After the loss of a loved one, it is important for family and friends to gather to pay tribute to the deceased and comfort one another. Funeral homes help bereaved families fulfill these significant duties by planning pre-funeral services to honor the deceased. According to Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors in Mcdonough, GA, the most common of these observances are viewings, wakes, and visitations.

Below, their staff explains the purpose and distinct characteristics of each of these pre-funeral services:

• Viewings: Viewings allow friends and family to gather together and pay tribute to the deceased. They are usually held at a funeral home or place of worship. The body will be present, and the family may choose to have an open or closed casket. Viewings are traditionally held the evening before the funeral service, although some families decide to hold them a few days earlier.
• Wakes: People often refer to viewings and wakes interchangeably; however, there are subtle differences between the two. While viewings are held by both religious and non-religious families alike, wakes have historically had religious connotations. Their name derives from the ancient Celtic practice of remaining awake with the body throughout the night to protect it from evil spirits. Today, wakes often include a brief religious ceremony led by a priest or pastor that may include readings and prayers.
• Visitations: The purpose of the visitation is to bring comfort to the family of the deceased, so they are often more informal than viewings and wakes. At a visitation, the casket is generally either closed or not present. The visitation may be held before or after the funeral service and may take place at a funeral home or place of worship, although many families choose to hold them at home.

Planning a viewing, wake, or visitation is a personal and difficult process. For more than 75 years, residents of Mcdonough, GA, have turned to Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors to help them plan funeral services to honor their deceased loved ones. Call (770) 914-1414 to speak with a representative, or visit their website to begin making arrangements online.