The Importance of a Viewing Before Cremation
In times of loss,
tradition and ceremony have always played a vital role in helping us navigate the difficult path of grief. The practice of holding open casket funerals or viewings before cremation has endured for a reason: it offers a profound opportunity for family and loved ones to express their grief in person.
These moments grant us the time we need to confront our loss, accept it, and begin the journey through the stages of grief. At Pipkin Braswell, we understand the importance of funerals both as a time to honor a life and to draw on the strength of our community for support through times of loss.
There are many decisions to be made after a loved one’s passing, but one of the first you’ll have to consider is whether they shall be buried or cremated, and whether you’d prefer a traditional funeral service, an ash scattering service, or a different kind of celebration of life. But no matter what you choose for their final resting place, there can be great power in holding a viewing to say goodbye.
Viewing and Visitation Before Cremation
When you choose cremation for your loved one, you have the option of holding a traditional funeral first so that their body can be present, or of having the cremation first and then holding a memorial afterward.
When the cremation happens right away without a service, it’s called “direct cremation,” and this can be a very affordable option as there is no need for a casket, hearse, event space, and so forth. However, direct cremation can rob friends and family of the opportunity to say goodbye face-to-face.
If you choose not to hold a traditional funeral, either due to expense or a loved one’s final wishes, an alternative could be to have a viewing or visitation before the cremation. Instead of purchasing a casket, you can rent one for the event, which helps keep the viewing affordable.
A visitation can be a private affair held at the crematorium, or a more formal event in a funeral chapel. You can have it open to the community or just for close family. This gives everyone who wishes a chance to see their loved one at peace, to touch their hand or kiss their forehead, to pray, share memories, tell stories, and say goodbye. A visitation is a less formal and structured event than a funeral service, and it doesn’t need to be expensive, but it can be as personalized and meaningful as you need.
At your request, you can also be present at the start of the cremation so that you can view your loved one’s body being placed in the cremation chamber and even press the ignition button. This is called a “witness cremation,” and some people find that the event brings a sense of finality and closure that helps them to move forward from the loss.
Choosing What You Need to Heal
It's important to recognize that viewing is a personal choice. While many find solace and healing in saying goodbye face-to-face, not everyone may find it necessary or helpful in their grieving process. There are many ways to grieve, and we are here for you to help create a farewell that fits your budget, preferences, and what you need to begin healing.
Whether you choose a traditional funeral or a cremation with a viewing, Pipkin Braswell Mortuary is here to help you create the perfect send-off for your loved one. Please reach out to us at
303-996-0869 or visit our
Denver Funeral Home at 6601 East Colfax Ave to begin the planning process.
