Attending a funeral requires careful attention to both attire and conduct, with traditional expectations calling for conservative dress in dark or muted colors and punctual arrival before the service begins. When interacting with the bereaved family, it's best to keep conversations brief and stick to simple expressions of sympathy while avoiding potentially dismissive phrases, and sharing positive memories of the deceased when appropriate. During the service, guests should follow the officiant's cues, keep phones silenced, and respect any specific customs or requests from the family, including attendance at post-service gatherings or making charitable donations in lieu of flowers. The article emphasizes that while proper etiquette is important, what matters most is showing genuine support for the grieving family, both during the service and in the weeks and months that follow through thoughtful gestures like sending cards or providing meals.