Open Casket vs Closed Casket: Differences, Typical Costs, and How to Choose

When a loved one passes away, families are immediately faced with a series of deeply personal decisions. One of the most significant choices involves the funeral service style: choosing between an open vs closed casket. This decision impacts everything from the psychological closure for the mourners to the final itemized bill from the funeral home.

As a funeral director, I often see families struggle with this choice during their most vulnerable moments. Whether you are leaning toward a casket viewing to say a final goodbye or prefer a viewing or not based on religious or personal preferences, understanding the logistical, financial, and emotional implications is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know for 2025 and 2026 services.

Understanding the Core Differences

The primary difference between an open and closed casket lies in the presentation of the deceased. An open casket allows guests to see their loved one one last time, providing what psychologists call "visual confirmation" of the death. A closed casket, conversely, keeps the body out of sight, often focusing the ceremony on the person’s life legacy rather than their physical presence.

The Financial Impact: 2025-2026 Cost Breakdown

One of the most practical considerations in the open vs closed casket debate is the budget. An open casket funeral is almost always more expensive because it requires specialized professional services to ensure the deceased looks natural and is safe for public viewing.

Body Preparation Costs

When opting for a viewing, the funeral home must perform several tasks that are bypassed in a closed casket or direct burial scenario:

• Embalming: In 2025, the median cost for embalming ranges from $500 to $1,000 (averaging around $775). While not a federal requirement, most funeral homes mandate this for public open-casket viewings.
• Cosmetology, Dressing, and Casketing: This involves applying specialized mortuary makeup, styling hair, and carefully placing the body in the casket. Expect to pay between $250 and $450.
• Restorative Art: If the deceased suffered trauma or underwent an autopsy, additional "restorative art" fees apply, typically ranging from $250 to $500.

Facility and Staffing Fees

Hosting a viewing also incurs facility charges. Funeral homes charge for the use of their viewing rooms and the staff required to monitor the visitation. These fees average $425 – $500 per day.

Psychological and Emotional Considerations

For many, a casket viewing is a vital step in the grieving process. Seeing the deceased in a peaceful, "sleeping" state can help the brain process the reality of the loss, especially in cases of sudden or unexpected death.

However, for some mourners—particularly young children or those who haven't attended a funeral before—the experience can be overwhelming. As a funeral director, I recommend checking out our Complete Guide to Viewing the Body: Tools, Checklists, and Essential Guides to better understand how to navigate these emotions.

The "Living Memory" Argument

Proponents of the closed casket often argue that they prefer to remember their loved one as they were in life—vibrant, laughing, and healthy. If a long illness significantly changed the person’s appearance, a closed casket preserves that "living memory" and prevents the final image of the person from being one of sickness.

Religious and Cultural Traditions

Your decision may already be guided by religious or cultural mandates.

• Open Casket Traditions: These are very common in Christian denominations (Catholic, Protestant), as well as Mormon and Buddhist traditions. In these cultures, the "wake" or "visitation" is a central part of the mourning ritual.
• Closed Casket Traditions: In Jewish and Islamic faiths, a closed casket (or shroud) is the standard. These traditions emphasize the equality of all people in death and the importance of returning the body to the earth as quickly and naturally as possible.

Real-World Examples and Scenarios

Example 1: The "Restoration" Success

A family lost a grandfather in a car accident. Initially, they planned for a closed casket due to the trauma. However, after consulting with our staff, they opted for restorative art. The mortician was able to reconstruct his features using a recent photo as a guide. The family found immense peace in seeing him "restored" to his former self before the burial.

Example 2: The Green Burial Compromise

A family wanted an eco-friendly service but also wanted a final goodbye. They chose a "shrouded viewing." The body was not embalmed (saving on chemical use) but was kept cool with dry ice and presented in a simple wicker casket. This is a growing trend for those looking for Viewing Without Embalming (Options and Timeline).

Example 3: The Hybrid Memorial

In 2025, we see more "hybrid" services. A family in New York held an open casket viewing for local relatives but livestreamed a closed-casket memorial service for family members in Europe. This allowed local mourners the chance to approach the casket while maintaining a focus on the memorial for the digital audience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. The "Preservation" Myth: Many families spend thousands extra on "protective" or "sealed" caskets, believing they will stop decomposition. No casket can permanently preserve a body; high-end caskets are primarily for aesthetics and craftsmanship.
2. Forgetting to Warn Guests: If you choose an open casket, it is polite to mention "Viewing to be held..." in the obituary. This allows sensitive guests to arrive after the viewing portion or prepare themselves mentally.
3. Not Providing a Reference Photo: Funeral directors are skilled, but they don't know how your loved one parted their hair or applied their lipstick. Always provide a recent photo to Preparing Body for Viewing effectively.
4. Neglecting the "Cold to Touch" Factor: If you or your children plan to touch the deceased, be prepared. Because the body is refrigerated and embalmed, it will be cold and firm. Explaining this to children beforehand is crucial.

Recent Trends (2025-2026)

As we look toward 2026, the funeral industry is evolving to meet new consumer desires:

• Themed Casket Interiors: We are seeing a rise in "hobbyist" caskets where the interior lid is decorated with sports memorabilia, fishing lures, or favorite quotes.
• Digital Integration: Many services now include a QR code near the casket. Guests can scan it to view a digital memory board or contribute to a collaborative photo album during the viewing.
• The "Cremation Viewing": Even though cremation rates are projected to hit 63.4% in 2025, nearly 40% of families still choose a traditional viewing using a "rental casket" before the cremation takes place.

Conclusion

The choice between an open vs closed casket is a bridge between the life that was lived and the grief that follows. Whether you choose the visual closure of a casket viewing or the private dignity of a closed casket, there is no wrong answer—only the answer that feels right for your family and honors your loved one’s wishes.

Take the time to consult with your funeral director, review the costs, and consider the emotional needs of those who will be attending. By making an informed decision, you can ensure the service provides the peace and respect your loved one deserves.