What is a Viewing? A Guide for Guests and Families

A viewing is an event that allows friends and family to gather in a private setting to pay their final respects to a deceased person prior to a funeral or memorial service. It is usually held in a funeral home or place of worship. A viewing is generally held the night before, or immediately prior to the funeral service. The body is typically present in a casket, either opened or closed.

Some funeral homes also use the term “visitation” to describe a viewing. A difference is that viewing will always have the body present whereas a visitation may not, and may just be time to visit with the family.

The informal nature of a viewing creates an environment for mourners to come together and share stories, memories, and support during a challenging time. Typically, there are no set schedules or agendas, giving attendees the freedom to arrive and leave as they please.

Full Service Funerals: Where Viewings Fit In

Typical full service funeral arrangements in the US include:

1. Embalming (body preservation)
2. Viewing
3. Funeral service
4. Graveside burial service
5. Reception (also called repass or repast)

Full service funerals are becoming less common as society’s values change and people focus on individualization of how they say goodbye. Cremation has been the leading choice for Americans since 2015 and is now preferred to burial in 42 states. Choosing cremation doesn’t mean you can’t have a viewing but fewer people opt for one as it does make it significantly more expensive, especially compared to direct cremation.

What Happens at a Viewing?

Viewings are typically unstructured events with no schedule apart from start time and finish time. The body is laid out in a prominent place, most often in a casket or coffin. The lid to the casket may be open, exposing the top half of the body. If a coffin is used the entire lid may be open. Soft music may be playing in the background.

For shorter viewings of a few hours or less, the family will most likely be there. Guests will be quietly chatting with each other as well as the family. Guests will be taking turns approaching the casket and spending a short quiet moment with the body. If there are lots of people there may be a line.

Body Preparation: Embalming

Embalming is the process used to delay decomposition of the body and make it presentable. The process involves replacing the blood from the deceased with embalming fluid (made of formaldehyde, methanol and other chemicals). Embalming is not required under the federal Funeral Rule but many funeral homes will not permit a public viewing with open casket unless the body has been embalmed first.  This is especially the case if the viewing or funeral takes place more than 72 hours after death.

Viewing vs Wake vs Visitation: What’s the Difference?

While the terms viewing, wake, and visitation are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings and structures. Understanding the differences can help plan a more suitable event for the deceased and their loved ones.

• Viewing: A relatively unstructured, informal gathering that allows attendees to spend time with the deceased and their family in a private environment. The focus is on the deceased, often displayed in a prepared state, and provides an opportunity for family and friends to say their goodbyes. A viewing is usually held at a funeral home.
  
  
• Wake: A wake is a traditional Catholic ceremony with Celtic Irish roots. Initially used to signify a prayer vigil, mourners would gather to keep watch or guard over the dead until they were buried. Wakes often involve prayers, rituals, and sharing stories about the deceased. The main difference between a wake and a viewing is that a wake is specifically a Catholic tradition, while a viewing can be held by people of any faith.
  
  
• Visitation: Similar to a viewing, a visitation is a time for friends and family to gather and pay their respects. However, unlike a viewing, the body of the deceased is typically not present at a visitation. Instead, it serves as an opportunity for attendees to offer condolences and support to the bereaved family. Visitations may take place before or after the funeral service and are often at the family home.
  
  

Identification viewings are another element. These are typically held at the funeral home just for immediate family and provide a chance to say goodbye to the body prior to burial or cremation. Embalming is typically not required for private identification viewings.

The Purpose of Viewings

The primary purpose of a viewing is to provide a space for mourners to gather, support each other, and participate in the grieving process. This collective support can be especially beneficial for those grappling with intense feelings of loss and sorrow.

Another benefit of a viewing is the opportunity it provides for attendees to pay their respects to the deceased. This is a moment to acknowledge the life of the departed, honor their memory, and express gratitude for their impact. Sharing stories, lighting a candle, signing a guestbook, or simply being present with the body are common ways to show respect.

Viewings also serve a psychological purpose, helping mourners reconcile with the reality of death. For many, seeing the body of the deceased can provide closure, making the loss tangible and aiding in the acceptance process. This opportunity to say goodbye is an important part of the healing journey for many.

