Many modern funeral services are rooted in history, and the wake is no exception. Traditionally, individuals whose loved ones had passed would stay by the body to pray and watch over it before the burial. While the purpose of the modern wake is slightly different, many mourners still take comfort in this ritual. This guide explains how wakes are conducted today.

What Happens During a Wake?

During a wake, friends and family members come together to remember the life of their loved one. When the body is present, the wake may also be referred to as a viewing.

This visitation typically takes place at a funeral home, and there’s often a line for guests to pay their respects to the surviving family. If the body is presented in a casket, they may also say goodbye or pray before it.

How Is It Different From a Funeral?

A funeral is a more intimate gathering typically reserved for family members and close friends. Usually, traditional funeral services are conducted by a celebrant, such as a priest, who may add a religious element to the gathering with readings from sacred texts. Loved ones may also give a eulogy to honor the deceased or share other meaningful thoughts, such as poems or scriptures.

How to Organize a Wake

As with any funeral service, the first step in organizing a wake is selecting a venue. You may choose a funeral home near the place of death or have the body transported to a location geographically closer to surviving friends and family if needed.

Next, the funeral home staff will help you prepare an obituary, which can be published online and in newspapers. This will include details about the wake, including the time, date, and location. You may also contact friends and family members or make an announcement on social media.

Some people provide light refreshments, but this step isn’t necessary. If desired, you can choose photos to display during the wake and hang them before guests arrive or put together a slideshow. You might also wish to put out a jar or book where guests can share special memories.

Whether you’re preplanning your own arrangements or looking for a trusted funeral home during a time of need, turn to Adzima Funeral Home for personalized and attentive services. Located in Fairfield County, CT, this family-run funeral home has served the community for over 100 years. They’ll help you plan a wake that properly honors the unique life of a lost loved one. Learn about their funeral services online or by calling (203) 375-2200.