Traditional Funeral Services

This is often called a viewing or a wake. Guests come to pay their respects to the deceased by viewing their casketed body and spending time with the grieving family. A visitation can occur at any time before the funeral service.

This event commonly takes place at the funeral home, a church, or at the graveside. It can include music, the reading of literary or religious passages, a eulogy, prayer, and the singing of hymns.

 If the family plans to bury the deceased, this stage involves the vehicle procession to the cemetery.

Many choose to host this post-service gathering (or repast) at a reception hall. This is considered a time to share memories, laughter, and support.