When weighing up a wake vs a funeral, one of the key differences is the formality of the events. A wake is usually an informal gathering held a day before the burial ceremony, whereas a funeral happens on the same day as the burial.
Funerals are usually more formal events, where guests are expected to wear appropriate attire as a sign of respect for the deceased. Here, designated people may be asked to give speeches and lead the deceased requested texts. Wakes are more like informal gatherings where guests can pay their respects to the dead on a more personal level.
What is a wake funeral?
The name, wake, comes from the origins of the tradition, where those who were close to the deceased needed to stay awake to protect them from any evil spirits. Hence, we now have the term “wake”. Nowadays, these gatherings are held before the burial service and are generally less formal than a funeral. Wake funerals are more like celebrations of life and are meant for those who want to say their final goodbyes on a more personal level.
Wakes are often held at someone’s home and are more open to those who want to pay their respects. Traditionally, guests do not have to be formally invited to the wake. Instead, a general message gets released providing information about the location and time of the wake, leaving it open for anyone who feels they need to attend. A wake is the perfect opportunity to show your support to the deceased’s family.
What is a Funeral Service?
A funeral service is a formal event where the family of the deceased invites those who were close to them to attend a service. Depending on the religion, funerals are usually held in a church or outdoors, beside the burial site. Close friends and family are often asked to say a few words of affection during the ceremony. This is often a time when people are silent and formally dressed, whereas a wake encourages people to mingle and reminisce over the life of the recently passed. Depending on the funeral format, the event is held either before or after the wake.
Wake vs funeral: What’s the difference?
The key difference between a wake and a funeral is the format of the events. It’s also possible to have a wake and a funeral on the same day. Essentially, they are two different parts of an event that celebrates the life of a loved one. At a wake it’s more appropriate to pay your respects to the family of the departed. However, at a funeral service, it’s best to sit in silence during the funeral proceedings. The wake is a more casual event where people are encouraged to mingle and celebrate the life of someone who has recently passed, whereas a funeral commands a more structured approach.
Should I attend the wake and the funeral?
If you are invited t日本藤素 o both and you were close with the recently deceased, you should try and attend both the wake and the funeral. However, if you did not receive an invite for the formal funeral service, it may be more appropriate to attend the wake only if you feel you would like to pay your respects.
You may also want to attend the wake only if you feel as though the funeral will be too emotional for you. Often the speeches and readings people give can be quite heart-wrenching, especially if you were very close with the deceased or the family thereof. Always make sure the family knows they have your support if you decide to attend the wake only. If you have the opportunity to attend both but would prefer to do only one, it’s always best to attend the funeral.
Which is the best option for you?
Some people decide to host both a wake and a funeral, however, it is also perfectly acceptable to host only one of these events. If the deceased wanted a formal event with a casket and formal reading to take place in honor of their lives, a funeral is the best option.
However, if the departed previously expressed they would like a less formal event, and more of a celebration as a send off, it’s perfectly acceptable to host a wake only. Wakes are often personable events given the costumes associated with a wake. People are encouraged to speak and socialize. If you would prefer to give the departed a more up-beat send off, a wake is the way to go.
