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.

As sad as it is that my family and I have had to call on their services twice, Levertons have been unbelievable both times. They are all absolute professionals who treated our family and deceased loved ones with care and respect. Further to this, the services they offer are excellent and everything is organised by them down to the last detail. Lastly, Deborah was endlessly useful in supplying us with key information when dealing with the council, the cemetery and the whole process of registering a death. This made the whole ordeal infinitely more manageable and I was very grateful for their support

Review by M Wick left on 21 Jan 2026

Google

Leverton & Sons Itd and especially Debbie, did a wonderful job arranging my fathers funeral. Thank you for making a difficult day run smoothly and efficiently.

Review by Claudia D left on 14 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

Deborah and the whole team at Levertons were truly wonderful. The care, thoughtfulness and indeed effeciency throughout the whole process was exemplary. We cannot recommend them highly enough. They helped to make a very sad situation much more bearable.

Review by Angela J left on 13 Jan 2026

Google

Deborah and the whole team at Levertons were truly wonderful. The care, thoughtfulness and indeed effeciency throughout the whole process was exemplary. We cannot recommend them highly enough. They helped to make a very sad situation much more bearable.

Review by Jeremy a left on 13 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

Excellent service. Very sympathetic and efficient. Highly recommended.

Review by Helen N left on 06 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

Leverton helped me organise a very unusual funeral for my 96 yr father. His funeral was delayed by 4 weeks in order to give all family members worldwide the opportunity to attend. He therefore was embalmed but we wanted to have 3 days available, so that all the family could take the opportunity to see him privately immediately before the funeral, so he had to have a special embalming. He was buried in our garden in north London so Leverton kindly organised everything for us. Andrew, one of the Directors was extremely kind, thoughtful and professional and we could not have had a better service. I would highly recommend Leverton’s as your funeral agent, they were magnificent in every possible way 10 out of 10!

Review by Otto C left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Recently, I dealt with the sudden and tragic death and funeral of a close family member, and was upset and shocked at the news of her unexpected passing. Fortunately, Laverson were outstanding in their support and help before, during and after the funeral. They carried out the whole process with calmness, consideration and great kindness. I am extremely grateful to them for their dedication and sensitivity and I would be absolutely lost without them. Thanks especially to Carmel who was a patient and superb professional at all times. Richard Burke, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Review by Richard B left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Levertons were outstanding to deal with; kind, caring and every attention to detail. I cannot thank them enough

Review by chris S left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

We found the funeral director exceptional helpful and knowledgeable. The service was very respectful.

Review by M OL left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Leverton's staff have always been kind and professional. They give good advice when needed. They offer a personal service that is really appreciated when going through a difficult time like losing a loved one. They make a difficult time, dealing with difficult decisions much lighter. Thank you Leverton's - especially Julie!

Review by Brenda F left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

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