Visitation Options
A visitation (also called a “viewing” or “wake”) is held so that friends and family may say goodbye to their loved one.
The most common aspects of this gathering are that the attendees sign a memorial book to record who attended. In addition, a family may choose to display photographs, prized possessions and other items representing their hobbies and accomplishments. Memory cards are also a nice touch so that friends and family can write down fond or favorite memories to leave as mementos.
The viewing is either “open casket” in which the embalmed body of the deceased has been clothed, and cosmetized; or “closed casket,” in which case the casket is closed and a picture of the deceased, usually a formal photo, is placed near the casket.
A visitation is often held the evening before the funeral. However, in some circumstances the visitation may be held in the morning on the day of the funeral. Depending on religious affiliation, the viewing may end with a prayer service.
Rosary Service
A rosary service is a traditional Catholic funeral ritual usually held the night before the burial. Open to all, the family uses this time to receive visitors and pray the rosary. The ritual is sometimes held during the visitation or wake.
Visitation with Rosary Example
Gathering
A vigil service, or wake, is usually held the night before burial and is a time for the grieving family to receive condolences and for all in attendance to share memories of the deceased. The service is typically held at the funeral home.
Visitation Gathering Example
Video Montage
A recent trend is to create a DVD with pictures and video of the deceased, accompanied by music, and play this DVD continuously during the visitation. This allows friends and family to remember good memories of their loved one.
Visitation with Video Montage Example
