Attending a new event can always bring with it feelings of anxiousness. Even the most self-assured person can feel a bit intimidated when arriving into a new situation. This can be especially true when attending a funeral service for the first time. Not only are you undoubtedly experiencing feelings of grief and loss, but you may be feeling anxiety over not knowing where to sit, what to do, etc.  Luckily, if you take some time to find out what to expect, attending a service at funeral homes in Camden, SC. can be much less stressful.

If you have been invited to a funeral service, the first thing to know is to arrive early. Make it a goal to arrive at least 15 minutes before the services begin. This will give you plenty of time to find a place to park as well as a place to sit once you enter the location.

When you are walking into the room is when you might yourself getting the most nervous. You may start to feel stress about finding a seat or if you are sitting in the right area. Just breathe and know that the general rules are as follows:

• The right side of the room is for family and relatives
• The left side of the room is for friends and acquaintances
• The first few front rows are reserved for immediate family

These are general rules. If you accidentally sit on the wrong side of the room, nobody is going to fault you. If you see people you know and they invite you sit, feel free to join them. If not, find a seat anywhere after the first few rows and you should be fine.  

When the service starts you will typically hear music signifying the procession is starting. The processions starts with the casket being carried down the aisle by pallbearers. Following the casket will be the family. Once the casket is placed in the front of the room and the family has all taken their seats, the rest of the service will begin. 

During this portion of the service, you can refer to the memorial program you were most likely given when you arrived. This program outlines the service events as well as who they will be performed by.  Depending on the religion and preferences of the deceased and their family, there may be times where the guests participate.  

An example of this would be with prayers that are of a call-and-response type format. This is where the religious leader says one part, then guests say another. If you are familiar with the prayer, feel free to join along. If you are not comfortable with or simply do not know the prayer, it is fine to sit quietly.  

Once the service is over, if the graveside burial service is public, there will be an announcement stating that along with information and directions to the location. You can choose to go or simply pass. If there is no announcement, then the family most likely wishes to keep the burial service private, and you should not attend.  

While attending services at funeral homes in Camden, SC. can be intimidating, knowing what to expect can give you much more confidence in attending. Just remember that you are not the only one that is feeling a little nervous or lost and nobody is judging you.