Funeral homes are caretakers of the recently deceased until burial or cremation. What happens to a body at a funeral home depends upon the wishes of the deceased, loved ones, religious rites and cultural customs. The processes involved with the remains of the recently deceased are regulated by the funeral industry and state or federal law. Important decisions about embalming, preparations for viewings or visitations and cremation occur within the funeral home.

Unless an autopsy is required or other unusual circumstances, a body will typically be transported to a refrigerated area within a funeral home within hours after death. In some circumstances a family may request a private autopsy which can be performed at the funeral home by a licensed pathologist. Shortly after arrival at the funeral home, bodies may be ceremoniously washed by close family and friends according to some Judaic and Islamic religious customs.

As a common practice, embalming dates back to the late 19th century. Embalming involves aspirating internal organs by removing gases and air pockets, replacing body fluids with chemicals and making a person’s remains presentable for viewing. It slows down the natural decay of a corpse, which lets the family extend the time between the death and the funeral. Embalming is not required, and it is forbidden in some religion customs such as orthodox Judaism and by Islamic religious law.

One of the mortician’s more delicate tasks is preparing a corpse for viewing. For many, the viewing is an important step in the grieving process. Funeral homes prepare a body in an appropriate manner that addresses the wishes and needs of loved ones. Family will provide staff with clothing, jewelry and other accessories; while discussing their wishes for makeup, hair style and appearance of the deceased in preparation for visitation or an open casket funeral.

Funeral homes host visitations and viewings before funerals, burials or cremations. A viewing is informal and usually restricted to close family members. A visitation is more formal and open to the public. Often, embalming will be requested for visitations to allow for a more natural looking appearance. However, embalming is typically not necessary for viewings that take place within a couple days after death. The funeral home will provide a formal viewing area for visitations.

Cremation of human remains varies according to cultural or religious practices. Most funeral homes will transport a body to a crematory, but some large operations will have crematories on the premises. A common practice is to have a viewing or visitation at the funeral home and then have the body cremated before a funeral or memorial service. Often, a funeral home will store cremated remains for a period of time while loved ones decide on the final dispensation of the ashes.