At a funeral, is it appropriate to ask people who aren't family to join the family in the family room before the service?

Honestly if it were me and you are only thinking about 10 total,, I;d just invite them all in, as at least they bothered to show up and pay their respects. I have never heard of a "family "room before,, just earlier visitation for family. And if anyone shows up claiming to "related",, just welcome them, and ask for their stories about your Mom,, you may learn some new and interesting things? Good luck and God bless

I see no reason why not. Friends can be ‘family’ too. I think they’d be honored to sit with you all.

If you feel you need the support of your close friends before the funeral, then of course they should join you.

“Family” is anyone that you designate as family. Close friends are often closer and more “important” to you or your loved one than family.
If you had a longtime partner would they not be considered family? how about the neighbor that was there through the good times as well as the heartbreak times, the one you could call at a moments notice and they would do what needed to be done? These are people that are closer than the third cousin that might show up because it is an “obligation”.
I chose not to have my Husband embalmed and because of that they were strict about who “family” was but I did ask my Husbands closest friend if he would like to view with family before the casket was closed. He declined for his own reasons.
You do what you feel right doing. Make the offer if it is accepted great, if declined you have given the option.

I’m sorry for your loss.

This has been a hard road for sure.

Tell your cousin to MYOB.

Funerals are for the comfort of the living, and as your cousin clearly is failing in their task of being adequately comforting to you, you find the need to bring in back-ups.

Invite whoever you want in there, of course it's appropriate. Your cousin sounds like a busybody.

Your Mom. Your wishes rule over cousins.

A friend of mine said she was given advice on what to wear to her Mother's funeral by some do-gooder, related on not I don't know. She said if she wanted to wear her pjamas & sunglasses she da*n well would. It was her Mom & no-one had the right to tell her how to dress, behave, who to invite & so on.

Is the cousin who said this isn't appropriate paying for the funeral?
Then it's none of their business who you want with you in the family room at the funeral home.
If these people are close friends of yours, then they're family to you and belong there to support you. My condolences on your mother. May she rest in peace.

Your friends are your "chosen" family. If they make you feel supported, then it is right to invite them.

Family isn't just blood relations, it can be anyone you feel close to.

I'm sorry for your loss.