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Cremation and Viewing

Compagnola Funeral Home • November 17, 2022

It's a common misconception that cremation erases the chance of holding a viewing for your loved one. What is viewing? How can viewing and cremation be done? 

cremation services in Lancaster PA

Viewing is a gathering involving the coming together of family and friends to pay their last respect to the deceased loved one. Viewing is an extraordinary place and time to say goodbye. This period is essential for the deceased's family as it helps them bond better and find solace in the company of each other. You can contact cremation services in Lancaster, PA for help planning a viewing for your loved one. 


Viewing is not a formal program like a funeral service. All family members and friends of the deceased come together to chat, laugh, think, and share memories. Viewing is mainly done at the funeral home or a private residence. Food of different types and drinks are available for the guests at the viewing. As much as viewing is done to pay last respect to the deceased, keeping the atmosphere neutral is essential. The atmosphere shouldn't be too sober or too fun-filled. Viewing can last for a few days or a few hours, depending on the arrangements of the family members. 


No law states that viewing cannot be done before the cremation; therefore, you can do the viewing of your loved one before cremation. It is essential to have the deceased's body embalmed before a viewing can take place. In cases where the family members do not want to embalm, a limited number of people will be allowed to attend the viewing. Viewing without embalming is only open to about ten people, and the deceased's next of kin is to provide the list of these people. Embalming is necessary because if the body is not embalmed, it doesn't look as natural as it looks when it is embalmed. Only embalmed bodies are open for public viewing. 


Viewing is done before cremation, and it is very different from witnessed cremation. Witnessed cremation is watching the process, while viewing is just gathering family and friends to grieve the deceased together. Viewing does not necessarily tell you how to view the body of the dead; if you are not comfortable with viewing the body, you can pay your last respects to the family members. The casket is essential when planning a viewing; you can decide to buy a casket or rent one. The cost of viewing varies with the casket type and the viewing residence. 


Viewing is primarily done in an informal setting, so it doesn't have a specific dress code, but it is essential to dress appropriately to fit the occasion. Viewing is the best place to offer condolence to the deceased's family members if you are an attendee. The dead's friend often sends gifts such as flowers and plants to the viewing venue to pay their last respect. 


Although many people think it is impossible to have a viewing and cremation, this is entirely false; you can have the viewing before the cremation of the body. You can make proper arrangements with the crematorium that will help with the cremation of your loved one. Just ensure you inform them before the time. 


You can contact cremation services in Lancaster, PA for help planning a viewing for your loved one


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