How to Make Viewing Arrangements for a Body
Upon the death of a person, funeral arrangements need to be made. Along with those funeral arrangements, viewing arrangements also need to be made. Viewings are usually held for a day or two before the funeral at the funeral home. A special family only viewing is usually held just before the funeral. Here is more information about making viewing arrangements for a body.
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Instructions
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Notify family members and friends of the death. Ask if they are planning to attend the funeral. Keep a notepad and mark down the family and friends who will be coming to the funeral and their location. After you've called the long distance family and friends, decide how long it will take for everyone to arrive at your location. For example, if you live in Florida and have family coming in from Washington, allow at least 2 more days for them to arrive. After you've decided the "cut off" date for arrivals, you will know what days the viewing can be held.
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Visit the funeral home of your choice to make funeral arrangements. The funeral arrangements will include the type of service, casket, flowers and music for the funeral and the viewing. Choose the type of clothing to be worn by the deceased as well, and bring it with you to the funeral home.
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Speak with the funeral director about the length of time it will take to finalize the funeral arrangements. Some special arrangements take longer to coordinate than others, so it's best to ask about your own arrangements. Tell the funeral director about those family and friends that will be traveling from long distances. Set the date for the funeral, with the viewing to be held the day before the funeral. Ask for two separate viewings, one for the daytime and one for the evening. Most viewings are from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. After the funeral arrangements have been finalized, the funeral director will place the obituary in the paper with viewing times listed for local friends and colleagues.
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