Home Viewing

• Some people prefer to allow the viewing to take place in the home, especially if their loved one passed away in the home. A viewing of the body in the home provides an intimate setting for friends and family to gather to say good-bye, and it can allow for families to personalize their experience. Some people choose a home viewing due to religious preferences or customs.
  
  

Community Centers

• Community centers sometimes provide the most appropriate space for a viewing, especially if a large crowd is likely to attend. For example, after the death of a teacher, the school may allow the viewing and funeral to take place in the school's auditorium. Other community centers that may allow for a viewing and funeral may include a grange hall or town hall.
  
  

Places of Worship

• Churches, or other places of worship, can often provide a space for the viewing, in addition to the funeral. A church may offer more comfort to the family. The church may also provide a comfortable space that accommodates more people than a funeral home. Religious beliefs may influence people's comfort levels about a viewing that occurs in a place of worship.
  
  

Any Place That Holds Special Meaning

• The visitation does not need to take place in a formal environment. Families and friends have the option of customizing the viewing by holding it any place that has special meaning. Laws do not prevent viewings or funerals from being held in alternative places such as a museum, hotel or even on the beach. Customizing the viewing can be comforting to friends and family as they honor the life of the deceased person.