OVERVIEW

What does it do?

Embalming is the process of preserving a body by delaying the natural effects of death. This is done by introducing specialist embalming solutions into the body after someone has passed away, helping to give them a more peaceful appearance.

Why is it important?

It is a common funeral practice used around the world to preserve the body of a loved one. This is a common choice for open casket funerals or if the family want to spend more time with their loved one following the death.

Other reasons for choosing embalming include:

• A person may have requested it before they passed, perhaps as part of a prepaid funeral plan.
• It can help restore the person’s appearance and give them a natural expression, which can be comforting for grieving family members.
• If the body needs to be repatriated.
• If there is a delay with the funeral.

How long does it take?

The process takes around two hours to complete, including washing and drying the hair and body of the person who has died. The embalmed body is also carefully massaged to relax muscles and joints tensed by rigor mortis.

How long does it last?

Embalming is not permanent as it only delays the natural process of death. Typically, it will preserve the body for around a week, but factors such as condition of the body and temperature conditions may affect this.