Should I or Shouldn't I Go to the Funeral

Formal invitations aren’t issued for funerals so it can be difficult to decide whether you want to attend or not. The general rule of thumb is to attend if the event is accepting guests. If someone from the grieving family provides you with details regarding a funeral like a date, time, location, etc., it can mean they want you to attend. At Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, we recommend you consider the factors mentioned below:

When You Should Attend a Funeral

If you know the decedent and are close to the family, it’s a good idea to attend as it shows support to people left behind while offering some closure as well. If you don’t know the deceased individual or weren’t close to them but are close to a grieving loved one left behind, attend the event to support them. Sometimes people are uncomfortable at funerals, especially if they weren’t close to the decedent. Bringing a friend or family member to the event can help.

When You Shouldn’t Attend a Funeral

Sometimes these events are for family only; so attending it is unwise under these circumstances. If you suspect your presence will cause discomfort or additional grief, it’s best to stay away and visit the gravesite later to offer respect. If you feel conflicted about it, take time to determine if this decision will cause any regrets down the line.

Complicated relationships can make attending a funeral uncomfortable for everyone involved. Sometimes it’s right to let go of these complications to attend while other times it can do more harm than good. If a funeral is held out of town or a great distance away, base the decision on your relationship with the deceased.

If you want to know about end-of-life conversations or want to arrange a funeral, contact us at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. You can call us at (928) 855-4949 or (928) 753-2555 or use this form to contact us.