Viewing and Visitation - Owasso, OK Funeral Homes Help You Discern the Difference
Funeral homes in Owasso, OK have witnessed the effects of unexpected death as well as deaths that are expected, particularly after a long illness. In both cases, family may grapple with the reality of the death and may need to see the deceased's body and even hug them or hold their hand. In some instances, the body may have been in a hospital or taken to one to determine cause of death.
Owasso, OK funeral homes deal with hospitals frequently, often scheduling pick-up of the deceased. They will tell you that some hospitals are cooperative in allowing family to spend hours with the deceased while others are limited in space and require that the deceased be transported quickly to funeral homes in Owasso, OK. What happens when immediate and extended family members could not spend time with the deceased in the hospital? An opportunity to visit them must be scheduled with the funeral establishment.
Owasso, OK Funeral Homes Explain Viewing of the Deceased
It is commonplace to hear viewing and visitation used interchangeably but there are some subtle differences. Funeral homes in Owasso, OK will tell you that a viewing is a more personal visit with the deceased. Often, immediate family members might view the body before it has been prepared. There is less formality with the deceased's body just simply laid out on a table. Sometimes, a public viewing might be arranged for immediate family and close friends. In this instance, the deceased may be prepared by Owasso, OK funeral homes and placed in an open casket. Visitors can personally view the body and perhaps even hold their hand or stroke their face.
Some funeral homes in Owasso, OK will place the viewing as a line item on their general price list. It is at their discretion as to whether to charge for this service or not and depends on the circumstances. A private viewing with no body preparation may be allowed for free but a small fee may be charged if any preparation does happen.
Visitation as Defined by Most Owasso, OK Funeral Homes
A visitation might be appropriate if you have many extended family members and friends and colleagues that might wish to pay their respects not only to the deceased but also the family. Funeral homes in Owasso, OK can help you plan one by public or private invitation, based on your needs. The basic idea behind a visitation is the presence of the deceased in a casket, typically closed. However, in some instances, visitation can occur without the deceased present. Visitation is more of an informal gathering time for offering condolences and a show of support to the surviving family.
If visitation is held on site of Owasso, OK funeral homes, this option likely will be on the general price list. It is to be expected since facilities are used as well as overhead incurred. However, visitation without the deceased could be technically held anywhere - church, home or some other location. Some family members might prefer an off-site visitation to provide some breathing room before funeral activities commence.
Funeral Homes in Owasso, OK May or May Not Require Embalming
For a private viewing of the deceased for just immediate family members, embalming likely would not be required by Owasso, OK funeral homes. However, if you wish to hold a public viewing or visitation, it may be a compulsory part of the body's preparation process. Embalming is not necessarily for public health but rather to slow the decomposition process. For the best presentation of the deceased, particularly with a public viewing and open casket, embalming is a logical choice.
There are no state laws that require embalming. However, as mentioned previously, it is well within the rights of funeral homes in Owasso, OK to require it. However, if refrigeration of the body is available, you might be able to avoid the extra expense of embalming.
Planning a Public Viewing or Visitation
Owasso, OK funeral homes have plentiful ideas on how to personalize a public viewing or visitation. Because many people are hesitant about approaching the body, having some pictures and memorabilia of the deceased is important. Having a few special speakers sharing stories of the deceased can be a touching tribute. Playing music that was the deceased's personal favorites can truly help attendees feel closer to their memories.
Donations of flowers and plants are commonplace at funerals and visitations and viewings. In this instance, funeral homes in Owasso, OK can coordinate the receipt of these deliveries, including any memorial donations in honor of the deceased. Attendees of viewings and visitations are often touched when the flowers they gifted in honor of the deceased are exhibited. Make arrangements with Owasso, OK funeral homes to display these donations.
The deceased's wishes as well as your emotional needs will dictate whether you choose to have a public or private visitation or viewing. Funeral homes in Owasso, OK can help make your funeral choices a reality.