Unable to Attend a Funeral?
There are many reasons why you may not be able to go to a funeral, but there are also many ways to participate even if you cannot attend a funeral service in person. Saying goodbye to a loved one plays a significant part in the process of accepting their death and starting to come to terms with life without the person you loved in it. It is therefore important to be involved in some way.
CPJ Field have been Funeral Directors since 1690 and families often come to us with friends or family members in different parts of the country, or abroad. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can join in without being physically close to the funeral location and we always fully support this.
We have produced a practical guide - Unable to Attend a Funeral? which gives advice on:
Reasons for not attending a funeral
It is certainly not a given that everyone can attend a funeral service and it is not disrespectful if you cannot be there in person. We look at why you might not be able to attend.
How to let the family know that you cannot attend a funeral service
There are several ways to let the family know that you cannot attend the funeral. The option you choose may depend on the relationship you had with the deceased person and have with the bereaved family.
Ways to participate as a close family member if you cannot attend a funeral service
You can help in advance of the funeral if you cannot attend. Family members can help with the organisation from a distance, which could include administrative duties, such as contacting friends and other family members.
What to do on the day of the funeral or after the funeral if you cannot attend a funeral service
From joining on a live stream to holding your own private memorial at home, we look at what you can do on the day of the funeral if you cannot attend.
How can CPJ Field help with your funeral arrangements?
There are many ways to participate even if you cannot attend a funeral service and mourn in the more traditional sense of being there in person. Visit our guide ‘Unable to Attend a Funeral?’ to help you find ways you can really support family and friends at this difficult time.
If you are struggling to come to terms with not being able to attend a funeral in person, please check our bereavement support page.
