funeral homes in Lakewood, WA

Funeral Home Visitation Details

There are often different parts to the services held at funeral homes in Lakewood, WA if the family is going with a traditional route. First, there is normally a visitation. Then, the next day or later that day, there is a formal funeral. Last, there’s a burial service at the cemetery. As someone invited to the service or as a member of the community, you can attend one or all of those items. Many people decide to go to everything or, just to the visitation or just the service. If you choose to attend the visitation, whether you are going to the service later or not, it’s nice to have some details about that particular part of the proceedings.

Formal Attire Isn’t Necessary

While you will want to wear something decent and nothing with paint stains and rips in it, you also don’t have to go all out, wear black, or get into a full suit or dress. Since visitations are more casual, you can feel comfortable stopping over at the funeral home on a break from work without changing. You don’t want to be disrespectful in what you wear, but you also don’t have to go all out.

Open House Feel

While you never want to be late to an actual funeral service, visitations are different. The visitation will be listed for a certain chunk of time and you can come and go within that timeframe at any time you want. If the visitation, for example, is from 10-noon, you might arrive at 10:45 and leave at 11:15. You don’t have to come right at the start and you don’t have to stay until the end. No one but close family will do that and, really, it’s better if you don’t. Stay for 20-30 minutes, see the person, share sympathies with the family, and be on your way.

Approaching The Casket Isn’t Mandatory

Some people go to the visitation so they can see a friend in their casket and get closure over their death. Others go to support the family and share their condolences. No matter what reasoning you have for being there, you don’t have to approach the casket if you don’t want to or don’t feel comfortable doing so. There are no rules written up that say you have to approach the casket, even if you go to the visitation.

funeral homes in Lakewood, WA

Talking To The Family Is Best

Another reason many people go to the visitation is to visit with the family members who have lost their loved one. Talking to them at the funeral can be hard since they are emotional and are often busy with others. The visitation, being a longer time span, spread guests out and it’s easier to get a word or two in to the family so you can let them know you are thinking of them. They will appreciate seeing you and hearing a few words from you at the funeral home in Lakewood, WA during the visitation service. If you have other questions about attending, contact the professionals at Weeks’ Dryer Mortuary.