Funeral Procession Etiquette
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April 1, 2019
If you will be attending a funeral service and you will take part in the procession that comes after it, in which either people drive or walk to escort the decease to the burial site, you may not have a clear idea to what to expect. As with any other part of the funeral service, the procession does have its etiquette rules. A Richmond, VA funeral home director can share the tips that you need to know before attending.
One of the most crucial things you need to remember is to arrive on time to the location from where the procession will begin. Usually, the funeral home director will provide instructions a few minutes before the start of the procession, so you need to be there, ready to listen. Be sure to follow all of the instructions. If you are not clear on anything, ask someone for help.
Once you get in your vehicle, be sure to turn on the lights. This is the sign that you are part of the procession, which will give you passage if the streets are crowded. If you are the last car in the procession, you will be asked to place two flags at the back of your vehicle and to drive with the hazard lights on.
It is important to follow the lead and stay in line. If the procession has a police escort, as many do, you will want to pay close attention to what they want the vehicles to do. Do not, for any reason, speed. Not only is this dangerous to those around you, but it is also disrespectful to those who are mourning and to the deceased. If the procession has to go through a busy street or a highway, try to keep no more than two cars away, but without speeding. Many times, this is easier than it sounds because people will gladly move ahead of them if they know you are part of the funeral procession.
If you are the last vehicle or if you are part of a procession in which all vehicles were given flags to place on their cars, you need to be careful with them. They are not yours to keep, but will instead be collected at the burial site. Show them respect and return them when it is time.
All of these tips can help you take part of a funeral procession without worries about breaking any rules of etiquette. It is essential that you be courteous to the family that is grieving and that you behave in a respectful manner. If you are ever confused as to what you should be doing, turn to the funeral director. He or she will be able to guide you. To learn more about these procession, reach out to a funeral home in Richmond, VA like Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service. They will be more than happy to assist you. Stop by their location at 6500 Iron Bridge Rd Richmond, VA 23234 or call them right now at (804) 275-7828.
