Is It Necessary to Have a Public Viewing?

One of the many recommendations you may get from Phoenix, AZ cremation services during funeral planning is to have a public viewing. It’s a ubiquitous part of a formal funeral service.

But is it necessary to have one? Here is what you need to know to help you decide.

What Is the Purpose of a Public Viewing?

The first thing you should take into consideration when thinking about whether or not to have a public viewing is the purpose of the event. Essentially, the purpose of public viewing is to give the people who knew and loved the deceased an opportunity to pay their last respects to that person. For many people, it is their opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one. It is also a chance for them to see the deceased person one last time and remember them in their current state. Public viewing is also an avenue for people to see the deceased person in the casket, which can be essential for closure.

Benefits of Having a Public Viewing

A public viewing can be a great way for the people who knew and loved the deceased to say goodbye. It can allow them to express their feelings about the deceased person and their relationship with them. This can be especially helpful for the family members of the dead, who may be mourning privately. It can also be great for closure. Many people find that seeing the deceased person in their casket helps in letting go. A public viewing also allows family members to gather and mourn together. The extra hours and days of a public viewing enable relatives to be there for one another during a difficult time.

Drawbacks of Having a Public Viewing

While public viewing can be a valuable part of the funeral, it makes the event more complicated. This often leads to increased costs for the family members planning the event because a public viewing requires more staff to manage the event. Public viewings are also more likely to result in people having strong and sometimes conflicting emotions.

Is a Public Viewing Necessary?

After these considerations, you may find that you don’t need to have a public viewing. This is particularly true if the deceased person didn’t have an extensive network of people who knew and loved them. If the person who passed away wasn’t well-known and the event is likely to be a small, private affair, it may not be necessary to have a public viewing. However, it’s important to remember that even if the person who passed away didn’t have a large network of friends and family, it’s still important to honor their life.

Having a public viewing is ultimately a personal decision. It’s something that each family member needs to come to terms with on their own and reach a consensus. Hopefully, this article clarifies this decision for you and your family. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our cremation service in Phoenix, AZ. Our funeral directors are available 24/7 to assist you with anything you need.