You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Keeping that in mind, nothing is more irritating than having a large number of people in attendance, with the greeting line practically out to the parking lot, and then you have individuals going through the reception line leading to the deceased’s family who want to visit for twenty minutes and hold things up. In this case, the burial or cremation has already taken place. Keep it light and make sure the story puts the deceased in a good light. If you're uncertain about what to wear, it's always a safe bet to wear business or church attire. Depending on the wishes of the family, the body may be present – although this is more common during viewings and wakes. During a viewing, the body of the deceased is present, often in an open casket. A Memorial Service is a service held to memorialize a deceased person with their body not present. Visitation etiquette depends in part on where the service is taking place and how long it is set to run for. It can be helpful to know the differences between these services before you attend, as well as the appropriate viewing or wake etiquette so that you know what to expect. A visitation for a funeral has certain etiquette expectations. General Visitation. You will need to keep your emotions in check. Maintain a serious decorum even when sharing stories about the deceased. Some families request donations to charities in lieu of sending flowers. In many cases, when the viewing is combined with the visitation, the family sits in a separate room or area from the room or area where the casket or urn rests. For assistance please call 1-800-979-8767, Personalized Plaques, Plates & Medallions. In some instances, the visitation may be scheduled just before the funeral takes place. 210 West Main Aberdeen, SD 57401, 605-284-2284 What to Know Before Attending. Dress nicely, but you don’t need to be too formal. Allow them to express their thoughts and emotions. When it is a closed casket a portrait of the deceased is displayed either on a nearby table or easel. There will typically be a set order of events, along with a eulogy, prayers or poem readings, and often music. By dressing appropriately for the somberness of the occasion, you will show the proper respect to the grieving family. Conditions of Use, © 2020 Perfect Memorials. Figuring out a holiday visitation schedule can be emotional. Depending on the family, it may be a largely religious affair. Beyond that, you may find yourself invited to a funeral viewing or visitation, a wake, or a memorial service for someone who has recently passed away. Why wasn't this page useful? The term “wake” comes from an Old English term that means to keep watch. If the deceased is cremated, then the family may opt to have a memorial visitation. 221 South 2nd Some families have a closed visitation that exclude anyone not in the family. on Friday, October 14th, 2016 at 1:23 pm and is filed under Funerals. When it comes to funeral terminology the most commonly misunderstood terms are Funeral Service and Memorial Service. The visitation plan set forth in the residential schedule tends to repeat in a cycle. Anyone who knew the deceased or is a friend of the family will want to attend the visitation. There is a guestbook either on a podium with a floral arrangement beside it or on a table covered with a tablecloth, a lamp, and floral arrangement. All rights reserved. 0 items in your cart. The average time is between 10 to 20 minutes. Being boisterous or engaging in loud laughter is inappropriate behavior in the presence of a grieving family. If you are a close friend of the grieving family, your presence may be needed to support them emotionally. Ellendale, ND 58436. All Rights Reserved. A viewing can be held as a separate event or combined with a visitation. What Is a Visitation? Identify yourself to the family if they don't know who you are. If you're unsure, inquire at the funeral home or with whoever is hosting the visitation. Visitation etiquette depends in part on where the service is taking place and how long it is set to run for. 1708 8th Ave NE The residential schedule determines where the child will live and when he or she will be in the care of each parent. You should then move on so the family can receive other visitors. A casket will either be open or closed, depending on the family's wishes. Perfect Memorials • 9835 W. 69th Street • Eden Prairie, MN 55344 A family member may ask you to stay or may have prearranged for you to sit with the family. Often the visitation is scheduled for … Most traditions confine gifting to taking food to the family upon learning of the death. You may offer to oversee the guestbook, stand in attendance at the casket or urn, or oversee refreshments, if offered. Comment by Tom O'Sullivan — May 9, 2019 @ 2:33 pm. Take a few moments to stand by the casket. How long you need to stay or should stay depends on several factors, such as how well you know the family, how busy they are, how much they seem to want company, and where the visitation is taking place. Shopping Cart: It may be arranged so you walk from the family receiving area into the viewing room. Once you understand the mechanics of a visitation, you have an idea what to expect. This type of wake is often held in the home of the deceased, with the body present, and friends and family are invited. Most visitations are held at the funeral home or the family’s home before the funeral itself. Offer brief condolences and add something personal about the deceased, such as, "She was an amazing person," or "I really admired him.". Funeral Visitation Etiquette and What Happens at a Visitation. You aren't restricted to these colors, but you should avoid wearing anything considered flamboyant. It’s OK to dress a bit less formally at such services, although your clothing should still be neat, clean, and well pressed. If the room is large, the casket or urn is often set at the end of the room with a family friend standing beside it to greet visitors. This gathering may or may not display the cremation urn the same way a casket is displayed with a viewing visitation. The time for that type of behavior is at a celebration of life party or other type of sendoff. During the visitation, the grieving family is seated in … Depending on your region and religion, it may not be appropriate to take anything to the visitation.