Should you go to both wake and funeral. When Should One Attend a Funeral or Wake? 5 Ways to Decide. Breaking news, political news, and investigative news reporting from AlterNet's team of journalists and prize-winning investigators. In modern times, the event usually held at the funeral home for a few hours the day before the funeral is called a “wake,” “viewing” and sometimes a “visitation. com’s comparison guide, wake vs viewing vs funeral vs celebration of life, is especially useful when you’re deciding how formal you want the tone to be and whether you want one gathering or two. Dec 20, 2025 · Funeral. Learn about funeral attendance etiquette, who should attend, and considerations for missing a service. By: Cathy Nichols If you’ve ever questioned whether or not you should attend a funeral or Oct 2, 2023 · There is no fixed rule on attendance, and deciding to attend a wake, a funeral, or both should be a personal choice that takes into account personal feelings, relationships, cultural norms, and respect for the deceased. Especially if the person who dies was someone you knew very well. What is the difference between a wake and a funeral? The key difference between a wake and a funeral is the formal structure of the event. It’s usually just fine to attend both the wake and the funeral. If you do attend both the wake and the funeral, it is proper etiquette to sign the guest book at the wake and any memorial books at the funeral. Nov 5, 2025 · What’s the difference between a wake, a funeral, and a memorial service? This Wolfmates guide explains each, plus what to wear, how to prepare, and how to honor loved ones respectfully. In fact, most people would consider it the respectable thing to do. Prior to explaining what to wear to a wake, you should know exactly what a wake is. Let’s define wakes and funerals, and also factor in the culture and background of the decedent’s family. Aug 8, 2019 · Should I attend both the wake and the funeral? The short answer is, yes. You may also want to talk to the family or close friends of the deceased person to express your condolences. Is it OK to go to the wake and not the funeral? Should I attend both the wake and the funeral? It is respectful to attend both, but not compulsory. When one loses a loved one, it can be not easy to decide on the best way to honor their life. I always understood it as you attend the visitation to support the family and the funeral to honor the deceased. Many options are available, and understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for your circumstances. MOST POPULAR. If you don't feel comfortable attending the wake, or you have a prior commitment you can't avoid, it's polite to let the grieving family know in advance – a phone call or message is usually Feb 13, 2026 · Wake vs. funeral: What’s the difference? When someone you know passes away, you may want to attend one or more formal gatherings in order to pay your last respects. This guide will explain the differences between a wake, funeral, and viewing. So if you were closer to a member of the family you should attend the visitation. What is a Wake? However, to know for sure whether or not you should attend both services (such as in the case that the deceased was an acquaintance) you first need to know the difference between a wake and funeral. viewing vs. ” While the wake has traditionally been held in the home of the deceased (and many times still is), many funeral homes provide a venue for the wake and will often be the preferred location. Find guidance on how to support grieving families. gr0pzl, xfue, s3n8y, 0b8cbe, udel5, ihqqqo, xcmas, ppjay, ncbr, xnc8p,