Who should attend a wake?

Wakes and viewings are usually open to all guests, though if the family has not invited you or specified that the event is family-only, you should respect their wishes and not attend. If the body will be present and on view, you may want to prepare yourself emotionally.

Who will attend the wake?

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.

When should you go to someone's wake?

What time should I arrive? Plan your arrival when it is convenient for you, but keep in mind the family as well. If the wake is from 4 pm to 8 pm, showing up at 7:55 pm makes a long day for the family even longer. Try to plan your arrival so that you arrive at least a half an hour before the wake is due to end.

Is a wake only for family?

Generally speaking, the public is invited to attend the wake, even if there's no personal relationship with the family.

Do you need to be invited to a wake?

Generally speaking, the public is invited to attend a wake, even if there's no personal connection. On the contrary, funerals tend to be more intimate with close friends and family in attendance.

How to Follow Proper Funeral Etiquette

Is it OK to just attend the wake?

Attending the wake isn't necessary. Especially if you didn't know the deceased's family well. But attending the wake can communicate to the family how much this friendship meant to you.

How long is acceptable to stay at a wake?

Wakes usually last between two to six hours, but this can vary. This depends on the location and who attends. If the wake is held at someone's house or a paid venue you may want to be mindful of leaving on time. Checking the invitation or event details is a good way of seeing if someone has mentioned this.

Who do you invite to a wake?

How to invite guests. A funeral reception can be either public or private, so if you're organising one you will need to be clear about your expectations for family, friends and acquaintances. You'll either want to contact close family members personally to pass on the information, or put it in the order of service.

What does it mean to attend a wake?

A wake is a social gathering associated with death, held before or after a funeral. Traditionally, a wake involves family and friends keeping watch over the body of the dead person, usually in the home of the deceased. Some wakes are held at a funeral home or another convenient location.

Do you give money at a wake?

It's common for people to give money at birthdays, weddings, but at funerals giving money isn't always a respectful gift. However, the protocols can sometimes be altered and people may still offer money if that's how they feel, or the grieving family needs the help.

What should you not say at a wake?

Don't tell friends or family members who are grieving that their loved one has gone to a better place. Never call the death a blessing or speculate that it was that person's time. Avoid saying anything that suggests that the loss of the loved one is a positive thing.

Do friends go to the wake or funeral?

Close family and friends of the person who died will likely attend the visitation and funeral service. Others may attend both or may need to or prefer to attend one or the other but not both. Visitation may take place the day before the funeral, the evening before or even just hours before the funeral service.

What typically happens at a wake?

What is 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.

Is a wake only Catholic?

A wake is a Catholic tradition, while people of any faith can do viewing. A funeral wake is typically led by clergy or a priest, whereas a viewing will not. Another difference is that viewing is an informal event, while a funeral wake might be either an informal or formal event.

Who goes to a wake funeral?

In addition to a formal funeral service, there's often another ceremony called a 'wake' or a 'viewing. ' Almost everyone who loses a close friend, colleague, or family member will feel like they should attend at least one of these ceremonies.

Is a wake a Catholic thing?

Prior to the Funeral

After the death of a practicing Catholic, it's common for their family to hold a prayer vigil the night before the funeral. This is sometimes referred to as a wake or the reception of the body. Wake etiquette is somewhat similar to Catholic visitation etiquette.

Is it rude not to go to a wake?

As with a funeral service, if you are invited to a wake, viewing, or visitation you should feel free to go. If the event is limited to family only, you should respect the family's wishes and not attend.

Is a wake more casual than a funeral?

Wakes are generally more casual and interactive than funeral services, which are more structured around certain rituals. Many families will have both a wake and a funeral, with the wake taking place the day before the funeral service or afterward at the families' home.

What do you say when you visit a wake?

How do you pay respect at a wake?

It is customary to show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. You may wish to say a silent prayer for, or meditate about, the deceased at this time. In some cases the family may escort you to the casket. The length of your visit at the wake is a matter of discretion.

Who pays for wake?

You can pay using the deceased estate…

It is however, reassuring for family and friends to know that the costs of the funeral and the wake are payable from the deceased's estate (providing that there is enough money in the bank).

Do you wear black to a wake?

When thinking about what to wear to a wake, women have to remember that this is a somber occasion, it is best to choose conservative colors and styles. You don't have to wear black, but it is acceptable if you decide to wear all black. Other colors include navy blue, gray, blush colors, and neutrals such as beige.

Who speaks at a wake?

The speech is ideally given by someone who knew the person well enough to gather and share memories and highlights of his/her life. Sometimes the choice is obvious within the family. There is often one person who seems to be the unofficial family spokesperson.

What's the difference between a wake and a funeral?

For example, a wake is a more informal time for visitation and remembrance of the dead, whereas a funeral typically contains structured rituals and is often religious in nature. It's common for a family to have both a wake and a funeral in order to commemorate the death of a loved one.

Do you bring flowers to a wake?

What Do You Bring To a Wake? Unlike funerals, it is not traditional to bring flowers to a wake. This adds stress to the family who may be unsure of what to do with them when they arrive. However, you can always have flowers sent ahead of time to the funeral home.