If You Have Been Invited to a Memorial, you Might be Wondering How to Contribute, so Here are Five Ways
If you have been invited to memorial services at one of the funeral homes in Berkley, MI, you may not know how to not only prepare for it but what to bring to the event. Gift-giving etiquette around memorials is typically straightforward, but it can vary depending on the religion or culture of the deceased. While most services won’t need you to bring anything but yourself, here’s a guide on traditional gifts to provide.
Should You Bring a Gift?
While it may not be required, in most cases, bringing a gift to the services is the right choice, and a few of the most traditional options are:
Flowers
Flowers are the most common and popular choice to bring to memorials, and they are seen as a way to honor the individual that has passed away. Florists referred to them as sympathy flowers, and the most common types include:
- Chrysanthemums
- Carnations
- Lilies
- Orchids
- Roses
Food
In most cultures, it is traditional to bring food to the services because it helps remove some of the additional stress of the grieving family and gives them one less thing to worry about. Bringing a meal to the services can help remove some of the pressure, and some popular choices are:
- Casseroles
- Baked goods or desserts
- Specialty dishes
- Meat and cheese trays
- Beverages
Sympathy Cards
Another simple option is to provide a sympathy card for the family, which can be combined with the flowers or as a singular gesture. Your expression doesn’t need to be long, and you can keep your condolences short; it can be a thoughtful gesture to include a gift card for grocery stores, coffee shops, or a favorite restaurant.
Items to Avoid Bringing
While you might consider a gift, a thoughtful gesture, not every type of gift is appropriate for funerals. Knowing what to bring is crucial so here are just a few items that should not be brought to the services.
Loud Devices
While it is common practice for individuals to bring their phones with them when they go to services, leaving any noisy items at home is recommended. If you need to bring the device with you, be sure to put it on silent and be respectful if you need to use it at the event.
Expensive Items
Expensive gifts are typically inappropriate to bring to the funeral; most should only be between $20 and $100. Bringing something more costly than that could make the family uncomfortable and become a distraction from the services. Sometimes the best gift is just attending the services and considering asking to help with set up, purchasing food, or helping at the family’s home instead.
Your Team of Trusted Experts
Knowing what to bring to the services is not always clear, and it’s best to reach out to the coordinator or family to see if there’s anything they need support with. Funeral homes in Berkley, MI, can offer you exceptional resources, and our team is here to support you. We are locally owned and have been providing expert care since 1906, so contact us today.
