Glossary
Viewing
A viewing is a gathering, usually before the funeral, where mourners can see the body, often in an open casket, to pay respects and say goodbye. It may involve embalming or refrigeration to prepare and preserve the body for the occasion.
A viewing is often more informal than the funeral itself and may run for set hours. The casket may be open or closed depending on the family's wishes and the condition of the body.
Because preparing a body for an open-casket viewing may involve embalming, a viewing can add cost compared with options like direct cremation that omit it.
Related terms
See also
Common questions
- Does a viewing require embalming?
- Not always. A short viewing can sometimes be held with refrigeration instead, but an open-casket viewing often involves embalming to prepare and preserve the body. Embalming is rarely required by law, so ask the funeral home what a specific viewing needs.
- What is the difference between a viewing and a visitation?
- A viewing centers on seeing the body, often in an open casket, to pay respects. A visitation is the broader social gathering to offer condolences, where the body may or may not be present. When the body is present in an open casket, the two overlap.
- Does a viewing add to the funeral cost?
- It can, because preparing a body for an open-casket viewing may involve embalming, cosmetic preparation, and use of a viewing room. Options like direct cremation that omit a viewing cost less.
Explore with AI
This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.