is Applause appropriate at a Funeral?
When is it appropriate to applaud at a funeral? My answer would be anytime, provided it was appropriate.
Funeral etiquette is not as strict as it used to be. Funerals were once guided by rigid codes of conduct, especially when held in a Church, but nowadays there is a less clear-cut definition of what a funeral should be. The tone of proceedings is decided by the kind of funeral the family chooses. The less conventional the funeral, the more likely it is that traditions will become irrelevant to that service.
It is important that the celebrant understands the situation and assesses if an applause would be appropriate. But they also have the ability to give people permission to be a little light hearted.
During most ceremonies there will be a moment were an applause could be appropriate.
Of course, there will be times where it is just too sad to contemplate an applause, so please be mindful of those times.
If the deceased was a person who loved the attention, and was often the speaker at family events, then I often suggest to the family that a round of applause at the end of the ceremony as we escort the coffin out. This has been a relief for families who just don’t realise that it is not only possible, but a welcome light hearted moment.
If during the ceremony there has been a few laughs along the way, I often ask the guests to give the speakers a clap. It is a huge accomplishment for many speaker so thanking them in this way is appropriate.
The celebrant has the ability to set the tone for the ceremony. Please don’t make is sadder than it has to be. Undoubtedly there is a need to acknowledge the death but I believe there are many funerals that do better with less conventional protocol.