Funerals

My Mum lost a childhood friend. Her partner had been the husband's friend for 40 years. Neither my Mum or her partner went to the funeral, not because they didn't want to but life is for the living so it was more important they shielded from Covid. They were disappointed not to go but they know their friend would have understood and missing the funeral did not diminish their love or respect for her.

I think "invitations "are necessary at the moment because of restricted numbers, but the OP has now told us that the funeral has taken place and she sent a card and watched the car leave.

Some very unkind comments in this thread!

Flo I too find an invitation to a funeral strange. My feeling is that the death should be made known and then it is up to others if they wish to attend.
We did receive an invitation once to the funeral of an acquaintance which we declined. Apparently there was a huge turn out which I suspect was the reason for all the invitations.
Unusual times during a pandemic may make it easier for family to invite in order to restrict numbers within the rules.

We are driving tomorrow all the way from the north of Lancashire to Poole to the funeral of my H’s only beloved aunt. I am not keen to go and risk either taking the virus or catching it but it’s been hard to convince my H. He’s been asked to say the eulogy and we are allowed to travel to funerals. We were going to stay two nights and have a little break but now we’re just going to stay the minimum one night which is a shame after travelling all that way.

We realise we can’t eat out anywhere, just takeaways presumably and can’t do touristy things which is a shame as I would have liked to look around. I’m quite nervous about it all but I imagine most people will be quite elderly and obviously there will be masks worn and no hugs. Do you think it will be ok?

A lady where I grew up as a child passed away a couple of weeks past and I didn't go. Her service was at her home and then on to the crem. She was well known in our town and I knew there would be a few there so that's why I stayed at home. I popped a sympathy card through the door for her family and left it at that.

When my father died of Covid only 10 allowed to burial. However, others who were not in the family stood well away but attended. A friend who died of Covid was cremated. Only immediate family allowed inside but service related outside where others gathered to show their respect. Sad times but we will get through it

Sorry meant service was relayed outside

Invitations are necessary at the moment, due to the number limit.
An empty funeral is very sad. Your attendance might have comforted the family. But it's your life, and the deceased person won't know or care.

Please don’t worry. I unfortunately lost my elderly father fairly recently not due to COVID and had to arrange his funeral. I informed the neighbours who knew him and said they were welcome to attend if they felt able. Not many came but a lot of them stood on the street as the hearse went down the road. I appreciated this so much. It was a lovely thought and a mark of respect.

Personally i would go. Crems are super good at the SD rules. Wear a mask, use hand sanitiser, they usually arrange seating so rules are adhered too. You dont have to attend a wake as they are not allowed but it shows a mark of respect and stops any issues further down the line with neighbours. Unless of course you are shielding, that is a good reason not to go.

I'd give flowers but not go. It's just daft to risk your health for a funeral, isn't it?