What To Say to Guests at a Funeral of Your Loved One

Knowing what to say to guests at a funeral of your loved one can be challenging. After all, you’re there to bid farewell to someone who meant the world to you. Because of this solemn reality, it might be difficult to find the right words to show each guest gratitude, compassion, and understanding. 

However, those who show their support should know that you see them, you hear them, and you care. Let’s simplify this process and help you find the words. Below we’ve provided some advice on how to handle various conversations that might occur. Our ardent hope is that it will help you and your loved ones.

Express Your Appreciation and Gratitude

You should show your appreciation and gratitude for each of the attendees at the service. You can greet them at the door with a few kind words, such as:

• Thank you for showing your support today.
• We’re happy to have you here during this difficult time. 
• I’m sure they (the deceased) would have been delighted to see you here. 

Shake their hands, embrace them, whatever feels most comfortable for you. The idea is to show them that you’re grateful for their presence. We understand that it can be tiring—and in some cases, impossible—to address every guest individually.

In these scenarios, it’s best to hand out thank you cards, memorial keepsakes, or both that express your gratitude and make your loved ones feel appreciated and seen.

Show Them Compassion for Their Grief

As the person closest to your lost loved one, you’re likely facing the brunt of losing them. But it’s important to remember that everyone in attendance is experiencing their own sense of loss and grief. For this reason, it’s essential to show them compassion and let them know you understand how they’re feeling. Again, it’s not always realistic to address every attendee.

But there are still meaningful things you can do to allow your guests to express their grief for the person they’ve lost. Consider investing in a memorial register book, for example. These unique keepsakes come with pages for each attendee to fill out with their name, information, and favorite anecdotes about your dearly departed.

This is a simple yet powerful way to give your guests a place to express their thoughts and emotions. Plus, you can refer to the pages later and use the contents to write heartfelt letters once the service is over.

Be Prepared for Questions

Finally, some of your guests may have questions about the nature of your loved one’s passing or how you’re holding up emotionally. It’s natural for people to have questions. But the day of the funeral isn’t always the most ideal or even appropriate time to ask.

Even still, if you anticipate being approached with these questions, it’s imperative you plan your response. For instance, you might hand out obituary cards that clearly explain the details of your loved one’s passing. If a guest asks you about memorial services and how you’re doing, tell them, “Thank you for your concern, but I am not ready to address those things yet.”

Knowing what to say to guests at a funeral of your loved one can feel complicated. But hopefully, we’ve provided some insight into how to address your attendees compassionately and appreciatively.