What is embalming?
Last updated 28th January 2025
5 min read
When a loved one passes away, there are many decisions to make. One of them is whether you want your loved one to be embalmed.
The embalming process is a common practice. But many people aren’t sure what it involves or whether it's a suitable option. We’ve put together this guide to explain exactly what the embalming process is, so you can make an informed decision.
Embalming involves using special preservatives and solutions to slow down a body’s natural deterioration. This means a recently-passed loved one remains in a healthier-looking condition for a longer period of time.
Embalming can make an open-casket funeral and seeing the loved one for the last time easier. This is because the process will leave them looking natural, restful and at peace.
It should be noted that this article will contain details and information about how the embalming process works. If you have a loved one who has recently passed this information may be upsetting, and we advise you to only keep reading if you feel comfortable.
What is the embalming process?
The embalming process involves the removal of a body’s natural fluids. They are replaced with embalming fluids (chemicals and natural oils) to help preserve them for longer.
There are two types of embalming processes that are practised widely today: arterial embalming and cavity embalming.
The arterial process involves blood being removed from the arterial system and replaced with embalming fluids. Cavity embalming is when fluids are removed from inside the chest and abdomen, and are replaced with embalming fluids.
Before and after the process, the body is washed. During the process, it is gently massaged to relax the muscles and encourage the embalming fluids to do their work.
After this process, they’re then groomed and dressed according to the family’s desires, ready for the funeral service.
Why might someone choose embalming?
People choose to have their loved ones embalmed for many reasons – mainly for preservation, so a loved one remains natural and healthy-looking over a long period of time.
This can be useful for arranging a funeral, as there can sometimes be a delay. In this case, embalming would give loved ones more time to pay their respects. It also gives family and friends living abroad a chance to travel and see their loved one before the funeral service.
The embalming process also helps restore a loved one’s appearance. They can appear at peace and restful, even if they passed after a period of illness. This can bring great comfort to family and friends, offering them closure as they say goodbye to their loved one and celebrate their life.
Finally, if the loved one who has recently passed is to be repatriated abroad, it’s a legal requirement that the body be embalmed.
If a family member has passed abroad, then you might not know how long it will take to get their body home or what conditions they will be stored in. The embalming process increases the chance that they’ll be well preserved by the time they arrive back home.
Why might someone choose not to embalm?
There are a few reasons why a family might choose not to embalm their loved one. For example, if they’ve chosen a closed casket for the funeral, they may decide it’s not worth the extra expense of embalming.
For some, it can be helpful to be with the body of the deceased for closure. But many prefer their final memories of their loved one to be when they were alive. So if the wider family choose not to view the body, embalming may not be needed.
Some people choose not to embalm for environmental reasons, especially if they’ve chosen a natural burial. This is because embalming chemicals can harm the environment when they body decomposes.
Natural burial sites will usually specify that bodies cannot be embalmed. Even if not opting for an eco-friendly burial, many like the idea of the process being as natural as possible.
Finally, some religions such as Judaism and Islam explicitly prohibit embalming, except in cases where it is required by law.
How embalming affects funeral arrangements
Choosing to have a loved one embalmed is a decision you may need to consider when planning a funeral. In this section, we look at how embalming can affect how you arrange a funeral, and answer any questions you may have.
Can a loved one be buried without being embalmed?
In the UK, embalming isn’t required by law for a burial, so the decision is a personal one. The main purpose of embalming is to make sure a loved one remains how you remember them when they’re visible in the casket, not when the casket is buried.
Choosing not to embalm means you may have less time to pay respects to your loved one.
It should also be noted that if you’re looking to have an eco-friendly or woodland funeral, embalming is not allowed. This is because the chemical solutions used could disturb the natural environment.
Can a loved one be embalmed before cremation?
Much like a burial, embalming is not a legal requirement for cremation. It’s a personal choice on behalf of the family. But, also like a burial, a family may wish to embalm the person to prolong the time in which they can visit and pay their respects.
How long does the embalming process take?
How long the embalming process takes depends on factors such as which funeral director and which techniques are used.
A complete embalming process should take between two to four hours. This includes the washing, drying and styling of a loved one's appearance to resemble how they looked during their life.
How long do the effects of embalming last?
Embalming doesn’t stop the decaying process. It only slows it down enough so a loved one is presentable for longer. If you’re having an open-casket funeral, you shouldn’t leave your loved one out for longer than one week.
How much does embalming cost in the UK?
The amount the embalming service costs depends on which funeral director you use, the amount of work to be done, and what embalming services they offer. Usually, embalming can cost anywhere from £75–£200, depending on what services you’re looking for.
Where to get help with funeral planning?
Embalming is a personal choice. There really is no right or wrong decision in the matter. The most important thing is that your loved one has the funeral they deserve.
If you’re starting to think about putting provisions in place for your own funeral, our over 50s life insurance page might be a good place to start.
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The thoughts and opinions expressed in the page are those of the authors, intended to be informative, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SunLife. See our Terms of Use for more info.