Like everything in society, funeral etiquette has evolved over time.  While common sense is your best guide, here are a few dos and don'ts of funeral etiquette.

• Express your condolences – It’s not easy to come up with the right words for someone who has just lost a loved one.  You don’t need to be a poet. Simply saying, “I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family”, is enough.  If you can’t be at a funeral service in person, sending a card or leaving a message on their memorial website is a perfect way to express your sympathy.
• Dress appropriately – Gone are the days of dressing up in all black for a funeral, be you, but remember it's about giving the attention to the passing and celebrating of the loved one. Try to avoid any bright or flashy colors. Wear what you would wear to a wedding or a job interview.
• Sign the register book – The family will keep the register book as a memento for years to come.  Be sure to include your full name.
• Keep in Touch – You may feel that the family needs their space and time to grieve, but a simple phone call or note after the funeral lets the family know you care.  With social networking, leaving a quick note is as simple as a click of a mouse.  The months following a death is when grieving friends and family need the most support.
• Mute cell phone – Your phone ringing will be a distraction. Don't forget to turn any ringers or notifications on silent.  
• Bring your children – From a very young age, children are aware of death, and if the funeral is for someone that was close to them (grandparent, aunt, uncle), they should be given the option of attending. 
• Remember to share the good times – Funerals are obviously a time of grieving and mourning, but remembering the good times helps with the healing process. Sharing a funny and appropriate story is acceptable, and in some cases, it's exactly what the deceased would have wanted.