not to begin a conversation with the immediate family before, during, or after the grave side service.

Immediate family members will stand or sit closest to the casket with additional family and friends standing behind them.

Once the service is over, you may choose to place a flower on the casket before quietly leaving the grave site. It is most courteous to follow the family from the cemetery rather than leave before them.

The immediate family may want to have a private moment at the grave site before exiting. Please step away and allow them to have their privacy.