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, or the singing of hymns.

 If the family plans to bury the deceased, this stage involves the lowering of the casket into the grave, typically accompanied by spoken words or prayer. 

This post-service gathering (or repast) is considered a time to share memories, laughter, and support with family and friends.