Where is a wake held?
The decision of where to hold a wake for a loved one may vary in accordance with personal preference or religious affiliation. Generally, wakes can be held at the person's home, at a funeral home, or in a church.
In a home, the atmosphere offers an intimate setting that ties into the person's own life experiences and allows friends and family more freedom to express their grief in a more personal way. There can also be more flexibility with the decor and entertainment.
A funeral home provides more of an environment centred around respect and somberness, which is often comforting when dealing with such heart breaking loss.
Finally, having wakes in churches provide an added sense of honour and reverence due to the spiritual importance of the act. Ultimately it comes down to individual taste and what will bring the most solace to those who are grieving their loss.
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What should a wake include?
All around the world, celebrations and festivities bring people together. They're a great way to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. What do these gatherings usually have in common?
They usually involve food and drink, and sometimes music or other forms of entertainment – it all depends on what type of celebration you’re having. Whether it's an intimate gathering with a few friends or a large family reunion, adding food and drink is an essential component that helps create an enjoyable environment.
Of course, it doesn't hurt to add a bit of entertainment too – from live music to board games to group activities – celebrating with entertainment on top can make for great memories that will last for years.
For a more sombre occasion, you might choose to have readings or speeches by those closest to the deceased. You might include a slideshow of photographs and an opportunity to sit quietly with thoughts and memories.
Are there any rules for a wake?
There aren’t really any rules you need to follow for a wake. While a funeral might have more defined parts and a set script to follow, a wake of more free-flowing and flexible. This should give you the freedom to say goodbye to your loved one in a way that is meaningful for you.
Wakes are an important part of the grieving process and can range from simple and intimate gatherings to larger, more elaborate affairs. The way a wake is held usually comes down to what the deceased and their family desire or deem appropriate for remembering their loved one.
For some families, this means just having a few close friends over for coffee, snacks, and gentle conversation, whiles others will want to throw a big send-off party with lots of music, good food, and liveliness.
It’s always best to plan something a little more elaborate so you can honour your loved one in the best way possible – even if it feels a bit overwhelming at first. In either case, wakes are meaningful opportunities to celebrate life rather than just mourn death.
While you might be trapped in a cycle of grief that will make it difficult to plan a joyous occasion, others might experience their grief in a different way. With this in mind, it’s worth getting input from those around you when planning a wake.
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