How to Plan a Wake
When laying a loved one to rest, one of the options you have is to offer them a wake. A lot of people think that a wake is the same thing as having a funeral or memorial service, but that is not the case. A wake usually happens the day before the funeral service and it can be an excellent way for people to mingle and greet each other. If that is what you would like to offer your loved one, directors of funeral homes in Schenectady, NY have some tips on how you can plan one.
Consider the location that you want for the wake. Some people choose to have it in the same location as the funeral, but that is not always the right choice for some families. If you want something a bit more intimate, it can feel wrong to have it in an official place. You can consider having the wake at home, allowing you to offer people a more intimate event.
Once you have the location in mind, you will want to think of the number of people that you want to attend. Some people like the idea of having everyone present, while others prefer the wake to be only for those closest to your family. This can be important so do keep it in mind as you start sending out invitations. A good idea might be to send two invitations, one for the wake and one for the funeral.
It can be a good idea to set up a display board of some kind that features pictures of the person you have lost. You may also want to put together a video or a playlist to enhance the wake. Some people even choose to hire musicians to play throughout the wake to ensure that their loved one’s memory is being honored. You can make the wake as formal or informal as you please, and this can depend on your own personal preference or that of your family.
It tends to be wise to have the wake a day before the funeral. This allows people to offer each other comfort before the actual funeral takes place. This is something that you do want to keep in mind so that you can check on scheduling for the funeral home or whatever location you are choosing.
These are all excellent tips that can make a difference when you start planning a wake for a loved one. You can get exactly the right location by taking time to consider what you and your loved ones wish. If you want something more intimate, take the time to choose a smaller location and invite fewer people. To learn more about all of this, you can reach out to a Schenectady, NY funeral home like us at McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. We are here to help you with all of the needed arrangements. Stop by our location today to hear more about wakes and funeral services.
