Is it OK to go to the viewing and not the 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.

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Is it appropriate to go to a viewing?

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.

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Is it rude to go to a wake and not the funeral?

If you didn't know the deceased personally

To support them, you can go to the wake but not the funeral. Attending the wake helps express your condolences. And is appropriate for this kind of relationship. Your presence will be appreciated.

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Is it offensive not to go to a funeral?

Is It Disrespectful to Not Go to a Funeral? It is at your discretion to decide whether attending a certain funeral is disrespectful or not. Keep in mind, that family and friends may have an opinion on your decision to not attend, so it's best to be prepared with a response that explains why you've opted out.

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Is a viewing different than a funeral?

Viewings are typically a smaller affair than funerals, and they take place before the funeral. Viewings can last for less than a day, or they can last for several days in a row. They occur after the deceased has been prepared by a mortician. A cremation urn may be present instead, if the deceased was cremated.

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Is It Offensive To NOT Go To A Funeral?

39 related questions found

What is the point of a viewing?

A viewing is typically for friends and family to see the body of their loved one a final time to say their goodbyes. A viewing is normally held at a public place, such as the funeral home or church, where the service will be soon following.

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Do you wear black to a viewing?

While black is always a great go-to if you're unsure about what you're wearing, colors like gray and navy are also appropriate. Your most important goal is to avoid wearing anything that will distract attention away from the loved one who has passed away.

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Is it selfish not to go to a funeral?

It is not a selfish act to request not to have a funeral after you pass away. There are many reasons why you may not want to have a funeral and any of them are valid. You deserve to have any send-off that you wish for, so don't be afraid to share your last wishes with your family openly and honestly.

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What is considered rude at a funeral?

"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.

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Can you not want a funeral?

If you do not want to hold a service

You are not legally required to hold a service. However, if you do not hold an official service, you will still need to organise what's referred to as a 'no service, no attendance' burial or cremation. The cheapest option for this is direct cremation.

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What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?

Stealing anything from a deceased person or their family is obviously a no-go. Even “just a flower or two,” is also disrespectful.

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What do you wear to a viewing?

If you're attending a visitation or calling hours, it's best to wear something modest but not over-the-top; dress like you're going to church on an average Sunday. For women, dress pants and a nice top will do fine, or perhaps a versatile dress. For men, slacks and a button-down are appropriate.

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Can you wear jeans to a viewing?

We recommend wearing dark or neutral colors, because darker colors reflect the mourning atmosphere of the service or visitation. Clothing can be formal (think suits and dresses) or casual (pants or nice jeans and shirts).

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Should you go to viewing or funeral?

It's typically considered more important to attend the funeral service. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable only attending the funeral; however, you might like the chance to speak to the family in a more relaxed setting at the visitation. As long as you're kind and respectful, the choice is yours.

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Is it OK to touch a body at a viewing?

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.

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What not to say at a viewing?

Here are a few examples of comments to avoid: “I know exactly how you feel.” “God never gives us more than we can handle. God must have needed another angel in heaven. This is God's plan.” “Just try to be strong.” Or anything starting with the words “at least,” such as, “At least you have your other children with you.

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Is it rude to smile at a funeral?

Is It Okay to Smile at a Funeral? It's not only okay to smile at a funeral but it's also encouraged, especially when greeting the bereaved. Seeing someone smile at us can help lift our spirits. It's also a nonverbal way of showing support.

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What color is disrespectful at a funeral?

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

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Is it disrespectful to take pics at a funeral?

Is It Appropriate to Take Photos at a Funeral? Unless explicitly requested by the deceased's family, it is best to avoid taking photographs at a funeral or memorial ceremony. Taking candid photos of the relatives in their most vulnerable moments of grief might cause stress and destroy the mood during the service.

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What does the Bible say about not attending a funeral?

For this is what the LORD says: "Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal; do not go to mourn or show sympathy, because I have withdrawn my blessing, my love and my pity from this people," declares the LORD.

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How do you apologize for not attending a funeral?

Examples of messages you can send
  1. I'm so sorry that I cannot be there with you to say goodbye to Jean. ...
  2. I do so wish I could be there to say goodbye to Jean, but I am recovering following my operation and am unable to travel. ...
  3. It is so disappointing that I cannot be with you at the funeral service.

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Is it OK to be happy at a funeral?

It's possible to be both angry and happy, sad and relieved, frustrated and grateful — all at the same time. It's not wrong, it's just the way we are wired. Our bodies and minds find a way to balance out emotions, striving to find the good in every situation. Perhaps it's a coping mechanism of sorts.

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Should you dress up for a viewing?

Viewings and visitations are usually formal events, so guests will usually be expected to wear formal and modest attire. For women, this can include things such as dresses, dress pants, blouses, etc. For men, this can consist of suits, collared shirts, ties, etc.

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What is the etiquette for funeral visitations?

A visitation usually lasts a few hours, but it's more of a come-and-go event. Guests are not obligated to stay throughout and can arrive and leave anytime. General etiquette dictates that if you're a close friend, you should stay a few hours to show your support and help. If you're not, 15 – 20 minutes is okay.

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What shoes do you wear to a viewing?

Flat shoes or pumps are your best choice for shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals may be appropriate depending on the venue and climate. Depending on the culture, a hat may be worn. Unless there are special circumstances, jeans are usually considered too casual.

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