A funeral is a time when family and friends gather to remember, reflect and offer condolences after a loved one dies. It's a chance for them to say goodbye to their loved one and begin the healing process.
A family may hold a viewing prior to the funeral or cremation, knowing that many people feel a sense of comfort and closure when they are able to see the deceased one last time. At a viewing, the loved one is present in an open casket. Viewings are sometimes called visitations; the distinction is that a visitation can also mean the loved one is present in a closed casket and no one sees them.
Sometimes a viewing or visitation takes place the same day as the funeral, maybe even just before it. Sometimes it takes place a day or two before. Historically, a wake referred to a watch kept over a deceased loved one at that person's home. The vigil sometimes lasted the entire night before the funeral. Today, however, a family might call a visitation or viewing a wake, and it would typically take place at the funeral home.