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When planning a funeral, terms like viewing, wake, and memorial service often come up early in the process. While they are commonly used, the difference between them is not always clear.
For many families, the challenge is not just understanding what each term means but knowing what actually needs to be arranged and whether all of them are necessary.
Each of these services serves a different purpose. They may happen at different times, involve different settings, and are not always included together.
This guide breaks down the differences in a simple and practical way, so you can understand how they fit together and decide what may be appropriate for your situation.
What Is a Viewing?
A viewing is a time set aside before the funeral where family and friends can see the person who has passed. It usually takes place at a funeral home or chapel and may be private for close family or open to a wider group for a set period.
When it happens:
- Typically held before the funeral service, either on the same day or the day before
Purpose of a viewing:
- To allow a final moment of goodbye
- To give family and close friends time together before the service
- To help some people process the loss in a more direct and personal way
A viewing is usually quieter and more reflective than other gatherings. Guests generally attend for a short time, offer condolences to the family, and spend a few moments near the coffin before leaving. In most cases, people wear respectful, understated clothing rather than anything bright or overly casual.
What Is a Wake?
A wake is a gathering that takes place after the funeral service, where family and friends come together in a more relaxed setting. It is less formal than the funeral itself and is often held at a home, community hall, or venue.
When it happens:
- Usually held after the funeral service, on the same day
Purpose of a wake:
- To bring people together after the formal service
- To share memories and conversations
- To provide support to the family in a less structured environment
At a wake, the atmosphere is generally more informal. People may talk, share stories, and spend time together rather than follow a set program.
Guests usually stay longer than they would at a viewing, and while the tone is still respectful, it is more conversational. Clothing is typically similar to what was worn at the funeral, although expectations are usually more relaxed.
What Is a Memorial Service?
A memorial service is a gathering held to honor and remember a person who has passed, without the body being present. It can take place in a variety of locations, including a chapel, home, outdoor setting, or venue chosen by the family.
Some families choose it as the main service for remembering and gathering, particularly after a direct cremation, when there is no formal funeral with the body present. It can also be a practical option when family members need more time to plan or travel.
When it happens:
- Held separately from the funeral, often days or weeks later
Purpose of a memorial service:
- To bring people together to remember and reflect
- To allow more flexibility with timing and location
- To include people who may not have been able to attend earlier services
Because there is no body present, a memorial service is usually more flexible in how it is arranged. It may follow a traditional structure or be kept simple, depending on what the family prefers.
What Is a Funeral?
A funeral is the main service held to honour the person who has passed and mark their farewell. It is usually the central event in the overall arrangement and may take place at a chapel, church, cemetery, crematorium, or another chosen venue.
When it happens:
- Usually held on the day of burial or cremation
Purpose of a funeral:
- To formally acknowledge the death
- To bring family and friends together for a shared farewell
- To provide a structured service with readings, music, prayers, speeches, or other personal elements
A funeral is generally more formal than a wake and more structured than a memorial service. It often includes a clear order of events and is the service most people think of when funeral arrangements are being made.
Guests usually arrive in respectful clothing, and the tone may be traditional, religious, non-religious, or personalised, depending on the wishes of the family.
Key Differences Between a Viewing, Wake, Memorial Service, and Funeral
| Service Type | When It Happens | Body Present | Main Purpose | Nature | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing | Before the funeral, often on the same day or the day before | Yes | To allow family and friends to see the person and say a final goodbye | Quiet and reflective | Families who want a private or shared moment before the formal service |
| Wake | After the funeral, usually on the same day | No | To bring people together after the service to talk, reflect, and support one another | Informal and social | Families who want time to gather more casually after the funeral |
| Memorial Service | Separately from the funeral, often days or weeks later | No | To remember and honour the person without the body being present | Flexible and can be formal or informal | Families who want more flexibility, are planning after direct cremation, or need time for others to attend |
| Funeral | Main service, usually on the day of burial or cremation | Usually yes | To provide the formal farewell and mark the person’s passing | Structured and formal | Families who want a central service with a clear order and shared farewell |
How These Services Fit Together
A viewing, funeral, wake, and memorial service are not always separate or standalone choices. In most cases, they are combined in a way that suits the family’s preferences, timing, and circumstances.
The funeral is usually the central service, while the others may be included around it.
Common ways these services are arranged:
- Viewing + Funeral + Wake: A more traditional structure, where people gather before, during, and after the main service
- Funeral + Wake: A common option when a viewing is not included
- Memorial Service only: Chosen when there is no formal funeral, often after a direct cremation
- Funeral + Memorial Service: A funeral is held first, followed by a separate memorial later for a wider group
Not every arrangement includes all of these. Some families prefer a simple structure, while others include multiple gatherings depending on what feels appropriate.
Things to Know Before Attending or Planning a Service
1. Can different services be held at different locations?
Yes. It’s common for different parts of the arrangement to take place in separate locations. For example, the funeral may be held at a chapel or crematorium, while the wake is organised at a home or venue. This allows each part of the day to suit its purpose.
2. Who helps organise the viewing, wake, and memorial service?
In many cases, a funeral director like Majestic Funerals assists with planning and coordination, particularly for the funeral and viewing. Other gatherings, like a wake or memorial, may be organised by the family with or without their support.
3. How are people usually informed about multiple services?
Details are usually shared through a funeral notice, invitation, or directly by the family. These typically include the time, location, and sequence of services so guests can decide which ones they will attend.
4. How much time should you spend at a viewing or wake?
There is no fixed rule. At a viewing, people often stay briefly to pay their respects. At a wake, guests may stay longer, depending on the setting and their relationship with the family.
5. What is expected from guests at each type of service?
At a viewing, guests usually arrive quietly, offer condolences, and leave after a short time. At a funeral, they follow the structure of the service. At a wake, the setting is more relaxed, and guests may stay, talk, and support the family.
6. Can a funeral director help organise multiple services?
Yes. A funeral director can coordinate different parts of the arrangement, including timings, venues, and logistics, especially when services are held on different days or locations.
7. What should you do if you are unsure which service to attend?
If multiple services are listed, it is acceptable to attend the one you feel most comfortable with. You can also check the notice or ask the family or organiser for guidance if needed.
Conclusion
These services may sound similar, but they serve different purposes within the overall farewell. A viewing is usually held beforehand, a funeral is the main service, a wake follows afterwards, and a memorial service is often arranged separately.
Not every family includes each one. The right choice depends on the type of farewell being planned, the timing, and what feels suitable for those involved.
If you need help understanding which services to include and how they can be arranged, guidance from an experienced funeral director can make the process clearer.