Is embalming required?
No, a common misconception exists that embalming is required by law. Some religions and cultures prohibit the practice of embalming and bury the body within 24 hours.  Embalming is not required by law unless more than 72 hours have passed since death and the deceased is being transported by public transportation.  Also, funeral homes may require embalming if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing.  If the body is not buried within 24 hours, refrigeration may be required.  However, keep in mind that a body could decompose if it is not refrigerated. Embalming involves substituting a chemical fluid for blood to preserve the deceased temporarily. This is usually done for cosmetic and sanitary purposes when the deceased is to be viewed in open casket.

Should there be an open casket?
While it is entirely your choice, viewing the body can help to bring closure to friends and family, allowing them to accept the death.  When people walk up to the casket and view the body, for some people, that is the moment they finally accept the fact that this person has died.  This helps during the grieving process.  Children in particular, benefit from viewing the deceased, because their imaginations make the appearance of the body worse than it really is.  It is also advisable to view the body if the person suffered before death, so one’s memory of that person suffering is replaced by the memory of the deceased in peace.

When the casket is open, how should the deceased be presented?
Since this is the last time family and friends will see this person, the viewing should leave fond memories.  Appearance should be as natural as possible. If the deceased wore glasses, leave their glasses on, and do not change their hairstyle.  Jewelry is appropriate, as are any other items meaningful to the dead.  Clothing should be respectful and dignified. Visitation is frequently held during evening hours, so it is recommended the family have a private visitation earlier that day.  At that time, the family has an opportunity to see the body before the general public and request any changes to the deceased’s appearance.

Can funeral services be held anywhere?
The most common sites for holding funerals are a church or chapel in the funeral home.  Another option is to hold the entire ceremony at a graveside service.  Occasionally, funeral services are held at a family residence.

Does the service have to be done by a minister? What if I don’t have one?
There is no requirement that a funeral service must be performed by a member of the clergy.  However, if one is desired, the funeral director will locate a member of the clergy of any denomination to perform the service. The director will arrange a meeting between the member of the clergy and the deceased’s family before the service in order to tailor the service to the family’s wishes.

Can the funeral service be personalized?
Absolutely.  The funeral director will make every effort to customize the funeral service precisely to ones individual taste.  There are many ways to have a service unique to the deceased. A family member or close friend could deliver a personal eulogy, the music selection could include a favorite song, and personal items and pictures can be prominently displayed at the service.

What is the importance of visitation?
Visitation is a critical step toward the healing process.  By establishing visitation hours and inviting friends and family to your home after the funeral service, it often gives people the chance to exchange stories about the deceased, reinforcing how much that person meant in everyone’s life.

What factors should be considered in selecting the day and time of the funeral service?
Some practices within religions and customs have the body buried within 24 hours, so obviously that becomes the determining factor in scheduling a funeral.  Otherwise, always allow enough time for out-of-town guests to make travel arrangements to attend the service.  Family and friends should also have enough time to read the obituary and arrange for time off from work.  While some people may want to get through the service as quickly as possible, saying good-bye is an important part of accepting loss and letting go.

How long does it take to prepare the body?
Under normal circumstances, preparing the body for the funeral service and burial takes three hours.  It typically takes about two hours to embalm the body and one hour to dress the body and do cosmetology work.

Do caskets fully protect the body?
There are two types of caskets: hardwood and metal.  A hardwood casket is not completely impenetrable.  Although metal caskets use rubber gaskets to create a stronger bond between the metal surfaces, they are not airtight. However, the vault, which is the outer container made of concrete, plays a vital role in maintaining the sanctity of the body by protecting the casket.