How to Plan a Wake

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

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The wake traditionally involved a period of time when friends and relatives literally stayed awake with the body of the deceased until it was taken to the church for the funeral or to the cemetery for burial. These days, a wake is usually held in the funeral home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Disposable Cups
  • Plastic Flatware
  • Guest Books
  • Candles
  • Photographs
  • Beverages
  • Food
  • Napkins
  • Paper Plates
  • Serving Spoons
  • Tablecloths
  • Music
  • Paper Goods

Step1
Inform friends and family that a loved one has passed away, and let them know the date, time and place of the wake (more often called "visitation"). This can also be done by placing an obituary in the local newspaper with the same information.
Step2
Let the funeral home know when you wish to have the wake. The home will prepare the body for viewing, and will see that any flowers sent will be displayed during the visitation.
Step3
Display a guest book for people to sign as they come in. This is often provided by the funeral home, or you can purchase your own.
Step4
Bring some pictures of the deceased to put on a table in the room, if desired. People will appreciate seeing the person as he or she appeared in life.
Step5
Plan to be present during the visitation to greet friends and neighbors who come to pay their respects to the deceased and to the family.
Step6
Plan an old-fashioned wake for the deceased away from the funeral home, if that is your preference. You can reserve a pub or restaurant, or hold the wake in your home.
Step7
Provide beverages, food, disposable cups, place settings, napkins and plates if the wake is held in your home. Alcoholic beverages are usually considered appropriate.
Step8
Greet guests, lay out the food and drink, and spend the time toasting or otherwise remembering the deceased.

Tips & Warnings

  • The body is usually displayed in an open casket during visitation in a funeral home. The body is usually not present if the wake is held in a home or other location, but sometimes this can be arranged. Ask the funeral home what is appropriate.
  • Visitors usually bring food to a wake if it is held in a home. The food is eaten by guests, and any remaining food is left with the family of the deceased.
  • Old-fashioned Irish wakes consisted of drinking, game playing, wrestling, dancing and singing. Use your best judgment as to what is appropriate in your case.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 2/2/2006 In the Philippines having the wake or viewing at home is most accepted, especially in suburban areas where there are not so many funeral chapels.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 It is appropriate to have your loved one (who has passed) at home for their wake. Your loved one can be kept overnight and it can be a lot more comfortable during the grieving process than an informal funeral parlor.

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eHow Article:  How to Plan a Wake

eHow Culture & Society Editor

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