Traditionally funeral or  cremation services in Longview, TX, will be held in a facility such as a funeral home or church and will consist of family and friends coming together to grieve and express their condolences around the loss of the loved one. The idea is the same for a virtual gathering, but individuals will be in separate locations instead of together in one place.

Understanding how to navigate this process might be a little more complicated due to the fact that you must use a device to log in and participate, so here are some helpful suggestions.

What do you Do?

To get started at an online funeral, you will need a device such as a computer, tablet, or even a smartphone. If the event is going to be held with a specific program such as zoom, you will want to make sure that you download the application to your handheld device, so you can log on when it’s time.

Generally, like a typical funeral, you’ll have the time and date that the event will be taking place annually be sent a link that will send you to the right website so you can access the event and join in.

What if you Have to Participate?

In the situation where you’ve been asked to speak at the services, there will be some extra steps which include ensuring that you have a microphone connected. You will also want to make sure you have a camera, and we recommend having a friend or family member log in with you to make sure everything is working correctly.

You also want to prepare a short eulogy or some thoughts you would like to share about the loved one but keep it relatively straightforward to allow others to offer their stories. If you’re not speaking at the event, you may also want to utilize the chat feature to write any messages or words of support for the family.

What do you Wear?

An online event is no different than attending an in-person function. You will always want to consider the dress code and make sure that you are wearing respectful clothing that’s not loud or flashy, depending on the event. Traditionally it’s not uncommon to wear dark in neutral colors to avoid clothing like athletic apparel.

Sending Sympathy

In the virtual environment, you can still offer your sympathy and pay your respects to the family. Whether you do it through the chat, physical card, or social media, it’s beneficial to take the time to let them know you’re there in support. Another great option is to offer flowers, or depending on the need of the family, more tangible items like gift cards are acceptable.

Trusting Us Through the Years

East Texas Funeral Home offers affordable funeral and cremation services in Longview, TX. We are a locally and family-owned crematory specializing in creating memorial services that truly honor your loved one. We want to make your planning an easy experience, so give us a call today, and we will help you get started in the process.