The hosting of wakes are based on an ancient tradition where the family was required to remain awake at the side of the body until it is ready to be moved to the church. From the place of storage at a church it would be prepared for the burial or the cremation process. The preparation of a funeral wake requires a number of considerations for a smooth and memorable process.
With the passing of a friend or relative comes considerable grief and difficulty in dealing with the process. For those who wish to host such ceremonies, it is important to offer notice within a newspaper or public domain to alert others of the event. It is important that well known friends and family members are provided the information regarding the place, time, and date for a visitation.
The funeral home is often responsible for the hosting of such a ceremony. The facility should be notified of the number of guests that will attend and the preparation required for the body. Flowers and similar decorations can be placed in the room for an honorable service.
Most people place a single enlarged photograph of a deceased member in the the room as a sign of respect and honor. It should reveal the positive aspects of personality. It is important that you remain at the entrance to greet all guests who attend the ceremony.
Guestbooks may be included by the parlor as an opportunity for guests to write personalized messages to the family. Food and drink should be provided for the guests who attend the proceeding. Not all parlors will include catering costs in a quotation and should be made provision for.
A funeral wake serves to respect on honor the memory of the deceased. The more traditional approach allows for sharing in the grief process while others wish to make it a celebratory event for the life of the person who has passed on. Finding the right parlor can ease the process and offer the most valuable options.
