If the event is limited to family only, you should respect the family’s wishes and not attend. If you are invited to a wake, viewing, or visitation and would like to attend but for whatever reason you cannot attend, you can simply attend the funeral service.
What is proper etiquette for a visitation?
Visitation Etiquette
Dress nicely, but you don’t need to be too formal. The standard protocol for a funeral visitation is to stop by, introduce yourself to the family (if needed) and pay your condolences, and then leave after a short period of time.
Do you see the body at a visitation?
Visitations can also take place at residences, funeral homes or common meeting areas. Traditionally, the body is almost always embalmed when being publicly presented, but it is not legally required.
Can you view an unembalmed body?
aCremation often gets asked if it is possible to view an unbembalmed body. In most cases – yes – if held soon after the death occurs. It’s important to remember that decomposition begins immediately. The longer the time between death and the viewing, the greater the chance that viewing will not be recommended.
What happens at visitation?
Visitations, most often at the funeral home, tend to be a time when friends and family members gather together. … A combination of pictures, flowers, and the urn are set-up in place of the casket; some families choose to not even have the ashes present. People attend and offer support to the family.
What do you say at a visitation?
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 are words of comfort at a funeral?
Here are some examples of what to say at a funeral:
I’m sorry for your loss. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. She was a lovely woman and will be greatly missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
What is proper etiquette for a wake?
It’s not mandatory to view the body, but you can stop and say a silent prayer if you wish. After passing the casket, approach the family and introduce yourself if necessary. Say a few kind words about the deceased, shake their hands, give them hugs, offer a warm smile – any small gesture will be appropriate.
When should you not go to a funeral?
5 reasons not to go to the funeral:
Your attendance at the service would be disruptive or distracting to any member of the immediate family. Your attendance at the service would be upsetting to any member of the immediate family. The services are private and not open to the public.
What comes first wake or funeral?
A wake, also known as a visitation, typically occurs before the funeral takes place. The body is present at this time for people to pay their respects and offer condolences to loved ones of the deceased.
What do you bring to a visitation?
List of things to take with you to a funeral
- Tissues. …
- Photographs. …
- A sympathy card. …
- Flowers/donation. …
- A story/memory. …
- A sympathy card. …
- An umbrella.
- If the weather is forecast to be gloomy, it’s wise to carry an umbrella as you may spend quite a bit of time outside before and after the service.
Do you wear all black to a visitation?
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.
What is funeral etiquette?
Traditional funeral etiquette dictates that you should introduce yourself, starting with your name and how you knew the deceased. Express your condolences and move on. Don’t monopolize the mourners. Give others a chance to share their support.
Is it disrespectful to wear white to a funeral?
As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.
What should you not say at a funeral?
Seven Things You Should Never Say at Funerals
- “He/She Deserved to Die” …
- “It Could be Worse” …
- “It was Destiny” …
- “Everything Happens for a Reason” …
- “At Least…” …
- “You’re Still Young” …
- “It’s Better…”
How do you say goodbye Funeral words?
Funeral Farewell Quotes for Celebration of Life
- A life well-lived finds rest and rewards in the afterlife.
- Farewell to our friend until that moment we meet again.
- Let not sorrow replace the love and memories of your friend.
- Rejoice in the kingdom of God that has unfolded and welcomed our beloved.
What do you write when someone passes away?
Condolences
- “We are so sorry for your loss.”
- “I’m going to miss her, too.”
- “I hope you feel surrounded by much love.”
- “Sharing in your sadness as you remember Juan.”
- “Sharing in your sadness as you remember Dan.”
- “Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. …
- “With deepest sympathy as you remember Robert.”
Is it okay to wear jeans to a visitation?
What to Wear to a Visitation. Visitations, or calling hours, are generally more casual than funeral services. … It’s still important to show respect to the grieving family, so avoid wearing inappropriate shoes like flip flops and athletic shoes or very casual clothes like shorts and jeans.
How long can a body be kept in a morgue?
In many countries, the family of the deceased must make the burial within 72 hours (three days) of death, but in some other countries it is usual that burial takes place some weeks or months after the death. This is why some corpses are kept as long as one or two years at a hospital or in a funeral home.
Is a visitation the same as a wake?
A viewing (also called a wake) may be brief and take place immediately before the funeral service, or may last for up to three days before the service. A visitation can take place any time, before or after the funeral service or disposition, and can last for hours or days.
What can I expect at a Catholic visitation?
Answer: As mentioned above, the visitation is usually just that- a visit. Friends and family gather together to remember the deceased in a casual setting. … A pastor or priest may give a short sermon towards the end of the gathering, or say a prayer or the Rosary (if the family is Catholic).
How long can you view an unembalmed body?
The Code further states that the public should not view an unembalmed body that has been kept in refrigeration for longer than 36 hours.