Viewing is usually customary and allows family and loved ones to pay their last respects to the person who has died in the chapel of rest, at the funeral home. The person will either be situated in their coffin or on a bed, and will be dressed in clothes provided by the family or a gown in a complimentary colour.
Family and friends are welcome to visit with their family member or friend, and can spend as little or as much time with them as they wish. Some people also put tokens, pictures, cards, poems, messages and even snippets of pet hair in the coffin with the person.
A member of the clergy, such as a minister, will speak with the family prior to the service and learn more about the person who has passed away and help them select the readings, prayers and hymns that are most suitable for the ceremony.