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+ What is the difference between a wake and a visitation in a funeral service?

In the United States and Canada, the terms “wake” and “visitation” are often used interchangeably to refer to a funeral service during which loved ones gather in front of their deceased relative's casket, urn, or other memorial.

Technically, the contemporary gathering of surviving family members and loved ones in front of a deceased individual is a visitation (or sometimes called a viewing). This concept is relatively modern as it mirrored gaining prominence of funeral directors, undertakers, and morticians dedicated to caring for the dead and overseeing every aspect of funerals during the late 1800s. Wakes, conversely, are significantly older, predating the rise of Christianity. While traditional wakes still take place worldwide, most people still use the terms “visitation” and “wake” to refer to the same thing.

+ What happens during a wake, viewing, or visitation?

Wakes and funerals are designed to allow friends, family members or other loved ones the chance of gathering together. As a way to comfort those left behind after someone has passed away, viewing their loved one's body is often encouraged in many cultures.

Viewings allow a close circle of friends or family members more intimate time with the deceased before an official funeral service takes place. Viewing practices vary depending on culture but oftentimes children will also be included in the viewing as well.

Grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping those who have lost a loved one recognize how much they will miss them. They say it is even encouraged for children, as long as their desire to do so and an explanation of what happens when you view has been well explained beforehand.

+ What is the etiquette for attending a wake, viewing, or visitation?

Funerals can be a very emotional time for the people left behind, so it’s important to remember that some viewings and wakes are invitation-only.

If you're not sure if your attendance at this event would be welcomed by those hosting or attending, you should check with a family member of the deceased or even consider contacting the funeral home in order to verify.

In most cases, wakes and viewings are generally less formal in structure compared to funerals and memorial services so guests are free to come and go as they please. Typically, relatives and close friends stay longer while colleagues, coworkers, and less formal acquaintances may choose to only stop by briefly in order to pay their respects.

+ How do I decide whether to attend a funeral or wake?

The decision to attend a funeral or wake should not be taken lightly. The most important thing to consider is your relationship with the deceased. How well did you know them and when was the last time you spoke with each other?

If you have not seen them or spoken to them in years, that is something that must be considered. If you are unsure about attending, you should talk with a friend or family member of the deceased for advice.

Ask others if they think it would be appropriate, especially people who understand your situation and can help guide you through this tough time in their life. Another thing to consider is that funeral customs can vary greatly based on religion, ethnicity, and culture. If you are unable to honor the religious and cultural beliefs of the deceased for any reason, then it may be best not to attend and instead send your compassion and care in the form of a card, meal, flowers, or a donation in their memory.

+ Which flowers are best for funerals and memorial services?

Funeral flowers are an important part of any celebration and can be used to show how you feel about the person who has passed. Floral arrangements and bouquets for funerals come in all different shapes and sizes and an entire spectrum of colors that symbolize their personality traits or interests as well.

Sympathy flowers can be chosen to reflect the personality and interests of your loved one. The type of flowers used in the bouquet can take on different meanings. For example, red roses express pure love while flower arrangements with white lilies symbolize spiritual elegance in difficult times. Blue hydrangeas speak volumes about their faith in life's next brighter day. Flowers and plants also make excellent sympathy gifts. Some florists even offer flower subscriptions that allow you to send flowers on a recurring basis.

But in fact, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to sympathy flowers. Your local florist will help you decide on the perfect arrangement for your service and will be able to answer questions and offer suggestions to make the process easier to understand. Your local florist has a wide selection of flowers and can even help you send fresh flowers and sympathy plants - hand-delivered across town or anywhere in the USA. Send flowers with same-day flower delivery and online flower delivery.