Most people understand that, save for a few reasons such as religious ones, bodies are embalmed before burial. When cremation is involved, however, beliefs and knowledge get a little fuzzy. Not everyone realizes that embalming isn't a necessary step in all deaths, although there are times when it's required even for a body that will soon be cremated. This can lead to surprise when embalming is suggested for one deceased person but dismissed for another. Understanding why your relative should be embalmed before being created can help you make the right decision.

No Legal Requirement for Embalming if Other Steps Are Taken

First, understand that there is no legal requirement to embalm a body as long as certain conditions are met. Bodies need to be embalmed generally within a day unless (and this can vary by state) the body is kept in a container that stops odors from leaking out. The body will start to decay quickly, even with refrigeration, so something has to be done to prevent the odors from the decay from affecting the living. That's either embalming, sealing, or carrying on with the burial or cremation quickly.

Service Timing and Viewing the Deceased

With cremation that's done within a day without any viewing of the body as you might have during a memorial service, no embalming is necessary. If you've previously had deceased loved ones embalmed before cremation, and you're not sure why you're not being asked about embalming now, this is likely the reason.

However, if you plan to have a viewing or have the deceased at a memorial service a couple of days later, or if you're delaying the cremation because you're waiting for another relative to arrive from far away, then you have to have the body embalmed because you don't want to see it after a couple of days without that procedure.

Embalming Allows for Additional Cosmetic Services

Emblaming allows funeral home staff to perform additional cosmetic services that may be necessary for a viewing. This can range from basic makeup to actual reconstruction from pictures, in the cases of people who might have been in accidents or who had severe illnesses. Even if the cremation is being held quickly, if you want any sort of viewing, you should have the body embalmed.

You can discuss all this with the funeral director or the crematorium manager. Then consider setting out your wishes in writing to avoid putting your family through the same decisions you have to make now. Cremation is growing in popularity, and it's easy to set up your plans in advance.