Natural Options ...

Embalming

We recommend embalming if anyone would like to view the person while they are in our care. This is in order to maintain the dignity of the deceased and to limit distress for the mourners. This costs £145.

If a body has to be carried by plane, or repatriated, it is usually obligatory to embalm. Embalming for repatriations costs £185.

Aiming to preserve and sanitise the body of someone who has died dates as far back as our earliest civilizations across the globe: the Incas, the Han Dynasty of China and, of course, the ancient Egyptians. The art of embalming is highly specialized and embalmers have to be fully qualified in order to practice. It is a hygienic treatment more than it is cosmetic. More sophisticated techniques are employed if the person should be preserved for more than a couple of weeks.

Embalming essentially involves replacing the body’s main fluids with a preservative solution. If embalming is possible within a few days of the person’s death, changes to their face and body will be minimised.

If no instruction is given to us regarding make-up, we will apply none.

Sometimes we are supplied with a lady’s favourite make-up and, unless a family member would like to apply it, we will gladly do it for you. A photo is always helpful for reference.

Whilst we strive to achieve exactly what you wish for in terms of embalming and viewing, there are rare moments when it is not possible. We trust our embalmers and when in doubt, theirs is always the last word.

Natural solutions

Embalming fluid normally contains formaldehyde, so this process would not be a preferred choice for an eco-conscious funeral. New solutions are constantly in research and development to reduce the carbon footprint of embalming. Using alcohol instead of formaldehyde is the current alternative, and is acceptable to natural burial grounds, but it is not quite as effective as traditional methods. Ask your funeral director about the advantages and disadvantages of the latest techniques. If you would like a greener funeral, you may decide against embalming and viewing.