It can be very tricky to choose what to say to someone who is grieving. You want to show support, but the phrase “I hope the funeral goes well” may simply not sit right.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of alternative phrases that you can use in formal or informal situations.
Other Ways to Say “I Hope the Funeral Goes Well”
- I hope the memorial service brings you peace
- I hope [name/pronoun] is given a good sendoff
- I’ll be thinking of you today
- I hope things go smoothly today
- Sending love and prayers to you and your family
- I hope the wake brings you comfort
- I hope you feel that it is a fitting tribute
- I’m sure it will be a beautiful service and a perfect goodbye
- I hope you have a wonderful celebration of their life
- May you and your family find peace and comfort today
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The phrase “I hope the funeral goes well” is not the best phrase to use in general, since the word “well” is overly positive.
- As a formal alternative, you can say “I hope the memorial service brings you peace.”
- As an informal alternative, you can say “I hope [name/pronoun] is given a good sendoff.”
Stick around to see a couple of useful examples using our choice of formal and informal synonyms for “I hope the funeral goes well.”
After that, we’ll discuss whether it’s okay to use the original phrase when speaking to someone who is attending a funeral.
I Hope the Memorial Service Brings You Peace (Formal)
If you’re wondering how to wish someone well for a funeral in formal circumstances, our top pick is “I hope the memorial service brings you peace.”
Firstly, this phrase is respectful and impersonal. Therefore, you can use it in a message to someone who is an acquaintance or colleague.
Additionally, this phrase is a preferable option to “I hope the funeral goes well.” After all, it is somewhat awkward to suggest that a funeral can go “well” considering that someone has lost a loved one.
Finally, let’s see this phrase used in a couple of examples:
Dear Jenna,
I hope the memorial service brings you peace today. Know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With warm regards,
Peter
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope the memorial service brings you peace.
I Hope [Name/Pronoun] is Given a Good Sendoff (Informal)
A better way to say “I hope the funeral goes well” is “I hope [name/pronoun] is given a proper sendoff.”
As the term “sendoff” is an informal noun, this phrase is best suited for informal settings. Moreover, you should probably only use it when speaking to someone you are familiar with.
In addition, this phrase implies that you know the person who has passed away in some capacity and hope that the memorial service represents them as an individual.
Finally, let’s see this phrase used in an example or two:
I wish you strength today, and I hope Lin is given a proper sendoff.
I know that Jasper was a person of such fine character. I hope he is given a proper sendoff today, as he deserves.
Is It Okay to Say “I Hope the Funeral Goes Well”?
Although well-intended, the phrase “I hope the funeral goes well” is probably not the best phrase to use when speaking to someone about to attend a wake for their loved one.
This is mainly because the word “well” is overly positive for this context.
Therefore, rather than wishing that the proceedings themselves go well, it is better to hope that the proceedings go smoothly and that the family is able to obtain some catharsis as a result.
On the other hand, you can say “I hope the funeral goes well” when you are talking to someone who is attending in support of someone else and who perhaps has no close relationship with the person who has passed away, for instance.
However, if you’re feeling unsure about this phrase in general, choosing any phrase from our list of synonyms should assist you!
If you’d like to keep our list of alternatives on hand, go ahead and bookmark this page.