What happens to all those flowers you receive at the funeral? What are some ways your family can acknowledge those who were extra kind as you mourned your loved one lost? Funerals aren’t an everyday occurrence, so it can be difficult to know what to do afterward.

There are so many people who reach out to us after the loss of a loved one. How do we tell them how much that means to us as we naturally work through the various stages of grief?

If you want to know more about post funeral etiquette, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services, who answers questions on this topic.

Knowing what to do after a funeral can be as stressful as making arrangements at the funeral chapel. This episode is an opportunity to have your questions answered by an industry leader.

What to Do with Flowers after a Funeral Service

The episode begins with Valerie explaining some options for what to do with an abundance of flowers received for a funeral or memorial once the service is over.

In addition to options for services held at the funeral chapel, Valerie also offers suggestions for when the funeral is held at a different venue in the Vancouver area.

Flowers and live plants are a nice gesture. When many remain after a memorial service or funeral, the funeral home director can suggest how to handle the abundance of blossoms.

Who Gets a Thank-You Card after the Funeral?

Then Valerie segues to the topic of post-funeral correspondence. She answers questions such as:

- When is it okay to not write a thank you card after a funeral?
- Is there a deadline for sending post-funeral correspondence?
- Do I have to write out every thank-you note that I plan to send?

Now ask yourself these two things: Is my assumption of what’s expected of me after a funeral overwhelming? Could I use reassurance about proper post funeral etiquette?

If you answered “yes” to either or both of these questions, then the information in this episode of the podcast may help ease your mind after celebrating the life of a departed loved one.

Additional Tips for Sending Acknowledgements

Next Valerie continues with the topic of acknowledgements, addressing some appropriate alternates to handwritten thank you notes that you might use - including tips for using social media.

Valerie uses experiences from working in the funeral home industry to offer conversation starters you can use when reaching out to express gratitude after a funeral.

Some people are unable to attend the service, for whatever reason. Valerie reveals a sentimental touch you can share with people in this situation after a funeral service.

The episode wraps up with Valerie reminding that this shouldn’t be a stressful situation, and she offers some final tips on the matter.

Do You Want to Learn More about Post Funeral Etiquette?

Are you ready to hear all of Valerie’s advice about etiquette that extends beyond the funeral service? Do you have questions that may not be answered in this episode? Leave your thoughts and personal experiences below. We look forward to discussing them with you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1