Virtual Funeral Services: Etiquette 101

Although many people may know the proper etiquette to follow when it comes to attending a funeral service in person, less know about what rules they should follow when the service is held virtually. Some of these etiquette guidelines are the same if you are attending a service in person in a funeral home in Longview, TX., with virtual services having a few different rules to follow. To ensure you practice good etiquette, keep reading to learn what to do (as well as what not to do) for a virtual service.

Show Up On Time

Just as it is rude to show up late in person, it is also considered rude to show up late virtually. When attending a virtual service, make sure you are at your computer at least ten minutes early. This will give you time to get settled, log in to whichever platform the service is being held on, and have the host allow you access. You also want to give yourself extra time in case there are any technical issues you need to resolve.

Let People See You

Maybe for work Zoom meetings you can get away with no cameral and just the microphone, but for a virtual service, you want your camera to be turned on. Having your camera on shows that you are there and present to what is going on. If you have to leave your computer for a few minutes, you could turn your camera off, but make sure to turn it on as soon as you return.

Don’t Forget That You are on Camera

Having your camera on means you need to be conscious of what you are doing, and what else is going behind you. Make sure you are not doing anything distracting such as eating, writing notes, playing on your phone, or doing any other multitasking. Make sure your full focus is on the service.

To help attendees not get distracted, make sure your environment is free from things that may take the focus off the service an onto you. For example, your dog may be the cutest one in the world, but now is not the time for it to run in the room and jump up on your lap.

Make Sure Your Microphone is Off

While you want your camera on so that the host and other attendees can see you, you want to make sure your microphone is on mute. Even if you are alone in your home and feel as nothing will make any noise, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to take the chance only to have your smart phone go off because of a notification you received.

Final Thoughts

While virtual services were being held more frequently in the peak times of Covid-19, many families are still continuing to choose this option. This could be due to budget or allowing access to those who wish to attend but cannot travel to still get to gain access.

Whether you are attending an in-person service in a funeral homes in Longview, TX., or attending a virtual service, making sure you practice proper etiquette will ensure you show respect and help make the service nicer for all who attend. Visit our facilities now and have the talk of a lifetime.