Visitation, Wake, and Viewing: What to Expect
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Visitation and wake generally refer to a gathering, often the evening before a funeral, where family and friends can pay respects — historically with the body present. A viewing specifically refers to seeing the body, often with an open casket, and can happen as part of a visitation or separately, just for close family.
These three terms overlap significantly, and families often use them interchangeably — but there are some real distinctions worth knowing.
Visitation
A visitation is a gathering, often held the evening before or the morning of a funeral, where family and friends can offer condolences in person. It may or may not include the body being present.
Wake
A wake describes largely the same kind of gathering, with specific cultural roots — particularly in Irish and Irish-American Catholic tradition — as a longer, sometimes overnight gathering. Today, the term is often used interchangeably with “visitation.”
Viewing
A viewing specifically refers to seeing the body, typically in an open casket. This can happen:
- As part of a broader visitation, open to all attendees
- As a private viewing just for close family, separate from the larger visitation
Whether to have an open casket at all is entirely a family’s choice — many choose a closed casket, and some choose no casket present.
What to expect if you’re attending
- A quiet, respectful atmosphere; dress is typically conservative
- A simple expression of condolence is enough — you don’t need an elaborate statement
- A guest book is often available to sign
- It’s common to see photos or memorabilia displayed, celebrating the person’s life
Specific customs vary by family, culture, and religious tradition — see our Faith, Culture & Traditions guides for more on specific practices.
Frequently asked questions
Is an open casket required at a visitation?+
No — some families choose a closed casket, or no casket present at all, depending on personal preference or the condition of the body. This is entirely a family decision.
How long does a visitation typically last?+
Often a few hours, sometimes split into an afternoon and evening session, though this varies widely by family preference and funeral home scheduling.
Do I need to say something to the family at a visitation?+
A simple, brief expression of sympathy is enough — you don't need to prepare anything elaborate. Many people simply say they're sorry for the loss and share a brief happy memory if they have one.
What's the difference between a wake and a visitation?+
The terms are largely used interchangeably today, though "wake" has specific historical and cultural roots (particularly in Irish Catholic tradition) as an overnight gathering, while "visitation" is the more general modern term.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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