When a person dies, the family may hold a variety of funeral services, including visitation hours before the ceremony and burial. It can be hard to know what is expected during this occasion since it’s often held separately from the funeral itself. The following guide will help you understand what is expected during a visitation

Tips for Attending a Funeral Visitation

1. Understand the Event

A visitation is usually held before the funeral service and may take place at the funeral home or a family member’s house. The purpose of a visitation is to pay respects and give condolences to the family. The body may be there, but this is more typical at a traditional wake or a viewing. Families sometimes have visitations if the funeral will be small and private, or if there is no formal service planned. 

2. Dress Appropriately

Choose clothing similar to what you would wear to the funeral service. Subdued colors are expected, though black is not mandatory. Navy blue, deep purple, gray, and brown are also permitted. Dresses or skirts are appropriate for women, and men should wear a suit and tie. Avoid showy jewelry, strong perfume or cologne, or excessively high heels. If the family encourages wearing other colors, whether as part of a celebration of life or a religious custom, defer to those instructions. 

3. Set Aside Enough Time

You are attending the visitation to pay respects and offer comfort, so leave yourself enough time to get to the location and sincerely offer condolences to the family and other guests. How long to stay will depend on how well you know the family, how busy the event seems, and whether the family members seem inclined to have company. Introduce yourself to anyone you don’t know and express honest regards. This might be a short, sweet remembrance of the deceased or simply a handshake or hug and a brief word of condolence.

4. Consider Giving a Memorial Gift

It is not required to bring a gift to a funeral service or visitation, but it can be a thoughtful touch for a close friend or family member. A small bouquet of flowers, a selection of fine chocolates or a fruit basket, or a charitable donation would be appropriate. Requests for memorial gifts may accompany the funeral service announcement, so look for those details. Sending a contribution instead of bringing a gift is the simplest, most effective way to pay your respects, especially if you were not close to the deceased or their survivors.

A visitation allows friends and extended family to pay their respects before or in place of funeral services. Brater-Winter Funeral Home in Cincinnati and Harrison, OH, offers unique and thoughtful memorial and funeral services, permanent memorials, funeral pre-planning, online tributes, grief support, and an online Sympathy Store for selecting flowers and gifts. Call (513) 941-1940 for more information or visit the website to view a full range of services.