In addition to the funeral, many families also hold wakes for their loved ones. Less formal than the service, wakes allow friends and family to support each other, share in their grief, and remember the deceased fondly. Food and drinks are often served, and the tone can range from somber to humorous. If you've never attended a wake before, these etiquette tips can help ensure that you and others have a meaningful experience. 

Do:

Offer condolences respectfully.

The purpose of a wake is to support the family who recently lost a loved one, so it's traditional to offer condolences upon your arrival. Be sincere when paying respects by using genuine praise of the deceased. If they were a humorous person, recall how they brightened the lives of many others. If they were passionate about charitable causes, remark on their dedication to helping others. Try to keep statements brief, as the family will be receiving condolences from many people. 

Bring a gift.

Along with offering condolences, bringing a gift is a great way to show compassion for the family. Flowers and cards are both lovely and appropriate in this respect, but you can also bring along food or drinks to help ease the burden of the people holding the wake. If you aren't sure, send a message to a close friend of the family to ask how you can help. 

Don't:

Dress informally.

If the wake isn't held immediately after the funeral, you'll need to consider what type of attire is appropriate. While you don't need to dress as formally as you would for the memorial service, you should avoid casual clothing such as jeans and t-shirts, light colors, or anything that reveals too much skin. Instead, choose conservative attire in dark colors. Business casual or church attire are both safe choices. 

Take photos or videos during the wake. 

Refrain from capturing photos or videos of mourners unless you receive their expressed permission. Many people find grief to be a deeply personal experience and may feel uncomfortable with someone photographing them. Use the same discretion when considering posting images to social media. 

Planning a funeral requires support and compassion. At E.C. Nurre Funeral Homes, Inc., the funeral directors ensure that you are guided with generosity, kindness, and sensitivity. With their services reaching across Amelia, New Richmond, and Bethel, OH, EC Nurre Funeral Homes also takes the time to individualize services for a true celebration of your loved one's life. Please call (513) 753-6130  for more information, or visit the website for a list of their services.