Should i go to viewing or funeral

However, to know for sure whether or not you should attend both services such as in the case that the deceased was an acquaintance you first need to know the difference between a wake and funeral. A wake is usually held the night before a funeral service. It is a solemn but relatively casual event.

The casket or urn is present. Family and friends are given the opportunity to view the remains and visit with one another in an unstructured manner. In North America, the wake is generally used interchangeably with the terms viewing or visitation. The wake gets its name from the olden days. Family or friends of the deceased would stay awake to watch over the body keeping guard or holding a vigil until it was ready to be buried. Learn more about wakes and appropriate etiquette here.

A funeral is the formal, organized service honoring the deceased and the life that they lived. Families usually hold the funeral the day after the wake or viewing.

During the funeral songs are sung or listened to, a sermon may be given, and family and friends may have the opportunity to say a few parting words. Preplanning Ensure your final wishes are honored. Funeral preplanning options. Resources Explore our guides, ebooks, brochures and videos. View our resources. Celebrating a Life: Blog. What is a Funeral? What is your relationship with the deceased? How do others relate to the deceased?

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Memorial Service Etiquette A memorial service can be very similar to a funeral in many ways so memorial service etiquette is like funeral etiquette. Visitation Etiquette Visitation etiquette depends in part on where the service is taking place and how long it is set to run for.

Funeral Viewing Etiquette You are not required to actually view the body at a funeral viewing. Wake Etiquette For many people, the idea of a wake suggests an uplifting event, where people drink and toast the deceased. The schedule and other details are often indicated in the obituary, or you can call the funeral home or ask the bereaved or other family member.

Some celebrity viewings draw crowds of strangers, as fans flock to pay their respects. A Jewish wake is unusual, however, and this was probably a family decision. If you have a question for Florence, please email her at fisaacs florenceisaacs. She writes two advice blogs for Legacy.

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