If the deceased was religious, their faith system will be an essential part of the service. Hymns or funeral songs are either sung or played, and someone usually speaks about the deceased.
Typically, visitations are less formal events then funerals because a visitation is a gathering, and a funeral is a formal service.
Besides these differences, here are other things that you need to know. One of the first things people consider when attending an end-of-life service for the first time is what to wear. Appropriate funeral attire depends on many different factors, but most of the time, people wear somewhat dressy clothes in dark or muted colors. Typically, one dresses more casually for a visitation than a funeral.
The appropriate funeral attire depends upon the community and age group of the mourners. It is also dependent upon cultural norms. Overall, people have become more casual in their manner of dress over the decades. You may notice this at religious services, graduations, and also visitations and funerals. Here are some basic rules of etiquette for most funeral services. Typically, visitations, wakes , and funerals are rather solemn events.
One is expected to speak softly and avoid boisterous behavior. People often cry at visitations and funerals. If your crying keeps other people from being able to hear the funeral service, excuse yourself from the room. While some mourners will be happy to see children in attendance, others may become distracted by the extra noises and movement of restless kids.
Typically, a visitation is a come and go event. For example, the funeral home may announce that the family will be available from 6 to 8 pm. This means you can arrive at any time between 6 and pm, view the body if possible, offer your respects to the family members, and leave when you are ready.
Unless you are a member of the immediate family, you typically would not stay for the duration of the visitation. A funeral has a specific start time, and you should make every attempt to arrive on time or a few minutes early.
The moments before a funeral begins are typically moments of quiet reflection, and if you arrive late, you may disrupt the solemn atmosphere of the room. Each visitation can be different depending on the religion, customs and wishes of the family. Sometimes there is a viewing during the visitation, giving those who want to pay their last respects a chance to do so.
Viewing the loved one is an option but not necessary. If you do, don't linger very long at the casket. It is important to sign the guest book so the family has a record of who attended the visitation. There will also be envelopes available should you consider making a monetary donation on behalf of the loved one. Attending a visitation is a great way to provide support to the family in a casual setting. It also allows you to express your condolences if you are unable to attend the funeral service.
Request a planning guide. Grief Support. Newer crematories are installing newer technology to meet the needs of families who wish to personally take part in the cremation experience. One important thing I share with families about viewing an embalmed body prior to cremation is that it is significantly different than what most families are used to experiencing. Unless special arrangements are made, a typical direct cremation viewing does not involve embalming or any cosmetic improvements.
As a result, many families choose not to have a viewing so their last memories are of their loved one prior to death. On the other hand, some families prefer to see the deceased in a purely natural state knowing the body has not gone through any unnatural procedures like embalming.
Memorializations can be special times set aside for informal visitation with family members. Formal service are not required. Typically, the body will be presented on a table draped with sheets or in the actual cremation container. Times when families should consider not have a viewing:. In cases where it has been several days since the death, families should consult with the funeral director to see if a viewing is still appropriate.
Respectable funeral directors are ultimately more concerned with the families experience than the additional revenue that would make from a viewing.
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