Everything to Know About Embalming

One of the most critical decisions you have to make when arranging a funeral service at funeral homes Pennsburg, PA, is about embalming the deceased’s body. It doesn’t come as a surprise that many people don’t have much understanding of what exactly is involved in the embalming process and if it’s the right choice. 

Because of this, we are going to talk about everything you need to know about embalming. This includes the purpose and reasons for embalming and when you may opt out of embalming for the deceased. 

What Is Embalming? 

Embalming is the art and science of preserving human remains by treating them to slow down decomposition. This is usually done to make the deceased suitable for public or private viewing as part of the funeral ceremony. 

In some cases, this process is also adopted to keep the body preserved for medical purposes in an anatomical laboratory. 

Why Are Bodies Embalmed? 

If it’s not already clear, the ultimate purpose of embalming a body is to slow down the natural decomposition process. This gives the bereaved family more time to mourn and prepare for the service and the burial (or cremation). 

Also, embalming improves the appearance of the loved one if the death occurred due to a violent accident or injury. And lastly, it disinfects the body to make sure the guests can view the body in a safe environment. 

And note that some states make it compulsory to perform the embalming if the body is not buried or cremated within a specific time. However, most states leave it to the discretion of the funeral home to decide if the embalming is necessary or not. 

Each funeral home will have its own policies but the best practices are all pretty much the same. The body should be embalmed if the funeral is scheduled after several days of death. (Many funeral homes also recommend refrigeration, which is a cheaper alternative to embalming). Embalming the body is especially needed for open-casket funerals or viewings. 

Reasons to Embalm 

Here are some of the reasons why families choose to have their loved one embalmed: 

• Embalming disinfects and slows down decomposition. 

• Some funeral homes don’t have refrigeration services. They ask you to embalm the body to protect the body from natural decomposition. 

• Embalming fluids often enhance the color of the deceased’s face and hands. This is more relevant if the death occurred due to a tragic accident or long illness. 

• The deceased requested embalming in a pre-need arrangement. 

• For public viewing and open casket funerals, embalming is often necessary. 

Reasons Not to Embalm 

• The funeral director placed the body in refrigeration. 

• You have requested a direct cremation for which embalming is not needed. 

• The family didn’t plan a viewing service. 

• Some religions and cultures don’t allow embalming. 

• Embalming is expensive and the family may look for cheaper alternatives. 

That’s all you needed to know about embalming. Now, you’re in a better position to decide if embalming is the right decision for your lost loved one, or if should you proceed without embalming at funeral homes Pennsburg, PA.