What do you say at the opening of a funeral?

OPENING WORDS:
Family and friends, I welcome you into this gathering which is made sacred with the spirit of love and friendship you bring to this gathering. On behalf of Elizabeth's family I would like say “thank you” so very much, to all of you who have come to be with them today.


How do you start a funeral?

How to plan a funeral step-by-step
  1. Contact the deceased's legal representative. ...
  2. Select a funeral home. ...
  3. Choose a form of disposition. ...
  4. Choose a service type. ...
  5. Choose a location for the funeral service. ...
  6. Find and schedule a clergy member or officiant. ...
  7. Select a casket. ...
  8. Select a burial container and/or vault.


What is an appropriate greeting for a funeral?

When you do greet people, don't feel like you have to have a lengthy conversation. Simply saying hello and thanking people for coming is sufficient.


What do you say at a funeral speech?

Short Eulogy Examples

What were the most memorable times you spent together? Sum up the person's character using a story or memory. Express your gratitude for the impact the person had on your life. Talk about their influence on family and community.

What should you not say at a funeral speech?

A remembrance speech is not the platform through which to refer to inappropriate memories or to tell tales. Leave out any mentions of questionable behaviour or long-held grudges. A eulogy is not an opportunity to “roast” the deceased.


What should I say at a funeral?



How do you introduce yourself at a funeral speech?

Start with an introduction

For your opening statement, introduce yourself and who you were to the deceased. For example: “Hello everyone, for those of you that don't know me, I'm Jim and I'm Flora's oldest grandchild.”

What do you say at the beginning of a memorial service?

An introduction should acknowledge everyone in attendance, introduce yourself and your relationship to the deceased, and thank everyone for attending. The introduction will also help set the tone for your eulogy. Yet, don't feel locked into the introduction.

What is the most comforting thing to say at a funeral?

“I'm so sorry about your loss. [The deceased] was a good person and they'll be very missed.” “Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.” “[The deceased] was a wonderful person and I'll miss them very much.”


What is the best condolence short message?

Short condolence messages for your family member

Know that we are thinking of you, remembering (Name) and celebrating his/her/their life. (Name) will always be in our hearts and memories. (Name) will leave a huge hole in all our lives. The family won't be the same without him/her/them.

Who speaks first at a funeral?

The speech is ideally given by someone who knew the person well enough to gather and share memories and highlights of his/her life. Sometimes the choice is obvious within the family. There is often one person who seems to be the unofficial family spokesperson.

What happens at the beginning of a funeral?

The visitation, or wake, is when guests come to pay their respects to the deceased and spend time with the family. The body is typically displayed in a casket (which may be open or closed) at the front of the room. Visitation usually takes place the day of or the day before the funeral ceremony.


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 can I say instead of thoughts and prayers?

What You Can Say Instead of Sending 'Thoughts and Prayers'
  • I'm here for you. ...
  • My favorite memory of your loved one is... ...
  • I am so sad to hear about your loss. ...
  • They always told me so much about you. ...
  • I'm only a phone call away. ...
  • I'm thinking of you today. ...
  • I am so sorry. ...
  • We will miss them so much.


What is a heartfelt condolence?

my heartfelt condolences: I'm truly sorry for you, I'm sad about your loss. idiom. heartfelt: sincere, genuine, profound, emotional.


What is a good sentence for condolence?

Our sincere condolences go to her family and friends at this difficult time. The airline offered its condolences but would not give full details for privacy reasons. He will remain in our thoughts and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Our condolences and sympathy go to his family.

What can you say at a funeral instead of flowers?

Alternative sympathy gift ideas to funeral flowers
  • A memory book/album. Putting together a book of memories for the deceased's family can be a beautiful gift alternative to flowers. ...
  • Bench tribute or plaque. ...
  • Charity donation. ...
  • Food. ...
  • Self-care gifts.


What do you say in a viewing line?

When attending a visitation, here are examples of what you can say to the family:
  • My condolences.
  • I'm really sorry you're going through this.
  • Your mom was a wonderful woman.
  • You loved him/her well.
  • I'm thinking of your family during this difficult time.


What are comforting things to say?

Show them you sympathise by saying:
  • "It sounds like you're dealing with a lot at the moment"
  • "I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling like this right now"
  • "I'm really glad you're sharing this with me"


How do you start a memorial tribute?

6 Incredible Tips to Writing a Good Funeral Tribute
  1. Start With a Plan. Before you start writing your tribute to the deceased, make a plan. ...
  2. Stick to a Conversational Tone. When you are preparing your funeral tributes words keep your tone conversational. ...
  3. Be Brief. ...
  4. Think of the Audience. ...
  5. Tell a Story. ...
  6. End on a Positive Note.


What is the most common thing said at a funeral?

Offering Condolences: What to Say at a Funeral
  • “I am so sorry for your loss”
  • “You and your loved one are in my thoughts and prayers”
  • “This is so sad to hear, I'm thinking of you and the family”
  • “If you want to talk at any time, I'm here”
  • “Shocked and saddened by this news if you need anything I'm here”


What are one word prayers?

Meditation is a universal practice - as you repeat a single word or scriptural phrase, you interiorise its meaning and 'descend from the mind into the heart and there, behold your God'. This form of prayer is termed as 'monologistic' and is well-known in the eastern traditions of Christianity.

What are the 3 basic expressions of prayer?

The Church gives us three major expressions of prayer to help us develop this relationship with God. These expression of prayer are: vocal, meditative, and contemplative.

How do you say our thoughts are with you?

How to Say 'My Thoughts Are With You' After a Death
  1. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. ...
  2. My deepest sympathies. ...
  3. I'm so sorry to hear about (the deceased person's) death. ...
  4. I was heartbroken when I found about the death of [name].


What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?

"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.

Who usually gives the eulogy at a funeral?

There is no hard and fast rule as to who should give the eulogy speech at a funeral. It's typically given by those who were particularly close, or had a special relationship with, the loved one who passed. It could be a best friend, a spouse, a child or grandchild, or even a co-worker.
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