Viewing
Viewing or visitation
If you have decided on a viewing or visitation, there are various places and times this can be done. The choice is yours, each with its own restrictions and requirements. The more common options are listed for your review. However, we can accommodate your special requests.
Funeral home
If you choose a private invitation only viewing, this is best done at our funeral home. The afternoon or evening before the funeral is the usual choice. This allows private time to be spent to say personal goodbyes. The major advantage of this method is that there are no time constraints. Your personal arranger will meet and look after you during this special time.
In a church
Certain religions require a vigil to be held the night before the funeral. At this time the viewing will be held and specific prayers recited according to the specific funeral rite. This may be a private or public event and should be discussed with your clergy. Also, the church will offer a suitable venue if a large number of people are attending.
Prior to service.
Today some family and friends may only be arriving on the day of the funeral service. In these situations, a viewing can be arranged immediately prior to the service. It is also now common that people other than immediate family and close friends may want to pay their personal respects, a viewing prior to the service is a convenient way of achieving this. There are however two potential drawbacks with viewing at this time, it may not be as private as you may like and strict time limits may be required particularly if the funeral is being held at the crematorium.