Stone setting advice

[AintNoPartyLikeANumber10Party]

I’m looking for advice on attending a stone setting for a distant relative. I’m not religious and don’t have any parents to help me. What should I wear - black? Will I be on my feet a lot - flat shoes?? I’m married - should I cover my hair? What actually happens? Do I bring a card for the family? Thank you in advance.

No, you don't need to wear black. You can wear anything, really. I would make sure, though, to wear flat shoes that you don't mind possibly getting very muddy.

No need to cover your hair if that's not your tradition - I won't be at my FIL stone setting later this year. I didn't for his funeral either, and neither did his wife. It's a pretty short ceremony, maybe 10-15 minutes right by the grave (hence the possible mud!). No need to bring a card or anything - your presence will be enough.

There is usually a short ceremony in the prayer hall and then you walk to the graveside where the inscription on the stone is read and the mourners prayer is said. When you leave the cemetery it is customary to wash your hands and give a small donation to charity (there are usually small boxes near the exit).

If it is an orthodox service then trousers are best avoided but to be honest nobody really takes much notice of what you wear and black is not really worn even by the mourners.