Could you talk me through etiquette at a crematorium funeral - expressing sympathy to bereaved family and so on?

[Isaidheyhoney]

My dad died recently and I was upset that at the crematorium, some people didn't come up and express their sympathy. OTOH, I didn't want to be cornered or monopolised - the most compassionate people just said a quick few words, and then faded away, which I really appreciated.

My aunt's funeral is next week, and she has a vast extended family. I'm thinking that I should approach and say a few words to my cousins (my aunt's own grown-up children), but not approach any of their many children or grandchildren, unless of course we find ourselves next to them or whatever. But not to push ourselves forward in any way.

Does that sound right to you? There's a fair amount of dysfunction in the family, so it would be easy to make a mistake.

My Grandma died in Dec, and we had a service at the Crem. This was the first time I'd ever been to this sort of thing. It wasn't as emotional as I thought. We had her favourite songs playing as the priest said a few words, then when the coffin goes through the curtains, everyone starts to leave., There was a line up of family. (me being one) and we had lots of hugs, and the line moved quickly. If you are a guest, not in the line, you can breeze past with an acknowledgement to the family. It was quite nice actually, to know that she's now not suffering. Hope all goes well for you. X

Thanks, Gnomes - if there is a line-up that will be easier. Have also realised that I'll also want to make a point of talking to my aunt's surviving brother and sister.