One of the options families have when laying a loved one to rest is to give them a viewing. A viewing makes it easier for people to say goodbye to the person they lost and to get closure after the death. If you have been invited to the viewing of a loved one but have never gone to one before, it can be tough to know what to expect and what will be expected of you. Here are some of the things that directors of funeral homes in Fort Lauderdale, FL want you to remember. 

Most people worry about what they should wear to a viewing. A viewing is not as formal as a funeral or memorial service. Many people have viewings during the week and this means that people attend right after work and come dressed in work clothes. That is allowed. As long as the clothes are respectful and are not too casual or too revealing, you can wear your work outfit. 

Another thing you want to remember is that a viewing is not as structured as a funeral or memorial service. That means that you do not need to get to the viewing right when it starts if you cannot do so. People can come and go as needed, since you also do not have to stay until the viewing is over. You will usually see at least one member of the deceased’s family throughout the viewing, so you can still offer your condolences, no matter when you get there. 

Many times, people are concerned about going to a viewing because they assume they have to go up to the casket to say goodbye. That is not the case. You can say goodbye from wherever you prefer. If you do prefer to go up to the casket, you want to remember to do so when there is no one else up there. You do not want anyone to feel like they have to hurry to say their goodbyes. If you do end up going up to the casket when there is someone else up there, do wait patiently and at a respectful distance to give the person the time they need. 

These are some tips that you want to remember when getting ready to attend the viewing for a loved one. You can get the closure you need when you say goodbye at a viewing, so do consider that. You do not have to wear something very formal and you also do not have to worry about getting there right when the service starts. If you want to know more about going to a viewing or if you want to get started making other arrangements for a loved one, you can turn to a Fort Lauderdale, FL funeral home like us at Serenity Funeral Home & Cremation. Our team is ready to help you with all of the decisions to make after the death of a loved one. Call us right now to get started.