Attending a funeral
Last reviewed: September 2026
Going to a funeral can feel daunting, especially if it's your first, or if you're not sure what's expected. The most important thing is simply that you came. Families rarely remember what anyone wore or said - they remember who was there.
These guides take you through it, from deciding whether to go to supporting the family afterwards.
Deciding whether to go
Who's welcome, bringing children, and what to do if you can't make it
What to wear
The usual dress code, when families ask for something different, and customs in different faiths
Getting to the funeral
Timing, parking, and travelling from further away
The funeral procession
What happens when the funeral cars arrive
What happens at a funeral service
Where to sit, what to expect, and the moments that catch people off guard
After the funeral
The wake, what to say, and how to keep supporting the family
Funeral etiquette
The unwritten rules, and customs across different faiths
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
For free helplines and charities, see bereavement support and charities.