Traditional Visitation Steps and Considerations
Schrader-Howell Funeral Home knows that each event is essential after loss, so here is some key information about visitations and navigating this experience.
There are many ways to remember the loved one after a loss, and a funeral visitation is just one. Working with one of the funeral homes in Canton Township, MI, can make the entire process easier, especially if you want to include additional events like a visitation. If you have been invited to one of these events or need to plan one, this article will highlight the steps and some helpful considerations for the process.
What is a Visitation?
The funeral visitation offers an opportunity to celebrate the individual's legacy and mourn their loss. They typically involve family and friends coming together to share stories, offer comfort, and show respect for the deceased before the funeral. Generally, the event will occur at either a family member's home or an appointed funeral home and can be customized in whatever way feels appropriate for the family.
What Happens at The Function?
While there are some traditional details like a guest book or a photo display, each event can vary depending on the family's cultural or religious traditions. A few of the most common things that happen include:
- The community will come to pay their respects and offer condolences to the family
- There may be a officiate or funeral director that will say a few words about the loved one
- Music may be played, or there may be a small reception.
The visitation can be a full day or a few hours, depending on the family and the funeral home's operating hours. In most cases, the visitation will be shorter than the funeral, and we'll typically be finished with a blessing or prayer. Guests will attend, offer condolences, pay their respects to the deceased and the family, and are not expected to say the entire event length.
What do You Say to the Family?
Generally speaking, there are no right or wrong things to say at the event as long as you show respect for the deceased and the family. However, it is recommended to offer some words of comfort including:
- I'm sorry for your loss.
- My thoughts are with you and your family.
- They were an important person and will be missed.
Etiquette Tips
Like all events, visitations also have their own set of etiquette that is recommended to follow, and a few tips include:
- Offer a hug to family members you're familiar with
- Keep your conversations brief and focused on the loved one
- Choose a tire that is conservative and respectful
- Offer words of sympathy, comfort, and support
Your Source for Compassionate and Professional Services
You can also consider bringing a token of sympathy for the family, and items like flowers or sympathy cards can be a welcome gift. A visitation is intended to create a space for those who need to mourn the loss and pay tribute to the individual's memory, and if you need support from one of the funeral homes in Canton Township, MI, our team is here to help you. We are a family-owned company who have been in business for over 117 years by providing compassionate and professional services for our community, so contact us today for more information.