For those who may not be comfortable with a traditional viewing, alternatives exist. Closed-casket viewings or memorial services without the body present are options that still honor the deceased and support the grieving process.

Viewing Etiquette

Viewing etiquette is similar to funeral etiquette. Semi-formal or conservative attire is generally expected, with darker colors being the most suitable choice. Arrive on time or a few minutes early, and make sure to sign the guestbook if one is available, as this helps the family remember attendees.

During a viewing, it is customary to approach the family of the deceased to offer condolences. Be sensitive to their grief and avoid making comments that may unintentionally cause further pain, such as trying to find a silver lining or suggesting the deceased is in a better place. Instead, quietly express your sympathy and share a positive memory of the person who passed away, if appropriate.

In some cases, an open casket may be present at the viewing. If you feel comfortable, you may approach the casket and pay your respects to the deceased. It is important to remember that each person’s comfort level differs in these situations, and it is perfectly acceptable to abstain from approaching the casket if you do not wish to do so.

If possible, try to spend some time with the grieving family. However, be mindful of others who may be waiting to speak with the family or view the body, and do not monopolize their time.

Questions for Guests

How long should guests stay at a viewing?

You should stay as long as you feel comfortable. At least 20 minutes would be typical, but if you find yourself in conversation with the family or other guests you may stay longer. You may also just want to sit in silence and reflect on the death of your loved one.

What should guests do at a viewing?

Guests should convey their condolences to family. If you do not know the family, introduce yourself and explain your connection to the deceased or other mourners. If you have a story or memory of the deceased this is a good opportunity to share it. Be aware of the situation through and do not take too much time with the family if there are lots of others waiting their turn.

You may also want to approach the casket and take a moment to acknowledge the deceased in your own way. This could be a quiet reflection or prayer. You do not have to approach the casket if you feel uncomfortable.

If you are talking to others, be aware of your tone and volume and try and be sensitive in what you are talking about. 

Should you bring flowers to a viewing?

Flowers are appropriate to bring to a viewing unless otherwise instructed. Consider the family’s wishes if they have requested an alternative gesture in lieu of flowers. You may also consider sending flowers to the funeral home ahead of time, but check first to see what they would prefer.

Are viewings open to the public?

Viewings are usually for family and friends of the deceased. Unlike visitations which take can take place in a private home, viewings are usually at a funeral home so there should be less sensitivity about who attends. If you had no relationship to the deceased or their family however, it would be better to stay away unless the family have specifically invited the public. 

Celebrities and public figures often have open viewings as a chance for their fans and followers to say goodbye. For example Diego Maradona’s viewing was held at the Presidential Palace in Argentina and attracted a line of fans stretching more than 20 blocks.

Questions for Family

How long do viewings last?

A standard viewing lasts for one to three hours. However, they can commonly last a lot longer, even over multiple days, especially if a lot of people are expected to attend.

How much do viewings cost?

The average cost of a viewing in the US is around $450, however when you add the extra costs that are also required the cost comes to around $1,450.

The median reported cost for a viewing is $450 based on published data from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) for 2021. It can cost around $200-$300 for each additional hour beyond the base.

The real cost of a viewing is higher than this however. Funeral homes are likely to require embalming and dressing/make-up with a public viewing and open casket. The median cost of embalming was $775 according to the NFDA. The median reported cost for dressing is $275.

One way to reduce the overall cost of a viewing is by using a rental casket rather than buying a new one.

Can you still have a viewing if the body is cremated?

Yes, viewings are possible even if the body will be cremated. The viewing can happen ahead of the cremation. An alternative is to have a viewing or visitation following the cremation but with the urn present. Learn more about the steps in cremation.

Are family expected to attend the entire viewing?

Expectations vary based on the time set for the viewing. Close family would be expected for the entire of a one to three hour viewing but not for a multi-day viewing. Check with the funeral director or a family member if the announcements / invites don’t specify when family will be in attendance. Note, families may not be in attendance if there is a separate visiting time scheduled.