Viewings, Wakes, and Visitations: What to Expect

When someone you know dies, you may be invited to their funeral. The deceased's family may also decide to hold a wake, viewing, or visitation.

Visitations, wakes, and viewings are all occasions that take place before the funeral service itself. These happenings make it possible for other mourners to spend time with the body of the deceased as well as with the family, should they so wish.

But what should you expect at such occasions? Read on for a helpful overview.

Attending viewings and wakes

Viewings and wakes generally take place at the funeral home a few days prior to the funeral. Sometimes a viewing may happen at the location of the funeral service on the day of. Viewings and wakes are usually open to everyone who has been invited to the funeral. If the funeral is specified as being for the deceased's family only, you should take that to mean that you should not attend the viewing or the wake.

If the body is on display, you may view it if you want to, although it's not obligatory, and you can choose not to if you prefer. Sometimes seeing the body of a close friend or family member can be very distressing, so it is not something for everyone.

In cases where the deceased died a violent death or was involved in an accident, it may not be possible for the body to be viewed. However, their coffin will often be on view with a photograph of the deceased placed on it.

Attending visitations

A visitation usually happens at the home of the family or that of the deceased. Visitations provide an opportunity for you to spend time with the deceased's family before the funeral service. A visitation may take place on the day before the service or may extend over a few days.

Unless you are a very close friend of the family, it's usual to keep your visit brief. Just pay your respects and offer your condolences before leaving the family in peace until the day of the funeral.

As with wakes or viewings, you should only attend the visitation if you've been invited to the funeral. If you're not invited to the funeral but would still like to extend your sympathies to the family, you could consider writing a letter to them instead.

If someone you know dies, and you're invited to their funeral, you may wish to attend the wake, visitation, or viewing. For more information and advice on the etiquette expected on such occasions, contact a funeral director or funeral home such as Caring Funerals, as they will be pleased to help you.


Share