The Importance of Holding a Visitation
Visitations also called viewings and wakes, are an important part of the grieving, and healing, process. Many families may not know much about these services or the benefits they can provide. If this includes you, no worries; today we are going to cover why you may wish to add this service when making arrangements with funeral homes in Rockford, IL.
Visitation, Viewing, and Wake
First, let’s talk about what visitation is (and isn’t). Although the terms visitation, viewing, and wake are often used interchangeably, there are some differences.
A visitation is a time for friends and family to join together and offer love and support to one another. These are more casual events than the funeral services and are not as structured as the guests tend to come and go as they see fit. They typically take place the day before the funeral and are held in the afternoon or evening.
Typically, visitations are held at the funeral home. The home will not only have rooms to use but also help in arranging the event. Visitations can also be held at churches or even at a family member’s home.
A viewing is the same as a visitation except for the body of the deceased will be present in the room displayed in a casket. Although sometimes the body is present in a visitation, this is not the norm.
The difference with a wake is that a wake is normally a longer event where guests stay awake to mourn their loved ones. It is also usually a more religious affair with its roots being in the Catholic church.
Why Have a Visitation?
Holding a visitation before the funeral services can provide the family and friends with many benefits. These benefits can aid in the mourning process and can include:
- Help Accept the Reality of Death – When we lose a loved one, especially if it was sudden, it may take a little while to come to terms with it. Attending a visitation and hearing stories and memories about the deceased can help us accept this new reality. This is important in being able to begin the grieving process.
- Feel Connected –
It is important that when we go through difficult situations, we don’t isolate ourselves away from others. Spending time at a visitation feeling connected to those around us that are also going through the same thing can help us feel supported.
- Honor and Remember – Holding a visitation provides an environment where your loved one can be honored and remembered. You could choose to have a display with photographs or other memorabilia showing what your loved one was passionate about. Guests can take turns sharing their favorite memory or you could have a tribute DVD playing with images of your loved one’s life.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a visitation can be very therapeutic for the family as well as for the guests. In such a difficult time, connecting with others and providing an environment to support one another is priceless. When you are talking to funeral homes in Rockford, IL., about arrangements and services, make sure to discuss your options for visitations.
