Can you view the body before cremation? The good news is that the viewing tradition does not have to change. A viewing is still an option whether you’re arranging a cremation or a traditional funeral.

As cremation becomes more prevalent, it’s only natural that traditions alter as well. There used to be a viewing or visitation, followed by the funeral service and burial in the cemetery. However, times have changed. The previous norm will not appeal to everyone.

What Exactly Is A Viewing?

Friends and relatives come for a viewing. They gather to pay their final respects to the deceased’s body. Saying your goodbyes at this time can be quite special. It’s a great opportunity to exchange music, images, memories, and tales.

The viewing takes place before the funeral, which takes place before the burial.

What Happens During A Screening?

As previously stated, close family and friends assemble to say their final goodbyes to a cherished friend and to offer support to the mourning family.

The funeral home frequently provides a place for the family to have food with their friends who have attended the service.

The visitation is less formal than the funeral. People sit reverently at moments, then converse, joke, and share recollections at other times.

The duration of the watching can range from a few minutes to several hours. The viewing could continue for many days, depending on the schedule.

Can You View The Dody The Before Cremation?

A viewing prior to cremation is becoming more common. There is legislation that prohibits a public viewing if the body has not been embalmed. If the family has elected not to embalm, just a few people are permitted to attend the viewing.

Normally, this small group consists of no more than ten people. When faced with this dilemma, most people will invite their immediate family.

The spouse, children, parents, and siblings make up the immediate family. It is, in my opinion, a good idea to inform the guests that the body is not embalmed. If the body is not embalmed, it will not appear as “natural.”

The viewing may be attended by any number of individuals if the body has been embalmed. It could be open to the general public.

Observing or Being Present At The Cremation

Please keep in mind that the viewing before cremation is not the same as seeing the cremation process. This is known as a witness cremation, and it is limited to only the closest family members who choose to be present for the cremation.

Viewing Tips Before Cremation

Here are some things to consider if you’re hosting or attending a viewing before the cremation.

• In most cases, the viewing will be casual. You can wear anything you want. It is fine to wear your work clothes if you are coming straight from work.
• Attending the viewing will be more personal than attending the funeral. This may be the greatest time for you to express your heartfelt condolences to the family.
• You are not required to stay for the entire duration of the viewing. 15-30 minutes should suffice. Of course, longer is also okay.
• Flowers or a plant might be sent or brought to the viewing. A monetary present to the family is also appropriate. Expenses mount at this point.
• It is critical to respect the family’s preferences. Please don’t send or bring flowers if they don’t want them. They may have major allergies that they’re attempting to avoid. (Here are some suggestions for what to bring.)
• Children are welcome to attend the screening. It is equally critical that parents guide their children’s behavior. Running around and playing games is not appropriate for viewing.
• Attending the viewing rather than the funeral is allowed. Similarly, attending the funeral but not the viewing is proper.
• Even if you don’t know the family, it is proper etiquette to attend a viewing. Please greet the family and describe your relationship with the dead and the impact he or she had on your life.
• It’s important to remember that different religions have different viewing practices. It could be beneficial to learn about the deceased’s religious background.
• Embalming is done to make the deceased person presentable.
• For identifying purposes, bodies are not embalmed. Embalming is quite expensive, and it is not required for an ID viewing. This is a private viewing; the legislation limits the number of people to ten. The public is unable to attend. The discoloration will appear in the nail beds and on the skin. There could even be a stench.

Consider The Body’s Condition Before Deciding On A Public Visitation or Viewing

An open casket viewing before burial or cremation may not be possible in some circumstances. If the body of the deceased was not properly cared for soon after death, it may not be suitable for viewing. An open-casket visitation or viewing before cremation may be impossible if the body has undergone a comprehensive autopsy.

Even if the body is in good shape, a long sickness can cause significant changes in appearance. Some families may like for others to remember their loved ones as they looked back on their healthiest years.

Before you make this decision, seek counsel from the funeral director. A good funeral director will look out for the family’s best interests and will counsel them not to view the body if they believe it will be an unpleasant experience.

Before You Decide Whether or Not To Have A Viewing, Think About Your Budget

When grieving the loss of a loved one, few people like to talk about money, but if you only have a certain amount of money to spend on a funeral, you must plan ahead.

Many people find this difficult since they want to “spare no expense” while saying farewell to someone they care about. Unfortunately, individuals may come to regret their decisions when they get a huge fee after the funeral ceremonies.

Final Thoughts

Attending a viewing can make you feel a little nervous. Death is a difficult subject to broach. Always remember that you are there to help the family. Your attendance shows that you value the family and their loved ones.

You don’t have to gaze at the body just because it’s termed a “viewing.” Nothing obligates you to stare at the deceased if you are uncomfortable doing so. Be there for your family. After all, that is why you are there.

Please sign the guestbook. Keep in mind that the family is likely to be highly busy and distracted during this time. They won’t be able to recall the names of everyone that came. They will look back on that book in the coming weeks and thank each and every person who came to pay their respects.