Funeral Vs Wake: What's The Difference?

Funeral Vs Wake: What’s The Difference?

When someone close to us dies, it’s natural for us to want to gather together and mourn their loss. This usually takes the form of either a funeral or awake. But what’s the difference between these two ceremonies? Funerals are more formal, often religious gatherings where the deceased’s body is present. On the other hand, Wakes are fewer formal gatherings where people can come to pay their respects and remember the dead. If you’re unsure which type of ceremony is right for your loved one, keep reading to break down the key differences between funerals and wakes!

Funeral

A funeral is a ceremony held to commemorate a person’s death. Funerals are usually religious and often occur in a church or funeral home. The deceased’s body is typically present at a funeral, although this isn’t always the case.

Funerals usually involve rituals, such as a eulogy or a moment of silence. They are often formal occasions, and people typically dress in dark clothing.

The funeral is a more formal, often religious, gathering where the deceased’s body is present. Wakes are less formal gatherings where people can come to pay their respects and remember the deceased

Features of Funeral

There are several features distinguishing it from wake and other ceremonies, such as:

Funerals are more formal occasions, often with religious overtones. The deceased’s body is usually present, and there may be a eulogy or other tribute paid to the person who has died. Funerals often follow strict guidelines set forth by the deceased’s religion or family. Wakes, on the other hand, are fewer formal gatherings. They allow people to come together and remember the person who has died, but they don’t typically involve religious rituals or tributes. The body of the deceased is usually not present at a wake.
It’s common for a family to have a funeral and a wake after someone dies. This allows them to honor their loved ones in formal and informal settings. If you’re unsure which type of ceremony is right for your loved one, talk to a funeral director or clergy member. They can help you plan a meaningful tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one.
Funerals are more formal, often religious gatherings where the deceased’s body is present. On the other hand, Wakes are less formal gatherings where people can come to pay their respects and remember the dead.
The body of the deceased is typically present at a funeral. This allows mourners to say their final goodbyes and pay their respects. It also allows people to view the body and see that the person is truly gone.
The body of the deceased is usually not present at a wake. This can be because the family has chosen to have a closed casket funeral, or the body has not yet been released by the medical examiner. In some cultures, it’s considered bad luck to have the body present at a wake.

If you’re not sure whether you want the body of your loved one to be present at the funeral, talk to a funeral director. They can help you make this decision and plan accordingly.

Funerals usually take place in a church or funeral home.

Funerals take place in Church because it is a more formal setting that is often religious. Funeral homes are also ordinary because they have the facilities to accommodate large groups of people.

Wakes can take place in either a funeral home or a private residence. In some cultures, wakes are held in the home of the deceased. This allows mourners to gather in a familiar and comfortable setting.

Wake

Wake is an old tradition that is still practiced today in some cultures. It’s a time for family and friends to remember the person who has died. There is usually food and drink served, and often music and dancing. The deceased’s body is typically present at a wake, although this isn’t always the case.

A wake can be held before or after a funeral, but it is more common to have it before. This allows people to attend both the wake and the funeral without choosing one.

Wakes are generally less formal than funerals, but they can still be sad occasions. It’s not uncommon for people to cry and share memories of the person who has died.

Features of Wake

Features of wake are as follows:

It is a time for family and friends to come together and remember the life of the person who has died
There is usually food and drink served, and often music and dancing.
The deceased’s body is typically present at a wake, although this isn’t always the case.
Wakes are generally less formal than funerals, but they can still be sad occasions.

FAQs

Can You Have Both a Funeral and a Wake?

Yes, it’s common for families to have a funeral and a wake after someone dies. This allows them to honor their loved ones in formal and informal settings.

Do you need to have the body present at a wake?

You don’t need to have the body present at a wake. In some cultures, it’s considered bad luck to have the body present at a wake. If you’re not sure whether you want the body of your loved one to be present, talk to a funeral director.

When Is a Wake Typically Held?

A wake is typically held before a funeral, but it can also be held after. This allows people to attend both the wake and the funeral without choosing one.

What Should I Wear to a Wake?

Wear something comfortable that you can move around in quickly. You might be sitting on the floor or in chairs for long periods, so make sure you’re wearing something that won’t make you uncomfortable. Black is a standard color to wear to a wake, but it’s unnecessary.

Conclusion

Funeral and wake are two different terms that are often confused. A funeral is a more formal occasion that is typically held in a church or funeral home, and the body of the deceased is usually present. A wake is a less formal gathering held in either a funeral home or private residence, and the deceased’s body is not always current.

Both funerals and wakes serve as opportunities for family and friends to come together and remember the life of someone who has died. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preference and culture. If you’re unsure about what to do, talk to a funeral director. They can help you plan an appropriate tribute for your loved one.