What Is a Viewing/Wake? And Why Do Families Choose Them?

A viewing, often called a wake, is held before the main funeral service. It gives family and friends time and space to see the deceased, offer condolences, share memories, and begin the process of saying goodbye together.

What Happens During a Wake?

During a viewing or wake, the casket is open (though families can choose to close it) and placed in a room at the funeral home or another chosen location.

Guests are invited to come, often a few hours in the evening before the funeral or in the morning of the service. There is no strict program. People sign a guest book, speak with the family, view the body if they wish, and sometimes offer a short prayer or simply sit in silence.

Music may play in the background, and light refreshments are sometimes provided.

Reasons for Choosing a Wake

Opportunity for Closure

Seeing the loved one one last time helps the mind begin to accept the reality of the loss. Many people later say that moment, though difficult, brought a sense of peace and helped them move forward.

Community Support

Friends, neighbors, and extended family can offer hugs and share stories. This collective presence reminds the immediate family they are not alone.

In many cultures and faith traditions, the wake also holds spiritual significance, serving as a time for prayer, reflection, and communal mourning.

Personalization

A viewing also allows families to personalize the experience. Some choose to display favorite photographs or personal items that tell the story of the person’s life. Others keep it simple and private, inviting only close relatives.

For those who find an open casket too difficult, a closed-casket viewing with photos and flowers still offers the chance to gather and remember.

Choosing whether to have a viewing is a personal decision. Some families prefer to skip it entirely and move straight to the memorial or graveside service. Others find it essential.