Is it wrong to take a picture at a funeral?

As a General Rule: No Photos Inside
Unless you have been specifically asked by the family of the deceased to do so, it is not appropriate to take pictures inside a funeral service or at a grave site. People in attendance at the funeral may be in mourning, or even crying, and taking photos is an invasion of privacy.


Why do people take pictures at a funeral?

There are some people who rely on images to remember funerals as well. During a time of intense grief and shock following a loss, it's not uncommon to forget the events of a funeral, or remember them incorrectly. Photo and video records can help keep the memory of this event alive.

Is it rude to take pictures at a cemetery?

Get permission and follow any rules laid down by the property owners. Cemeteries, temples, ruins, etc., are most likely owned and managed by some entity, whether it is a church, local government, historical society, etc. Be sure they are okay with you visiting and doing photography there.


Is it appropriate to take photos at a wake?

At the actual wake, you do not want to take any photos. It can be distracting for other people and it can be a bit disrespectful for the family of the deceased. People will be upset and grieving and they will not want to be in any photos, so you do not want to make them uncomfortable.

What to photograph at a funeral?

Photograph Special Moments to Celebrate the Person's Life

Make sure you're aware of this beforehand. Typically, you should photograph people carrying the coffin, paying their respects, burying the coffin, and saying their goodbyes.


Is Taking Pictures at a Funeral Going Too Far?



Is it OK to smile at a funeral?

It's not only okay to smile at a funeral but it's also encouraged, especially when greeting the bereaved. Seeing someone smile at us can help lift our spirits. It's also a nonverbal way of showing support.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.

How long will a casket last in the ground?

If the grave site is low on water content or moisture, metal caskets are known to last even longer, over five decades. Under favorable weather conditions, experts say that metal caskets may even last more than that – up to 80 years.


Is it normal to have a photographer at a funeral?

Funeral photography certain isn't right for everyone and you should never feel pressured to have a photographer at your funeral. You should, however, know that there is no taboo that says you cannot have someone present at the funeral to document the services.

Is it disrespectful to record a funeral?

Overall, it is best to avoid taking photos or video at a funeral, unless specifically asked to do so by the immediate family. Taking photos, selfies, or recordings of the funeral or services can be considered extremely disrespectful. Likewise, avoid posting on social media about the funeral.

What is considered disrespectful in a cemetery?

Touching monuments or headstones is extremely disrespectful and in some cases, may cause damage. For example, some older memorials might be in disrepair and could fall apart under the slightest touch. Be sure to walk in between the headstones, and don't stand on top of a burial place. Be respectful of other mourners.


What is disrespectful to do in a cemetery?

Respect the Graves

Don't touch any monuments or headstones; this is not only disrespectful, but may cause damage to the memorials, especially older ones. Never remove anything from a gravestone, such as flowers, coins, or tributes that have been left by family.

What should you not do when visiting a cemetery?

No running, yelling, or rolling around on the ground. This is not a place for childhood games. Don't let them play on any of the monuments. While it is good to get children used to paying respects at a cemetery, they often don't fully understand the meaning of everything in the cemetery.

Is it rude to be on your phone at a funeral?

Using your phone during a funeral or memorial service may be seen as an invasion of privacy for the grieving family and is therefore considered inappropriate. Even glancing at your device may give the impression that you are not present and could be construed as disrespectful during such a sensitive time.


When should you not go to a funeral?

5 reasons not to go to the funeral:

Your attendance at the service would be upsetting to any member of the immediate family. The services are private and not open to the public. The services are out of town and you cannot get there, or you cannot arrange for the time off work.

What is proper etiquette for a funeral?

Traditional funeral etiquette dictates that you should introduce yourself, starting with your name and how you knew the deceased. Express your condolences and move on. Don't monopolize the mourners. Give others a chance to share their support.

What should you not do at a funeral?

10 Things NOT to Do at a Funeral
  • 10 Things Not to Do at a Funeral. ...
  • Don't be late. ...
  • Don't dress for a club, party, or the beach. ...
  • Don't let your phone ring, chime, or ding. ...
  • Don't text, surf, or otherwise be glued to your cellphone. ...
  • Don't forget the purpose of the occasion. ...
  • Don't cause a scene.


What should you avoid at a funeral?

Things You Should NOT Do at a Funeral
  • Laugh out of turn. ...
  • Wear something revealing or loud. ...
  • Disrespect cues. ...
  • Make unnecessary noise. ...
  • Speak out of turn. ...
  • Applaud out of turn. ...
  • Yawn excessively. ...
  • Move around too much.


What should you not say at a funeral?

Here are some examples of what NOT to say at a funeral:

S/he has had a long meaningful life. Don't worry too much, you will be fine. I have been through this, and I'm sure you too can be fine. Look on the bright side, she is in a better place now.

Does water get into caskets?

"The water in the graves seriously affects the coffins already buried. Coffins are not watertight so when the grave fills with water it also fills the coffin, which decomposes and rots the bodies faster.


Do bugs get into caskets?

Unless a casket is made of metal and sealed with a material that won't degrade, bugs will eventually get inside.

Why do we bury six feet under?

The six feet under rule for burial may have come from a plague in London in 1665. The Lord Mayor of London ordered all the “graves shall be at least six-foot deep.” The order never said why six feet. Maybe deep enough to keep animals from digging up corpses.

Is the brain removed during embalming?

Do they remove organs when you are embalmed? One of the most common questions people have about embalming is whether or not organs are removed. The answer is no; all of the organs remain in the body during the embalming process.


Are eyes removed during embalming?

We don't remove them. You can use what is called an eye cap to put over the flattened eyeball to recreate the natural curvature of the eye. You can also inject tissue builder directly into the eyeball and fill it up. And sometimes, the embalming fluid will fill the eye to normal size.

Do morticians sew mouths shut?

Eyes and lips are not sewn or glued shut. During the embalming process, an "eye cap" is placed under each eyelid and over the eyeball. The eyes themselves may soften a little over time, but the eye cap helps to retain the shape of the eye. A Vaseline-like cream is placed on the lips to keep them together.