How to Plan a Funeral Viewing at Home

Planning a funeral is a terrible ordeal for those who are left behind. It is important to make the ceremony and everything about the burial absolutely as the deceased would have wished. Often this will mean planning for a viewing before the funeral itself, and in some cases that viewing will take place in the home of the deceased.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Arrange for the body to be prepared and embalmed as necessary, and arrange transportation with the funeral home both to and from the location of the viewing.
2. Arrange for flowers to be delivered to the home for the viewing, or pick them up from a florist yourself.
3. Call the family and friends of the deceased to invite them to the viewing.
4. Provide plenty of seating so that guests may sit together and comfort one another.
5. Provide plenty of food or ask guests to bring potluck dishes to make the viewing as celebratory and comforting as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to remember that the purpose of a viewing is to celebrate the life of the deceased.
• Do not take on all of the funeral planning yourself if you don’t feel up to it. It is OK to ask for help or support.