Glossary
What is visitation?
Visitation, sometimes called a wake or calling hours, is a scheduled time for family and friends to gather, offer condolences, and remember the person who died. The body may or may not be present, and it usually takes place before the funeral.
Visitation is the social gathering around a death — a chance for the community to support the family. It commonly precedes the funeral, sometimes the evening before or in the hours just before the service, and may run for set calling hours so people can come and go. Customs vary widely by family, culture, and faith.
The body may or may not be present. When it is present in an open casket, visitation overlaps with a viewing; when it is not, the gathering centers on offering condolences and sharing memories. "Wake" usually means the same thing as visitation, though in some traditions it carries a more specific religious meaning.
Visitation can be held at a funeral home, a place of worship, or a private home, and it can be as brief or extended as the family wishes. Because it may use funeral home facilities and staff time, and because an open-casket visitation can involve preparing the body, it can add to the overall cost — something an itemized price list, which the FTC Funeral Rule guarantees, helps you weigh.
Related terms
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.
Memorial service
A memorial service is a ceremony to honor someone who has died, held without the body present. Because it is not tied to the body, it can take place days or weeks later, in any location, and is common after direct cremation or immediate burial.
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech that honors and remembers the person who died, usually delivered at a funeral or memorial service. It is often given by a family member, close friend, or officiant, and may include stories, qualities, and shared memories.
Obituary
An obituary is a published notice of a person's death that typically shares biographical details, surviving family, and service information. It may appear in a newspaper or online, and newspapers often charge a fee based on length.
See also
Common questions about Visitation
Sources
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.