Embalming Options for Funerals and Cremations

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to follow a traditional funeral plan if it doesn’t match your needs or preferences. Many families are choosing alternative funeral planning based on the traditions of the people who are attending the event. The first step is to choose a company to help with funeral home & cremations in Nitro, WV so that you understand the options that are offered in the industry.

What is Embalming?

There are times when it makes sense to preserve the body because of funeral services that are desired. Usually, the body is stored in a refrigerated area to preserve the tissue after death. But, the cold storage often isn’t enough for certain funeral home options.

During the embalming process, specific techniques and chemicals are used to preserve the body. This preservation allows for services such as a viewing or an open casket event.

Embalming Before a Burial or Cremation

If your loved one is laid to rest right away, then it might not be necessary to include embalming services in your funeral package. But, there are times when family members choose embalming before either a funeral or cremation.

These are a few details that might influence your decision for embalming:

• Budget: Funeral costs can be reduced by cutting unnecessary services, such as embalming. Choose immediate end of life solutions so that there is no need to store the body for an extended period.
• Viewing: It can be a healing experience for family members to say goodbye, which is why an open casket viewing is often included in the funeral plan. If you are going to have the casket open for friends and family, then embalming is often required.
• Transportation: Where will the person be laid to rest? If casket burial is selected and long-distance travel is required, then embalming might be necessary. For example, many states have requirements that a body needs to be embalmed before crossing state lines for burial.
• Delayed Services: Choosing to delay the funeral or cremation for a few days can have an impact on whether or not the body should be embalmed. If you are going to select direct cremation within the first day after death, then there is no reason to preserve the body with embalming. On the other hand, funeral services can be delayed to accommodate the travel schedules of family members. In this situation, it is wise to preserve the body with embalming before the funeral happens later in the week.

Personalized Funeral Planning

The most important thing that you need to remember is that personalized funeral planning is offered for every family. Never assume that you need to spend money for a full range of funeral services. Instead, talk to our team about the options so that you can customize your funeral plan.

You can learn more about funeral home & cremations in Nitro, WV by scheduling an appointment with our experienced team at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium. See our facilities: 1118 Virginia St E Charleston, WV 25301. Or, call if you have questions about embalming or other services that are offered: (304) 342-8135