Can I Have a Viewing Before a Cremation?
If you are having to make cremation services in Rockford, IL for your loved one, you may be asked if you would like to have additional services such as viewing. Many people are surprised by this question as viewings are mostly associated with traditional funerals. However, having a viewing with cremation is entirely possible, and quite common. If you are not sure what viewing is or how it works with the cremation process, don’t worry, we are going to cover everything you need to know.
What is a Viewing?
A viewing is a service that is held before the cremation takes place. It is a gathering of family and friends and tends to be more casual than a funeral or memorial service. This event is a come-and-go style affair meaning that guests arrive and leave as they wish. Additionally, there may be cookies and punch, or other light refreshments served.
During a viewing, the body of the deceased is in the room displayed in a casket with an open top. If guests feel comfortable, they can approach the body and say their final goodbyes. Guests can also take this time at the service to offer their condolences to the family.
Do I Have to Buy a Casket?
While you can certainly purchase a casket to be used at the viewing and also the cremation, you may not have to. A “rental casket” may be available. These are cremation containers that are placed in a hardwood casket “shell”. This gives the appearance of an actual hardwood casket but during cremation, only the inside container will be used, allowing the shell to be used again in the future.
Is the Body Embalmed?
If a viewing is selected with the cremation service, then the body of the deceased will be embalmed. This is to preserve it and have it presentable for display during the viewing. Additionally, services such as hair and make-up may be performed.
What Happens After the Viewing?
After the viewing, the body will be cremated as the family wishes. This may include a private gathering for the family for a final goodbye. Following the cremation, the remains will be returned to the family in a temporary urn or an urn that the family has purchased.
Things to Consider
While holding a viewing before a loved one’s cremation can be a healing and lovely event, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Some things to consider in helping you make this decision are:
- Budget –
Adding a viewing will increase the overall cost. Services like embalming and purchasing or renting a casket can add up quickly. If cost is a concern, you may want to talk it over with the whole family and see if the benefits of the viewing outweigh the extra cost.
- Religious Beliefs – Some religions have very strict rules when it comes to when and how a body should be cremated. If your loved one had any religious affiliation, make sure you are honoring their rules when it comes to this.
- Simplicity – Some families may choose cremation because it is simpler and can be less stressful than planning several services such as traditional funerals and burials. The simpler, quicker process can help the families start to heal faster. If you would like to keep the process as simple as possible, adding an extra viewing event may not be helpful.
If you have further questions about viewing or how it works with cremation services in Rockford, IL, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help and welcome you to call or come by anytime.
