Preparing a Body for Viewing: What Happens and What to Bring

Preparing a body for viewing usually means washing and dressing the person, setting the features, applying cosmetics and, in many cases, embalming. The funeral home does this work, and you supply clothing and, ideally, a recent photo. Embalming is rarely required by law, but many funeral homes require it for a public open-casket viewing. You can ask about other options.

What does preparing a body for viewing involve?

The exact steps differ between funeral homes, but most include some or all of these.

• Washing and care. The body is washed and handled with care. The person's hair is arranged.
• Setting the features. Staff close the eyes and mouth and position the face for a calm, natural expression.
• Embalming, if chosen or required. See the next section.
• Cosmetics. Makeup is used to restore natural color. A recent photo helps the staff here.
• Dressing. The person is dressed in the clothing you bring and placed in the casket.
• Placing keepsakes. Items such as a rosary, letter, medals or a favorite photo can be placed with the person if you ask in advance.

The purpose is simple: to give family and friends a peaceful last look.

Is embalming required for a viewing?

Not by law in most cases. The FTC says no state requires routine embalming for every death. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) adds that in no state is it required when burial or cremation happens within two days, and that refrigeration is a workable alternative in most states. The FCA also says most funeral directors will not arrange a public viewing without embalming and cosmetic restoration, but that a private or home viewing by family and close friends can take place without it.

What often gets in the way is funeral home policy. Many homes insist on embalming before a public open-casket viewing. The FTC Funeral Rule sets some limits:

• A funeral home cannot claim that law requires embalming when it doesn't, and cannot say it is required for direct cremation or immediate burial.
• Every price list must state that embalming is not required by law except in certain special cases, but may be necessary if you choose arrangements such as a funeral with viewing.
• A home may not charge for embalming unless state law requires it, you approved it, or it could not reach you, tried in good faith, and explains why afterward.
• The FTC says you can ask about options such as a private family viewing without embalming.

The FTC notes that some states require embalming or refrigeration if burial or cremation does not happen within a certain time. Florida, for example, requires a body held more than 24 hours after death to be refrigerated at 40°F or below, embalmed or otherwise preserved. Our guide to viewing without embalming explains the timelines, and what is embalming covers the procedure in more detail.

What happens during embalming and restorative work?

The National Funeral Directors Association defines embalming as chemically treating the body to reduce microorganisms, slow decomposition and restore an acceptable physical appearance. The FCA describes it as injecting embalming fluid, usually formaldehyde-based, into the body's blood vessels, and using an instrument to treat the body's cavities. Cosmetic work follows.

Embalming is temporary. The FCA says it "merely delays" decomposition, and that ambient temperature has more effect on decomposition than the time elapsed since death.

If the person died after an accident, a long illness, surgery or an autopsy, ask the funeral director early what is possible. Some funeral homes can do restorative work, but results vary, and some situations do not allow an open casket. A closed casket with a framed photo on top, or a private family viewing, are still good options. If organ or tissue donation is planned, see organ donation and open casket.

What should the person wear, and what should I bring?

Choose what you can picture them in: a favorite outfit, a formal suit or dress, a uniform, a team shirt or a soft sweater. Comfort and familiarity matter more than formality.

• Clothing. Ask the funeral home which pieces it needs. Some homes ask for a complete outfit, including undergarments. If a favorite garment no longer fits well, ask whether it can be adjusted.
• Photo. A recent photo showing the person's hairstyle, facial hair and glasses helps the staff recreate a familiar look.
• Accessories. Glasses, jewelry, a watch, a rosary, medals or a scarf. Ask which items will remain with the person and which are returned to you.
• Keepsakes. Letters, drawings from grandchildren or a small memento can be placed in the casket.

If cremation will follow, tell the funeral home so it can tell you which items and materials the crematory accepts. See cremation in own clothes. If the plan is green burial or another alternative, ask whether the provider has rules about clothing or materials before you choose an outfit.

Can family help wash and dress the body?

Often yes. The FCA says that in most states a family, individual or faith community can handle a death without hiring a funeral director. That includes preparing the body, arranging the paperwork, holding a vigil or service and transporting the body. Nine states require a funeral director: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey and New York.

Many funeral homes will also let family members help with dressing or be present for part of the preparation if you ask. Our guide to washing and dressing the body describes how this works.

When should preparation happen?

Soon after death, and in time for the viewing. Many funeral homes refrigerate the body until preparation starts, though the FCA notes that not all have refrigeration facilities. If you plan a viewing, tell the funeral home early and deliver clothing as soon as you can, since the schedule depends on it. Some states require embalming or refrigeration after a certain time, so ask what applies where you live. Our guide on what happens overnight at a funeral home explains the wait before preparation.

What will a viewing cost?

Charges vary by funeral home, and the FTC Funeral Rule requires each home to list them separately on its General Price List. Look for:

• embalming
• other preparation of the body
• use of facilities and staff for viewing
• use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony
• the basic services fee, which cannot be declined

The Funeral Rule lets you ask for these prices by phone. You can compare homes before you choose, and you choose only the items you want. The funeral cost calculator can help you add up the total.

What to do next

1. Ask the funeral home whether it requires embalming for the kind of viewing you want, and what the alternatives are.
2. Decide whether you want a public viewing, a private family viewing or a closed casket. See private family viewing and open vs closed casket.
3. Choose the clothing and find a recent photo. Deliver them with a list of anything you want returned.
4. Ask for the General Price List and an itemized statement before you pay.