04/13/2026
Always Arrive 15 Minutes Early for a Funeral Service
Funeral services are a place to gather, pay respects and support the family. As well-wishers, we communicate our condolences and share in their loss. For many reasons, it is important to make sure we do not in any way place any extra burden on the family at this time.
The family’s feelings of grief and mourning are intense immediately following the death of a loved one. Many describe a feeling of numbness as they come to terms with a new reality. On the day of the service, they are emotionally distraught, exhausted from a lack of sleep and juggling what feels like a million tasks.
Even with the support of the funeral home, the family may feel overwhelmed and for those who have never planned a funeral service, this unknown world may hold a lot of anxiety.
While funeral directors will assist every step of the way, the family still likes to play an active role to ensure everything runs smoothly. There is only one chance to make the funeral as meaningful as possible, to aid in the journey of grief.
Anyone who may have been given a specific role, such as speaker, pallbearer or usher, should arrive extra early, as directed by the family or funeral director. For all other attendees, please be courteous and arrive at least 15 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin. Allow extra time for road conditions and even finding parking at the funeral home. The last five minutes before the service should be reserved for the family to compose themselves before bidding farewell to their beloved. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is latecomers.
© L. R. Giberson Funeral Directors/CFHC Online
