Preparing Body for Viewing: A Comprehensive Guide to Final Care

The process of preparing a body for viewing is a deeply significant aspect of the funeral journey. For many families, the visitation or wake serves as the final opportunity to say goodbye, making the "memory picture"—the last physical impression of the deceased—crucial for the grieving process. Whether you are planning a traditional service or a modern celebration of life, understanding how professionals handle body preparation can provide peace of mind during a difficult time.

As we move into 2025 and 2026, the funeral industry is seeing a shift toward more personalized and environmentally conscious practices. While the technical goals of preservation and presentation remain, the methods are evolving to meet diverse family needs.

The Purpose of Professional Preparation

When a loved one passes away, the body begins to undergo natural biological changes almost immediately. The primary goal of body preparation is to temporarily halt these changes, ensuring the deceased appears peaceful, comfortable, and sanitary for those paying their respects.

Professional preparation typically involves three main stages: sanitary care, preservation (if requested), and aesthetic presentation (dressing and cosmetics). Each step is performed with the utmost dignity and respect, often guided by the specific wishes of the family.

Understanding Embalming and Sanitary Care

One of the most common questions regarding preparing a body for viewing is whether embalming is mandatory. In the United States, embalming is rarely a legal requirement for a funeral. However, most funeral homes require it for public, open-casket viewings.

The Preservation Process

Embalming involves replacing bodily fluids with a preservative solution. This serves three functions:

1. Sanitization: Neutralizing bacteria.
2. Preservation: Slowing the natural process of decomposition.
3. Presentation: Restoring a more lifelike color to the skin.

Green Alternatives and 2025 Trends

With over 60% of consumers expressing interest in eco-friendly options, the industry is shifting. Many morticians now use formaldehyde-free fluids based on essential oils or glutaraldehyde. These "green" fluids are biodegradable and safer for both the environment and the funeral practitioners. If you are interested in avoiding chemicals entirely, you might explore viewing without embalming, which typically relies on refrigeration and a shorter timeline.

Managing Physical Changes: Rigor Mortis

A common misconception is that morticians must "break bones" to position a body in a casket. This is entirely false. Professionals deal with rigor mortis—the stiffening of muscles that occurs 2 to 4 hours after death—through a process called "exercising the limbs."

Restoring Flexibility

Morticians gently massage the muscles and move the joints (fingers, elbows, knees) to relieve the tension caused by rigor mortis. This allows the body to be positioned naturally and comfortably. Since rigor mortis naturally begins to dissipate after 24 to 36 hours, timing is critical for the initial "setting of features."

Setting the Features

To create a peaceful expression, morticians use specialized tools to "set" the facial features. This is done before any cosmetics are applied.

• The Eyes: Small, textured discs called "eye caps" are placed under the eyelids. These keep the eyes closed and maintain the natural curvature of the eye, preventing a sunken appearance.
• The Mouth: Professionals use "mouth formers" or specialized sutures (often called mandibular sutures) to secure the jaw. These are completely invisible and ensure the mouth remains in a natural, serene closed position rather than falling open.

Dressing the Deceased: Techniques and Best Practices

Dressing the deceased is a final act of care that requires both technical skill and sensitivity. Families are usually asked to provide a full outfit, which should reflect the personality of their loved one.

Choosing the Right Clothing

While "Sunday best" remains popular, 2025 trends show a rise in casual attire. Whether it’s a favorite sports jersey, a well-worn flannel shirt, or a formal suit, the clothing should be something the person felt comfortable in during life.

Professional Dressing Tips

• The Plastic Bag Trick: Morticians often place small plastic bags over the hands and feet. This reduces friction, allowing sleeves and socks to slide on easily without snagging the skin or the fabric.
• Strategic Cutting: If a favorite garment no longer fits due to weight changes or medical equipment, professionals may neatly slit the back of the clothing. Because the body lies flat in the casket, these modifications are completely invisible to viewers.
• Undergarments Matter: Professionals emphasize that families should provide a full set of clothing, including undergarments, socks, or hosiery. This ensures the clothing hangs naturally and maintains the person's dignity.

Cosmetics and Restorative Art

Mortuary cosmetics differ significantly from standard "street" makeup. Because the skin no longer has natural circulation, it can appear pale or "sallow."

Counteracting Pallor

Morticians use specialized, heavy-base cosmetics to recreate the warmth of living skin. These are often applied under specialized lighting, as the lights in a viewing room can change how colors appear.

Restorative Art for Trauma

In cases of accidents or traumatic injury, morticians use "Restorative Art." Using wax, specialized adhesives, and advanced cosmetic techniques, they can reconstruct features. This allows families the choice of an open casket vs closed casket even in difficult circumstances, providing the "memory picture" necessary for closure.

Modern Trends: 2025 and 2026

The landscape of funeral service is changing rapidly. Beyond traditional viewings, we are seeing new ways to honor the deceased.

Laying-In Ceremonies

In states where human composting (Natural Organic Reduction) is legal, viewings are evolving into "laying-in" ceremonies. Instead of a casket, the body is placed in a bed of organic materials like straw, wildflowers, and herbs. The body is usually dressed in simple, biodegradable shrouds.

Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)

Bodies prepared for water cremation have specific requirements. Because the process uses a water-based solution to break down soft tissue, the deceased must be dressed in 100% natural fibers such as silk, wool, or cotton. Synthetic fibers like polyester will not break down and must be avoided.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting the "Small" Items: It is very common for families to bring a suit but forget socks or a belt. Providing a complete outfit ensures the mortician doesn't have to use "stock" items that don't match the loved one's style.
2. Providing Fragile Fabrics: As mentioned, delicate fabrics are difficult to work with. If you have a specific fragile outfit in mind, discuss it with the funeral director first.
3. Waiting Too Long to Provide Clothing: The window for body preparation is relatively short if you want the best results. Providing clothing within 24 hours of the passing is ideal.
4. Neglecting Recent Photos: Morticians don't know your loved one. Providing a recent photo (especially one showing their hair and makeup style) is the best way to ensure the final result is accurate.

Conclusion

The work involved in preparing a body for viewing is a blend of science, artistry, and deep empathy. By understanding the techniques used—from managing rigor mortis to the strategic dressing of the deceased—families can feel more connected to the process and more confident in their choices. Whether you opt for a traditional embalming or a modern "laying-in" ceremony, the goal remains the same: to honor the deceased with dignity and provide a peaceful final image for those left behind.

For a deeper dive into organizing the logistics of the service, see our Complete Guide to Viewing the Body: Tools, Checklists, and Essential Guides.