Basic features of a viewing or wake

• The body is on display in a casket
• The casket may be open or closed
• Takes place at the funeral home, your own home, or the social hall at a religious place of worship
• Takes place before the funeral and disposition
• May be family-only or open to the public

Basic features of a visitation

• The casket is closed or the body is not present at all
• Takes place at the funeral home, your own home, or the social hall at a religious place of worship
• May take place before or after the funeral and disposition

Cost of a viewing or visitation

If you will be holding a viewing or visitation at a funeral home, the funeral home may charge you for use of the facility and room set-up. Some funeral homes will charge by the day while others will charge by the hour. If you will be holding a viewing or visitation at a location other than the funeral home, the funeral home may charge you for set-up and transportation services.

Personal advocacy

Be aware that many funeral homes will require that the body be embalmed if a viewing or wake is to take place. If you do not want the body to be embalmed, consider finding a funeral home that does not require embalming in the event of a viewing or wake.

To learn about planning post-service events, see our article Post-Funeral Reception.