As you’re planning a memorial service for a loved one, you’ll need to decide whether you want to have them embalmed. While this process is not required by law, many families choose to have it done due to its benefits. Here are a few things you should know about the process so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your loved one.

What You Should Know About Embalming

What Is It? 

Embalming is a process of preserving a body to keep it from decomposing. The process has been used for thousands of years, though advances in biological understanding and technology have improved the practices dramatically.

During this process, the funeral home will bathe and prepare the body. They will remove the blood and all other fluids, replacing them with a formaldehyde fluid. They will then do any restorative work such as reconstructive surgery or applying makeup to restore the body to its best possible condition for the memorial service.

Why Is It Beneficial?

Embalming became commonplace during the Civil War to preserve bodies as they were transported home, but today it’s typically done to allow for a viewing at the memorial service or funeral. The preservation process and restorative work make the body look presentable so loved ones can say goodbye and start the healing process. But embalming isn’t just for burial; if your loved one is being cremated, you can still have them embalmed and hold a traditional service before the cremation.

The team at Cornwell Funeral Home understands how difficult it is to lose a loved one. Since 1898, they have been dedicated to helping families throughout Dardanelle, AR, celebrate their loved one’s life and say goodbye. They offer a full range of services and will provide support through all of your funeral arrangements, from embalming to on-site cremation services and obituaries. Learn more about their services online, or call (479) 229-2524 to talk with their funeral director about planning a memorial service.