What Is a Viewing? Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and the logistical decisions that follow can often feel overwhelming. One of the first questions many families face is: What is a viewing? Understanding the purpose, etiquette, and logistics of this ritual can help you navigate the grieving process with more confidence and clarity.

In its simplest terms, a viewing is a scheduled time before a funeral service where family and friends gather to see the deceased and say their final goodbyes. While it can be an emotional event, it serves as a vital step in the mourning process for many cultures and individuals.

Viewing Explained: Purpose and Importance

A viewing provides a sense of closure that is difficult to achieve through words alone. By seeing the deceased one last time, the reality of the loss often begins to settle in, allowing the healing process to begin. As a final expense financial planner, I often see families find great peace in this ritual, even when they initially felt hesitant.

Despite the rising popularity of cremation, modern data shows that 57.3% of consumers still prefer a service that includes a viewing or visitation. This suggests that the human need for a physical "goodbye" remains a cornerstone of the funeral process.

The Difference Between a Viewing and a Visitation

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in the funeral industry. Understanding the visitation meaning versus a viewing helps guests know what to expect.

What is a Viewing?

In a viewing, the body of the deceased is present. The casket is usually open, though it can be closed. The primary focus is on the physical presence of the person who has passed away. This allows mourners to approach the casket for a final moment of reflection or prayer.

What is a Visitation?

A visitation is more like an "open-house" style event. The family receives guests at a set time, often the evening before the funeral. While the body may be present (in a closed casket), it is just as common for there to be an urn or simply photos of the deceased. The focus here is on supporting the surviving family members.

To learn more about related traditions, you might find our guide on What Is a Wake helpful in distinguishing these various pre-funeral events.

Costs and Financial Considerations for 2025

From a financial planning perspective, it is important to understand how a viewing impacts the overall cost of a funeral. Including a viewing usually requires professional services such as embalming, dressing, and cosmetology.

For more information on the chemical process involved in preparing for a viewing, see our article on What Is Embalming.

Viewing Etiquette: How to Behave

Attending a viewing can be intimidating if you aren’t sure what to do. Here are the standard best practices for 2025:

Dress Code

While the traditional requirement for all-black attire has softened, the goal remains the same: show respect. Aim for muted, conservative colors such as navy, dark gray, or deep green. Avoid bright patterns or casual wear like flip-flops or graphic tees unless the family has specifically requested a "Celebration of Life" theme.

What to Say

Keep your interactions with the family brief but sincere.

• Do say: "I am so sorry for your loss" or "Your father was a wonderful person; he will be missed."
• Don't say: "Everything happens for a reason" or "I know exactly how you feel."

Interacting with the Deceased

You are never required to look at the body. If you feel uncomfortable, it is perfectly acceptable to stay in the back of the room and speak only with the living. If you do approach the casket, it is generally acceptable in Western culture to lightly touch the hand or forehead of the deceased, but observe the family’s behavior first.

Modern Trends in 2025–2026

The funeral industry is evolving rapidly, blending traditional rituals with new technology and environmental awareness.

Virtual and Hybrid Viewings

Following the pandemic, virtual participation became a standard. Over 60% of funeral homes now offer livestreaming options. This allows family members who live far away or have mobility issues to participate in the viewing remotely.

Digital Legacies and QR Codes

By 2026, "AI Legacies" are expected to become common. These are interactive memorial pages where visitors can interact with a digital avatar of the deceased. Furthermore, many programs and headstones now feature QR codes that link to tribute videos or digital guestbooks.

Green "Eco-Viewings"

With 61.4% of consumers interested in sustainable options, "green viewings" are on the rise. In these cases, the body is presented in a wicker or bamboo casket without toxic embalming fluids. These are often held in "laying-in" facilities that resemble tranquil gardens rather than formal funeral parlors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Bringing Unprepared Children: Children are welcome at viewings, but they should be told what to expect. Explain that the person will look like they are sleeping and that they will be in a wooden box (casket).
2. Overstaying Your Welcome: If there is a line, keep your conversation with the family to under two minutes. They are often exhausted and need to greet many people.
3. Forgetting the Guest Book: Always sign the guest book. Include your relationship to the deceased (e.g., "High school friend") to help the family identify you later.
4. Leaving Your Phone On: Ensure your phone is on silent before entering the building.

Conclusion

Understanding what is a viewing allows us to approach these somber occasions with grace and respect. Whether you are planning a service for a loved one or attending one as a guest, remember that the primary goal is to honor a life lived and support those left behind. From traditional open caskets to modern QR-code memorials, the way we say goodbye is changing, but the importance of the moment remains the same.

If you are exploring other types of services, you may want to read about What Is a Celebration of Life or the specifics of a What Is a Memorial Service to see which fits your needs best.