Embalming and Viewing

Presenting your loved one with dignity and care. If you wish to see and say goodbye in person, we are here to support you. Our highly experienced, qualified embalmer ensures that your loved one can be viewed safely and with a stillness that reflects peace.

Why some families choose embalming

Embalming is a temporary preservation process carried out with respect and professionalism. It carefully sanitises and prepares the body, often enhancing a natural appearance and allowing more time before the funeral. It's particularly useful if you wish to view your loved one, delay the service, or if the body needs to be transported. It's not a legal requirement, but it may help create a comforting final goodbye.

If you wish to pay a final tribute in person - viewing offers that space. Many families find quiet comfort in spending a few moments or longer periods of time alone with their loved one. The experience can bring clarity, closure, and a meaningful reflection of their life. If you'd rather not view, that decision is honoured too - without any pressure, or judgement.

How we support you

  • Let us know what feels right: embalming, viewing, or neither.
  • If embalming is chosen, our qualified in-house professional will guide the process with respect.
  • We ensure a serene presentation - dressed lying gently for viewing.
  • Our team handles everything discreetly - allowing you to focus on remembering.

Safety, clarity and options

  • Embalming isn't mandatory - there's often no need unless the deceased is being transported by air.
  • If you'd like embalming for health reasons, to improve the appearance, or because of timing, we can explain the options and benefits.
  • You always remain in control of what happens, with honest advice and no hard sell.

Ready to take the next step?

Speak with us in person or over the phone. We'll explain what each choice means - helping you to decide whether viewing or embalming is helpful for your needs. We walk you through every option - clearly, quietly, and compassionately.

There are a lot of myths surrounding the embalming myths. You can read our embalming myths debunked article to learn more about process and how the Levertons team ensure that embalming is performed in a completely respectful manner.

News & guides

A step-by-step guide to planning a funeral
Planning a funeral is one of the most meaningful and emotional responsibilities a person can undertake. During a period of grief, it can be difficult to think clearly and make decisions. That’s why having a structured guide is invaluable — it helps you navigate the process with clarity and peace of mind, while honouring the […]
Learn more
Embalming myths debunked 
When families visit our funeral home to make arrangements for their loved ones, one topic that often raises questions- and sometimes eyebrows- is embalming. The practice of embalming, despite being a routine aspect of funeral care, is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can make it an uncomfortable discussion for some people. As a funeral […]
Learn more
Let’s talk about direct cremations
Whether it’s because of cost or circumstance, a formal ceremony may not be for everyone. There has been a noticeable movement away from the traditional funeral in recent years with many opting for a Direct Cremation. It may be due to the cost-of-living crisis or indeed the aftermath of Covid when people weren’t able to […]
Learn more

Contact Levertons

Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, so please contact the branch closest to you within these hours. Alternatively submit an enquiry using our form.

Need us now? We’re here for you
- day or night

Need immediate assistance? Please get in touch. In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us out of our regular office hours, do call us. We can arrange collection 24 hours a day.

I used Levertons for my my husbands funeral and cannot recommend them high enough. Very professional but also caring and considerent at the same time. Very helpful at a very difficult time.

Review by Tracey L left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

James was excellent throughout the whole process from start to finish. He was kind, friendly and always willing to help whenever I had a query. Very professional service and highly recommended.

Review by LWF left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

Lovely service from start to finish. Deborah was especially considerate and helpful, would highly reccomend

Review by Holly B left on 23 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

The experience of losing a loved one is traumatic. The staff at Leverton & Sons were wonderful, and extremely helpful. They guided us through what is always a difficult process with kindness and care. Thank you.

Review by Georgia S left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

Levertons, and their funeral Director, Deborah Rush made a difficult time easy. Highly professional and understaning, they provided me an dmy family with a very high quality service and the funeral was provided in a respectful and dedicated way. Many thanks to Deborah and her team.

Review by Ed N left on 22 Oct 2025

Google

Julie at Levertons was absolutely lovely. It's a time when you're not thinking straight but Julie led us through the process of planning Mum's funeral with real patience and humour. This a great local business and I thoroughly recommend them.

Review by C a t h e r i n e Alexander left on 22 Oct 2025

Google

Carmel and the team looked after us throughout the whole process. I would definitely put my trust in them again.

Review by Anthony left on 21 Oct 2025

Google

Everything was done beautifully I don't see how it could have been done better.

Review by Mari B left on 21 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

I had never arranged a funeral before and when my brother died I made a leap of faith and chose Leverton & Sons as the funeral directors. I could not have chosen better. From the moment I spoke to Andrew Leverton I knew I was in kind and careful hands. Throughout the process from the collection of my brother from the hospital to the final service I felt supported and guided. Andrew Leverton was always available to speak to me on the phone and gave me thoughtful advice on the contents of the service, the choice of crematorium and recommended an excellent celebrant. The service for my brother was carried out with great dignity and professionalism. I would like to add special thanks to our driver for his kindness. I would recommend Leverton & Sons wholeheartedly.

Review by Juno D left on 21 Oct 2025

Google

I was very happy with Leverton's service which was all handled with great care and sensitivity, and delivered without any hiccups or stress - thank you.

Review by Oliver D left on 19 Oct 2025

Google

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