Funeral Wakes
A funeral wake is a gathering held before the funeral to allow friends and
family members an opportunity to honor and recognize the deceased, and
fellowship with surviving loved ones. Wakes, also called visitations or
viewings, are typically held at a funeral home, chapel, or even at the family's
home. The body can be present or absent (generally, the body is present).
If the body is present, the casket can be open or closed. Wakes are usually held
during the afternoon or early evening and lasts for several hours. Close family
members and close friends should be present at the wake to receive guests,
however, the decision to have a wake is at the family's discretion.
