A viewing, a visitation and a wake are all gatherings held before a funeral, and the words are often used interchangeably. In general use, a viewing means the body is present, usually in an open casket; a visitation is a time for people to offer condolences to the family, with or without the body present; and a wake is a traditional, often religious or cultural gathering, historically held at home, that may include prayers or a vigil. The funeral service itself is a separate, more structured ceremony.
Because usage varies by region, faith and funeral home, it is worth asking exactly what a particular event will include when you see one of these terms in an obituary or on a price list.
Quick comparison
| Viewing | Visitation | Wake | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body present | Yes, usually in an open casket | Sometimes, open or closed casket, or not at all | Traditionally yes |
| Main purpose | Seeing the person one last time | Supporting the family, sharing condolences | Keeping watch, prayer and remembrance |
| Typical setting | Funeral home | Funeral home, church or other venue | Home, funeral home or church |
| Format | Informal, come and go | Informal, come and go | Can include prayers, a vigil service or a social gathering |
| Common traditions | Many Christian and secular funerals | Most US funerals | Irish Catholic and other Catholic traditions, some other cultures |
| When | Day before or right before the funeral | Day before or right before the funeral | Evening before the funeral |
What is a viewing?
A viewing is a set time when family and friends can see the person who died. The body is usually embalmed, dressed and placed in an open casket at the funeral home. Some families hold a private family viewing first, followed by a public viewing.
Viewings often last a few hours, sometimes split into an afternoon and an evening session. Guests sign a register book, approach the casket if they wish, and speak with the family. There is no obligation to look at the body, and a short visit is perfectly acceptable.
Embalming is not required by law for most viewings, but many funeral homes require it for a public viewing with an open casket. Some will allow a short private viewing without embalming, particularly if the body has been refrigerated. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home must tell you that embalming is not required by law except in certain special cases and must get your permission before charging for it. See embalming explained.
What is a visitation?
A visitation (also called calling hours) is a time set aside for people to express sympathy to the family. In many places it is identical to a viewing. In others the casket is closed, or cremated remains or a photo display take the place of the body.
On a funeral home's General Price List, "use of facilities and staff for viewing" or "visitation" is typically listed as its own line item, often priced by the hour or by the session. If you want only a short gathering, ask whether a shorter or same-day option costs less. See what is a general price list.
What is a wake?
The word wake comes from the old custom of keeping watch over the body until burial. In Irish and other Catholic communities the wake was traditionally held in the family home, with prayers, food and storytelling. Today a wake is often held at a funeral home and may include a vigil service with Scripture readings and prayers, or the recitation of the Rosary. See Catholic funeral homes.
In some regions, "wake" simply means the visitation the night before the funeral. In others it refers to a social gathering after the funeral, closer to what many people call a reception or celebration of life.
How these fit with the funeral service
A typical sequence for a traditional funeral looks like this:
- Viewing, visitation or wake, often the evening before or for an hour or two before the service.
- Funeral service at a funeral home chapel, church or other venue, with the body present.
- Committal at the cemetery or, for cremation, a final farewell before the body goes to the crematory.
- Reception or repast after the committal, at a church hall, home or restaurant.
A memorial service is held without the body present, often after cremation, and can happen days or months later. A graveside service takes place entirely at the cemetery and may be the only gathering. Many funeral chapels host all of these.
Religious and cultural differences
- Jewish tradition generally avoids public viewing and embalming. The casket is closed, burial is prompt, and condolences are offered during shiva after the funeral.
- Muslim tradition focuses on prompt washing, shrouding, prayer and burial. A public viewing is uncommon, though close family may see the person briefly.
- Catholic tradition often includes a vigil or wake before the funeral Mass.
- Many Protestant and secular families hold a visitation at the funeral home or church before the service.
For more, see religious funeral customs.
How families decide what to hold
Questions that often help:
- Does seeing the body matter to us? Some people find a viewing helps them accept the death. Others prefer to remember the person as they were.
- What does our faith or culture expect? Some traditions call for a wake or vigil; others discourage viewing.
- What will it cost? A viewing usually adds charges for embalming, other preparation, facility use and staff. The NFDA 2023 General Price List Study reported a national median of $8,300 for a funeral with viewing and burial and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation, so a viewing is part of the price in both. Ask the funeral home to price the options with and without it. See how much does a funeral cost.
- Who will come, and from where? A same-day visitation right before the service can save traveling guests an extra day.
- Is cremation planned? You can still hold a viewing first, often using a rental casket. See burial vs cremation.
Etiquette for guests
Arrive during the posted hours, sign the register book, and keep your visit brief if the room is busy. Say a few simple words to the family, such as "I am so sorry for your loss." Approaching the casket is optional. See funeral etiquette and what to wear to a funeral.
To find a funeral home with chapel or visitation rooms, browse by state or near me.