What to Take for a Funeral

This is part of our complete guide on how to prepare for a funeral.

Attending a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when planning what to bring. While many assume attending a funeral involves simply showing up to pay respects, there are thoughtful items you may wish to consider bringing to offer support, comfort or respect. Bridgwater Funerals helps you know the essentials of what to bring to a funeral, highlights the most appropriate items, and touches on whether bringing gifts is suitable.

It is important to remember that your presence alone is enough to honour the deceased. It is important to remember that your presence alone is enough to honour the deceased. The only things we don't advise bringing to a funeral include alcohol and extravagant gifts. It's essential to keep it simple and focused on honouring the deceased. There are items you might find helpful or thoughtful to take along, including:

A sympathy card is a classic and thoughtful way to express your condolences. Whether you hand-deliver it to the family during the service or send it beforehand, writing a heartfelt note can comfort grieving loved ones. Consider sharing a memory or words of support while keeping the tone appropriate.

Funerals are emotional occasions, and tears are often inevitable. Bringing tissues or a handkerchief is a simple but practical item to have on hand for yourself or to offer to others.

Flowers remain a traditional gesture of respect and remembrance. You can bring a bouquet on the day or arrange for them to be sent directly to the funeral home. If the family has requested donations instead of flowers, follow those wishes to honour their preferences.

If you're comfortable doing so, sharing a cherished memory or story about the deceased can be a great source of comfort for the bereaved. Many services include guestbooks where attendees can write messages of condolence, which could be the perfect opportunity to share these thoughts.

Some families request charitable donations in place of flowers. If this is the case, bring cash or check for the collection, or arrange to donate directly to the designated charity.

Bridgwater Funeral Services understands funeral can be long and sometimes physically demanding. Bringing a few of these practical items can help make the day more comfortable:

• Umbrella: If the funeral includes an outdoor burial or if rain is forecast, having an umbrella will keep you dry and prepared.
• Sunglasses: Whether shielding your eyes from the sun or concealing your emotions, sunglasses can serve as a subtle and practical item to bring to a funeral.
• Comfortable Footwear: If attending a service by a graveside, in a woodland area, or any outdoor venue, consider wearing practical and comfortable shoes to ensure you can easily stand or walk.
• A Child's Toy or Comfort Item: If you're bringing a child to the service, a quiet toy or comforting item like a teddy bear can help keep them calm and settled during the emotional event.

While bringing gifts to a funeral is not essential, some forms of gifting are considered thoughtful and appropriate. It's wise to avoid overly elaborate or extravagant gifts, which may shift attention away from the solemnity of the day. Gifts with loud packaging or unrelated to the occasion should also be avoided. Some thoughtful gifts to bring include:

• Flowers or wreaths are traditional and can be brought to the service or sent beforehand.
• Charity donations are a meaningful way to honour the deceased's wishes, often requested in the funeral notice.
• Personalised mementos like a handwritten note or a cherished photo can provide lasting comfort to the grieving family.

Bridgwater Funerals offers various funeral services to ensure loved ones get the respect they deserve. We believe a funeral is about offering support, showing respect, and honouring the deceased individual. While bringing certain items or gifts can add to your meaningful presence, the most important thing is simply being there for the grieving family. If you still have questions about funeral preparations, feel free to contact Bridgwater Funeral Services for expert advice tailored to your needs.