Do people still do open caskets at funerals?

Viewing the deceased body before burial is common in many cultures.

The viewing, also called a wake, involves the body being displayed in a casket. This can take place at the funeral home, at the deceased home, a social hall, or a place of worship. 

The choice of the funeral location is entirely up to the family members. The viewing can be private for only family members or open to the public in the case of leaders and influencers.

The casket for viewing the body can be closed or open. For most viewing, an open casket is preferred. Loved ones can literally design the type of open casket they want for the deceased if they shop with Titan Casket.

Plans for an Open Casket Funerals

Before the deceased body is available for viewing in an open casket, funeral home staff will prepare the body. According to science, the human body begins to decompose immediately after death.

Embalming

Therefore, the body will have to be embalmed. This is a temporary body preservation procedure to restore the life-like appearance of the deceased before the wake. The standard liquid chemical used for embalming is Formaldehyde.

Embalming for a funeral can last for a day. There is no law requiring embalming, and some religious practices may prohibit the same. However, embalming is a requirement if the body is to be transported.

Embalming at a funeral home can cost between $200 – $700.

Alternative to Embalming

As mentioned earlier, it is not a federal requirement to embalm, but only when the body will be transported. Another alternative to preserve the body for viewing in an open casket is refrigeration.

You must confirm whether they have this option with the funeral home. Refrigeration can preserve the body for a long time. 

Cosmetics and Clothes

The deceased will have to be clothed. Often, family members may prefer to provide articles of clothing that the deceased loved. Then the funeral home will have makeup done on the deceased. 

Makeup is vital to ensure the deceased has a life-like appearance during the open-casket viewing. The makeup will be placed on exposed skin around the face or hands to ensure an impression of healthier-looking skin. 

The hair will also be done and arranged according to how it looked when the deceased was alive. The funeral home staff ensures that a deceased loved one is given a proper sendoff with all dignity.

Open Casket Design

Once the body is appropriately prepared, the deceased is placed in a casket with the top half of the casket propped open so that loved ones at the funeral can view the body. 

Open caskets are usually customized according to the requirements of loved ones. There is a military casket, a religious casket, wooden casket, eco casket, and many others. 

Wrap Up

Since caskets can be customized, the price can range from $700 – $2000. An open casket is an ideal choice because, as mentioned earlier, loved ones at the funeral always want to view the body, which helps with the grieving process.