Nearly 5 years ago, my husband’s precious maternal grandmother passed away. This special woman had an amazing sense of humor and a flair for life. Without saying a word, she could make me laugh with just a look. Several years before her death, she visited a local funeral home in order to plan her funeral services. When she passed away, the family didn’t have to deal with the stress of organizing her farewell services. They could relax, grieve, and concentrate on the wonderful memories they shared with her. I've grown to appreciate this. On this blog, you will discover the steps required to plan your own funeral.
Planning Your Funeral
How Do Funeral Homes Prepare Bodies For Viewing?
Nora Mitchelle
Some families choose to have viewing ceremonies at their funeral services, sometimes known as open-casket services. Viewing the body of a deceased loved one can bring closure and allow funeral attendees the chance to say their final words to the deceased. If you choose to have an open-casket service, you will need to have the body of your loved one prepared by the funeral home. Here are four things that morticians do to prepare bodies for viewing:
1. Embalming
Decomposition begins as soon as a person dies. This process can cause a body to smell and look unpleasant, and it can also constitute a safety hazard. Embalming is a process used to slow decomposition. It involves draining a body of fluids and organs and replacing them with embalming fluid. Morticians perform embalming services at funeral homes. Bodies that have been embalmed are suitable for viewing ceremonies, and they can be buried, interred, or cremated upon completion of the funeral service.
2. Cosmetic Reconstruction
The condition of a person's body after their passing depends on their cause of death. Some causes of death are more traumatic than others, causing visible cosmetic damage to bodies. Morticians can perform cosmetic reconstruction services if necessary. During this process, they will use wax and inexpensive prosthetics to hide injuries. Cosmetic reconstruction can help a person's loved ones see them as they were in life.
3. Dressing
People are transported to funeral homes wearing the clothes they passed away in. However, most people choose to have their deceased loved ones dressed up for the viewing ceremony. You will have the opportunity to select clothing for your loved one. You should bring the items of clothing that you want your loved one to be displayed to the funeral home. Some people bring their loved one's favorite garment or a piece of clothing that they liked to wear for special occasions. You should also bring any sentimental jewelry and accessories that you want your loved one to wear. The mortician will carefully and respectfully dress your loved one in the clothing you provide.
4. Makeup And Hairstyling
After a person passes away, their skin takes on an ashy hue. Morticians can combat this effect by applying makeup to your loved one's skin. Makeup will be applied to give your loved one a natural, lifelike appearance. Your mortician will also style your loved one's hair before placing them in the casket.
Contact a funeral home like Carter Funeral Home-Denbigh to learn more.
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