What typically happens at a viewing?
What is a Viewing? A coffin may be present at a viewing or wake, and less commonly at a visitation. During a viewing, the body of the deceased is present, often in an open casket. The deceased will have been embalmed and prepared by the funeral home, in most cases, and otherwise ready for the burial or cremation.
Can I attend a viewing?
Whilst the actual funeral is a public event, a viewing is usually private with family and selected friends who attend. A viewing can be just for you; even if several people are there at the time, if you want some one-on-one time you just need to ask your funeral director for some quiet time alone.
What do you say at viewing?
When attending a visitation, here are examples of what you can say to the family:
- My condolences.
- I’m really sorry you’re going through this.
- Your mom was a wonderful woman.
- You loved him/her well.
- I’m thinking of your family during this difficult time.
What is the difference between a wake and a viewing?
A viewing, also referred to as a visitation, is a relatively unstructured and informal gathering that allows friends and family members an intimate and private environment to pay their final respects. In comparison, a wake is a traditional Catholic ceremony with Celtic Irish roots.
Do you bring anything to a viewing?
What You Should Bring to a Funeral, Memorial Service, or Viewing. If you’re asking whether you should bring a gift to a funeral service, the answer is generally yes. While a gift is not usually required to attend the service, it’s considered polite not to arrive empty-handed.
How long do you stay at a viewing?
There is no requirement for how long you should stay at a visitation. The length of your visit depends more on how well you know the family and how long it takes to offer your condolences and speak to other visitors. Many people stay a short time, about 15 minutes, which can be long enough to extend your sympathies.
Is a viewing a good idea?
It is generally recommended (however not necessary) that any body to be viewed be embalmed in order to create the best possible presentation of the deceased. A viewing may take place at the funeral parlor, in a family home or at a church or chapel prior to the actual funeral service.
Whats the purpose of a viewing?
A viewing allows mourners the opportunity to share their grief, support one another, and say goodbye on a personal level. This is also considered an important event for showing your respects to the family. The viewing has had many name changes over the years.
What do you wear to a viewing?
We recommend wearing dark or neutral colors, to avoid standing out in the crowd. Darker colors reflect the mourning atmosphere of the service or visitation. Men will generally wear suits or dress pants, dress shirts and jackets along with a subtle tie. Women typically wear pants, skirts and blouses, dresses or suits.
What is the difference between a viewing and a visitation?
Frequently the viewing is done prior to a traditional funeral service and guests are invited to come to the service early in order to view the deceased. Visitation services are times when the family makes itself available to friends other family members who wish to express their sympathy directly.
Do you serve food at a viewing?
A visitation or wake is a time for mourners to gather prior to the funeral, often to view the deceased individual’s body and pay respects to family members. During this time, small bites may be served to those who attend as a gesture of appreciation by the family.
Do I wear black to a viewing?
When attending a visitation it is best to dress conservatively. While most people typically wear black or other dark colors to anything funeral-related, that is not necessary. What you wear should be subdued, unless otherwise requested by the family.