Funeral etiquette - should/can partners parent attend my parent’s funeral?

[Curiosity93]

I guess it’s not set in stone, but would it be odd for my partner’s parents to attend my parent’s funeral, even if they’ve only met a couple of times, but got along very well? I think it’s thoughtful of them but worried someone else might be offended?

Completely normal.

Not at all odd. Lots of people go to funerals of people they aren't necessarily close to.

I went to my brother's FIL's funeral and I'd never met him.

Yes completely normal. They are there to support you.

I don't think it's ever offensive to attend a funeral. It's just showing respect for a person and their family.

Sorry for your loss OP.
It wouldn’t be odd at all, and I certainly don’t see how it would be offensive unless there’s some other factors at play. I actually think it’s a very respectful gesture.
Hope it all runs smoothly for you.

No, of course not, it would be standard where I come from (Scotland). But then anyone and everyone with even a minor connection to the deceased tends to turn up for funerals here.

No weird at all. Very normal.

Funerals are for the living. I had the misfortune of attending a Covid funeral when it was very limited, but now anyone can attend in any capacity.

Sorry for your loss @Curiosity93 . Perfectly normal if they got on or just as support for yourself . 💐

Sorry for your loss.

Not unusual at all, people often attend funerals more to support the grieving family even if they weren’t close to the person who has passed away. I can’t imagine why anyone could be offended, and as it’s your parents funeral it’s also in your gift to have who you want around you.

Very normal. My dad went to FIL’s funeral, despite only having met him once. The family were very touched.

This exactly.
It's just showing respect and support.

Generally speaking, not an issue, and is actually a sign of respect towards you.

The only time it might not be appropriate is if it was going to be a be a very small, intimate funeral and the 2 sets of parents never/rarely see each other.

Perfectly normal. It's strange you are questioning it? People come to support the grieving family left begind

Thank you all, that is really reassuring ❤️

@Maddy70 yes perhaps strange, I am a born worrier and I think the grief is increasing my anxiety!

I understand that. Stop worrying. And im sorry for your loss

Completely fine. We had in laws at a recent family funeral and they did an amazing job helping with washing up in particular

Unless there’s a back story, this is fine. My parents went to my DH’s grandmother’s funeral. They cared for her just as much as we did and wanted to say goodbye.

My DM goes to the funeral of anyone she’s ever met - her parents friends that she hasn’t seen since childhood, my school friends parents, old neighbours, parents of their friends… it’s a mark of respect and I think it’s lovely for the family when there’s a good turn out for the funeral, and so I do the same (albeit with less exposure to funerals given the demographic of people I know!).

Absolutely no issue with your partners parents being there, and the only person anyone should worry about offending is you as the child of the person whose funeral it is!

So sorry for your loss.

Perfectly normal. My mum and dad went to the funeral of my partner's dad. A few years later, my partner's mum came to my dad's funeral.

My mil was at my mums funeral many years ago

it was very nice of her and she also took 18 month old ds1 outside when he got a bit wriggly

Sorry for your loss @Curiosity93 A number of DH's family attended my dad's funeral, as did quite a few of my friends. The latter, in particular, to support me. No-one would be offended. A 'good turnout' is generally thought of as a positive thing ime. Don't worry about it, honestly.

My parents attended both my pils funeral. Totally OK for them to do so. Also some of my bils and sils attended my parents funeral or if unable to attend came to the wake at the house.

Why would anybody be offended?