The traditional hosting of wakes involved relatives and close friends having remained with the body until it has to be transported to the relevant church. Once it was removed, the body would be prepared for the burial or the cremation. Today, a number of factors need to be considered for those who are interested in hosting a funeral wake.
With the passing of a friend or relative comes considerable grief and difficulty in dealing with the process. For those who wish to host such ceremonies, it is important to offer notice within a newspaper or public domain to alert others of the event. It is important that well known friends and family members are provided the information regarding the place, time, and date for a visitation.
The proceedings often take place at a funeral home. One should prepare sufficiently by notifying the facility of the ceremony and have the body prepared for viewing purposes. This will include the placement of flowers and related decorations in the room that the visitation is going to be held in.
Most people place a single enlarged photograph of a deceased member in the the room as a sign of respect and honor. It should reveal the positive aspects of personality. It is important that you remain at the entrance to greet all guests who attend the ceremony.
Guestbooks may be included by the parlor as an opportunity for guests to write personalized messages to the family. Food and drink should be provided for the guests who attend the proceeding. Not all parlors will include catering costs in a quotation and should be made provision for.
Hosting a funeral wake requires a fair amount of planning with a focus on honoring the memory of the deceased. It can involve sessions of grief or a time to celebrate their life. Parlors can assist in providing for such an event and in making the best possible decisions.
