Since more people are having cremation services in Urbandale, IA, there aren’t as many visitation services to attend. Families can combine visitations and cremation with more of a full cremation service instead of direct cremation. Visitation can be done before the cremation process is completed. However, it’s more common to combine visitation with funeral services. Either way, if you are invited to attend a visitation, here are some tips to consider so you feel more comfortable with the proceedings.

Come And Go As You Please

You are going to see a range of times listed for a visitation service, unlike memorial and funeral services. That is because they are more of an open house situation. You can come and go as you please during that time frame. Most people stay between 20 and 30 minutes during that time. In fact, you don’t want to overstay of that can put pressure on the family as well. Come whenever you can during that time frame and stay long enough to say goodbye, talk to the family, and visit with a few others that might be there.

Casual, Respectful Attire Is Okay

Funerals are formal affairs and a certain level of clothing is expected. But when you attend a visitation, you can wear something casual, as long as it’s respectful. Many people stop in on their way to or from work or during a break, for example, and that works just fine. You don’t have to wear something formal or dark in color, but you still want the clothing to be conservative to remain respectful.

There Are No Casket-Approaching Requirements

Most of the time at a visitation, there will be an open casket. That’s not always the case, but the main purpose of a visitation is for people to see the person who died, get closure, and say goodbye. If you knew the person and you want to approach the casket, so be it. If you are coming to the visitation more to support the family, there are no requirements about approaching the casket. You can stay back, visit the family, and pass on your condolences. Even if you did know the person who died, if you are uncomfortable going up to the casket, you don’t have to.

Talk To The Family Present

One of the nice things about a visitation is that the immediate family is often there for the entire open house event. It gives them a chance to talk to people, gather support, and see more people than they might at the actual funeral. It’s customary to share your condolences at the visitation and to let the family know you are there.

Gifts Are Acceptable

You don’t have to bring a gift to the visitation, but the cremation provider in Urbandale, IA says that it’s never required. You can take something to the funeral instead, send something directly to the family’s home, or just allow your presence and support to be enough. If you do want to take something to the visitation, you certainly can.