For many families, having a viewing before the funeral or memorial service for a loved one is essential. It can allow them to say goodbye and to get the closure they need to start healing. If you have been invited to the viewing of a loved one but have never been before, you may hesitate to go because you do not know what to expect. To ensure that you can get the benefits that come with attending a service, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Santa Rosa, CA want you to remember.

You do not have to get to a viewing as soon as it starts. Unlike a memorial or funeral service, which has a structure, you can come and go throughout the viewing. Many times, these services take place during the week, so people attend when they can. Do remember that there is usually a visitation after the viewing. The visitation allows you to offer your condolences to the family, so you want to think about attending.

It is important to dress appropriately for this kind of service. You want to be sure that you do not offend anyone, but you also want to remember that you do not have to wear something as formal as you would for a funeral or memorial service. Lots of times, viewings take place during the week and so people tend to come directly from work. As long as what you choose is not too casual or revealing, you can wear your work clothes to the service.

It is not a requirement to go up to the casket if you do not want to. Many times, people assume that this is something you have to do and that can make them hesitate about going to the viewing. You can choose to say goodbye from wherever you are, however, so be sure to consider that. If you do want to go up to the casket, be sure you do so when there is no one else up there. You do not want to make anyone feel like they have to rush to say what they want to say to the person.

If you would like to attend these kinds of services for a loved one, you want to keep these things in mind. It can be a good idea to consider the outfit you wear and to remember that you do not have to be there right from the moment the viewing begins. You can also not go up to the casket if you do not want to. If you want to know more about viewings or about anything else related to funerary services, you can reach out to a Santa Rosa, CA funeral home like us. Our team is here to help you with all of the decisions you need to make for a loved one. You can give us a call right now or you can visit us today to learn more about what we can offer.