Holding a viewing for your loved one can offer those who attend many healing benefits. Click here to learn more as Baue Funeral Home explains what they are.

When making arrangements with funeral homes in St. Peters, MO. for your loved one’ s services, you may be asked if you would like to hold a viewing. If you are not familiar with this service you may be unsure if you should hold one or not. Today we are going to look at these services in more detail as well as the benefits they provide so that you can make a much more informed decision. 

What is a Viewing? 

A viewing is a service that takes place typically the day or night before the funeral service. It is less casual that the funeral so guests, while still wanting to dress nicely, do not have to wear as formal of attire. The timing of the viewing is also more casual as it is a come-and-go type of service with guests arriving and leaving as they wish during the service. 

These services are normally held at the funeral home or church, but can also take place in a family member’s home or other location. Also, often times there are light snacks offered such as sandwiches or cookies and punch. 

During a viewing, the body of the deceased is typically present and can be seen in a casket with the top lid open. This is so that those guests who wish, may approach the body and say any final messages or goodbyes. Guests also have an opportunity at this time to offer their condolences to the grieving family. 

Benefits of a Viewing 

Viewings can offer an array of benefits that can be very beneficial to those who attend. The most prominent benefits are: 

Helps guests process the death - When we lose a loved one, it can be tough to process. Our brains may logically understand what has happened, but it takes a little bit for our hearts and mind to catch up. It may feel to us as if our loved one may walk through the door at anytime or be seen at their desk at work on Monday. Being able to visually see the deceased can help guests come to terms with the new reality and begin to heal. 

Provides closure - Being able to approach the deceased and say any goodbyes or last messages is such a healing way to start feeling closure and being able to begin to heal. 

Allows are feelings to be validated - Grieving is hard and we can often times feel as if we are all alone in our thoughts or feelings. Attending a viewing allows guest to bond with one another and see that they are not alone in what they are feeling This helps them validate their feelings as well as feel connected to others in this very difficult time. 

Final Thoughts 

You can see that viewings actually offer many benefits that are important at this time of healing. They can offer the grieving family, as well as those who attend, a chance to say good bye and begin to accept the new reality. Whether they are held in funeral homes in St. Peters, MO., a church, or someone’s home, these services can be a truly healing event.