06/06/2026
Many of the questions we’re asked during a funeral arrangement are things people may never have had to think about before—and this is one of them…
Should the curtains be open or closed at the end of a funeral service?
It’s something I’m often asked, and it’s completely understandable. Many people don’t realise there’s even a choice.
At most crematoria, you can decide whether the curtains stay open, close during the service, or close at the very end.
There’s no right or wrong decision—it’s simply about what feels right for you. It’s a very personal choice, and one that can bring a lot of emotion with it.
If you’re unsure, here are a few gentle things I sometimes talk through with families:
• For some, the closing of the curtains can feel like the goodbye comes quite suddenly, so they prefer to have a quiet moment beforehand.
• Others find that when the curtains close, it brings a sense of finality, which can make it a little easier to leave the chapel.
• You might also think about those attending—whether you’d like them to have the opportunity to pause and say their own quiet goodbye as they leave.
If you’re finding it difficult to decide, please know that’s completely natural. Sometimes neither option feels quite right—and that’s okay. In those moments, it can help to gently trust your instincts and choose what feels most comforting for you and your loved ones.
Andrew 🎩
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