When planning services with a funeral home in Des Moines, IA for a loved one who passed on, there are always going to be options. There are also options around visitations and whether you are the person planning, or just someone who wants to attend, there are things you can consider about that part of the service. Here are some of the options you can choose between:

Items To Wear

You might feel like there is a certain dress code that is appropriate for a funeral, and that’s really the case. With a visitation, you have a lot more wiggle room and options. You don’t have to wear dark colors, for example. You don’t even have to dress in a formal manner. You might stop by the visitation on a break from work and just wear your work attire. You want to be respectful and should probably change if you have on a dirty t-shirt or ripped jeans, but there’s a lot of options of what you can wear to a visitation. You can always talk to a family member or the funeral home professionals to get deeper ideas.

The Arrival Time

For a funeral or even a memorial service, you want to be there a little before the start time so you are respectful to the family and don’t disrupt anything. For a visitation, it’s completely different. There are hours set and they are more of an open house. You can come any time between those hours and leave whenever you please. You don’t have to get there right at the beginning or stay all the way until the end. You come and go as you’d like, visit with the family, and move on with your day.

How Long It Lasts

Funeral services are usually around an hour in length and then, the family and friend group processes to the burial site for a short service there. Then, there’s sometimes a reception after that. Visitations are different. They are anywhere from 2-4 hours in length, normally, but you don’t have to stay that whole time. Only the immediate family will likely be present for the whole thing. You can come halfway through and stay for half an hour and that works just fine. In fact, you don’t want to overstay and burden the family.

Viewing The Person

When you get to the visitation, you will likely see the person at the front of the space. That doesn’t mean you have to go up any closer to them if you don’t want to. The decision as to whether or not you want to approach the casket is completely yours. Go over if you want to see them or need closure. If you don’t know them and came to support the family, or feel uncomfortable with the idea of getting closure for any reason, you can stay back and that’s just fine as well. Your presence there is what’s important.

Funeral homes in Des Moines, IA can answer more questions. Call Iles Funeral Home at any time.