What is an awakening funeral?

A wake, also known as a funeral reception, is an event where close friends and family of the deceased gather together to pay their respects to their loved one. Traditionally, a wake referred to the viewing held before the funeral, but nowadays it's usually held after the funeral or memorial service.

Whats the difference between an awake and a funeral?

The difference between a wake and a funeral is that the wake typically occurs a few hours to days before the funeral. The wake is a time to potentially view the body of the deceased and say your goodbyes, while the funeral is typically a more formal service that honors the deceased.

What is the difference between a wake and a visitation for a funeral?

A viewing (also called a wake) may be brief and take place immediately before the funeral service, or may last for up to three days before the service. A visitation can take place any time, before or after the funeral service or disposition, and can last for hours or days.

What is the difference between a wake and a memorial service?

The key difference between these terms is the purpose that they serve. Another distinguishing factor is how formal or informal the functions are. Funeral wakes, and Funeral viewings are informal. A funeral service is formal while a memorial service is an interplay of the two.

Do you have to go up to the coffin at a wake?

Most wakes do have the body present, and most often it is open-casket. But again, since the wake is a semi-informal event, you can attend and simply skip viewing the body. Just be prepared in the event that the casket is in the entry way or foyer.

Wake vs Funeral vs Memorial vs Viewing: What's the Difference?

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

They cover the legs in a casket because the deceased is not wearing shoes in many cases due to the difficulty of putting them on stiff feet. Also, funeral directors may recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in the event of trauma, for easier transportation, or with tall bodies.

Can you touch the body in the casket?

If you have an adult with you at the funeral home, it is ok to touch a dead body, and you will not get in trouble. You are naturally curious, and sometimes when you see and touch a dead body it helps you answer your questions. Remember to be gentle and have an adult help you.

Who should attend a wake?

You should attend both the wake and the funeral for family members and very close friends. If you're a member of the immediate family, people will want to express condolences to you. Even if it's difficult, being there is important.

What happens during a wake?

A wake, also known as a viewing, visitation or gathering, typically occurs before the funeral takes place. An urn or a casket is typically present, and the casket may be opened or closed. At this time, people pay their respects and offer condolences to loved ones of the departed.

What's the purpose of a wake?

A wake (sometimes referred to as “calling hours”) is a more unstructured time where friends and family of the deceased come to pay their respects one last time, and in many cases to view the deceased before they are buried.

What do you wear to a funeral wake?

A wake is a formal occasion, and your attire should reflect that. Any sort of business clothes such as a shirt and tie, a dress, nice pants and a top in dark colors would be suitable and appropriate. Avoid bright colors and clothing that is revealing or flamboyant.

What should I bring to a wake service?

Bring a Card, Flowers, or Another Appropriate Gift

Generally speaking, you send flowers to a funeral, like this arrangement of fresh-cut flowers. Don't bring them with you — you don't want to place undue stress on the family of the deceased.

How long after someone dies is the wake?

A wake (sometimes referred to as a viewing or visitation) will usually happen within a week of death. So this answer is very similar to that of the question “How long after death is the funeral?” The wake itself typically takes place the evening before the funeral.

What is the cheapest form of burial?

Direct cremation is the least expensive way to bury your loves one. It is done respectfully, and gives your and your family time to find the most personal and affordable burial option.

Do you see the body at a funeral?

Viewing of the body should always be considered before final disposition. The open casket viewing is the most personalized part of any funeral ritual or ceremony. Not having the body present at a funeral ceremony or ritual is like having a wedding ceremony without the bride or groom being present.

What do you call eating after a funeral?

What's a Repast After a Funeral? A repast is any gathering after a funeral service. You might have heard it called a reception, which is what it's commonly known as today. Repasts are less formal than a funeral service or memorial.

Do bodies sit up when being cremated?

Does the body sit up during cremation? Yes, this can happen. Due to the heat and the muscle tissue, the body can move as the body is broken down, although this does happen inside the coffin, so it won't be visible.

Do you take a gift to a wake?

An edible gift (think fruit baskets, sandwich plates or baked goods) is always a good thing to bring to a wake, especially if it's held in a private home. Cards can also be brought with you to a private wake.

Why do they call a funeral a wake?

The name “wake” originated because unknown diseases had plagued the countryside causing some to appear dead. As the family began to mourn, they would awaken. For this reason, the body is waked in the deceased's home for at least one night.

How much should you give at a wake?

There is no set amount, as it should be a gift – so give whatever you think is enough, and gift from the heart. An amount of $10 is perfectly acceptable, and is usually dependent on your relationship with the family. Place your contributions in an envelope, and leave the envelope with a family member of the deceased.

What should a female wear to a wake?

What to Wear to a Wake Female. Women can choose business attire or Sunday attire. A combination of a business jacket, skirt, and blouse is one possible outfit. You can wear a pair of dress slacks, a jacket and a blouse.

What do you say to a family at a wake?

Why are caskets only half open?

Viewing caskets are usually half open because of how they are constructed, according to the Ocean Grove Memorial Home. Most of today's caskets are made to be half open. They cannot lie fully open for viewing.

What does a body look like after 1 year in a coffin?

If you were able to view a body after one year of burial, you may see as little as the skeleton laid to rest in the soil or as much as the body still recognizable with all the clothes intact.

Which part of the body does not burn during cremation?

People are often surprised by how much cremated remains they get back after a body has been cremated. All bones are left they do not evaporate. The bones are then reduced in size to a granular consistency.