Posted on 13 June 2025

When it comes to planning a funeral, families are often faced with decisions they’ve never had to make before and one of the most common questions is whether or not to choose embalming.

In this post, we’ll explore what embalming is, the history behind it, how it’s done, and the reasons why some families opt for it while others decline. We’ll also look at religious and cultural views, why embalming may not always be possible, and the pros and cons, helping you make an informed choice for your loved one or your own future wishes.

What Is Embalming?

Embalming is the process of temporarily preserving the body of a deceased person. It is primarily chosen to delay natural decomposition, allowing families more time to plan a funeral, hold an open-casket viewing, or transport the deceased over long distances.

The process typically involves replacing the body’s natural fluids with a preservative solution, most often a formaldehyde-based mixture. This helps to restore a lifelike appearance and slows the breakdown of tissue.

A Brief History of Embalming
Embalming has a long and fascinating history. It dates back to ancient Egypt, where mummification was practised as part of spiritual beliefs surrounding the afterlife. Other early cultures, including the Incas and some Indigenous tribes also had preservation rituals for the dead.

In modern times, embalming became more common during the 19th century, especially during the American Civil War. Soldiers who died far from home were embalmed so they could be transported back to their families.

Today, modern embalming is widely used in the UK, the US, and many other countries as part of funeral preparation, particularly when viewings, delays, or international repatriation are involved.

Why Do Families Choose Embalming?
At McDonald and Tomlin Funerals, we’ve supported many families in making personal choices about embalming. Here are some reasons why people choose it:
• To allow time for family to gather especially if relatives are travelling from abroad or across the UK.
• For open-casket viewings – embalming helps restore a peaceful and natural appearance.
• To delay decomposition – this is particularly useful if there is a longer period between death and the funeral.
• For international repatriation – if a loved one is being transported to another country, many airlines and destination countries legally require embalming for health and preservation purposes.
• For peace of mind – some families take comfort knowing their loved one is being cared for with dignity and cleanliness.

When Embalming May Not Be Possible
While embalming is a valuable service in many funeral arrangements, there are situations where it may not be possible or advisable, including:

• Condition of the deceased – in some cases, the physical condition of the body may make embalming difficult or ineffective.
• Post-mortem examinations – if a coroner’s post-mortem has been carried out, the body may have been altered in ways that complicate or prevent embalming.
• Traumatic or unexpected deaths – the nature of the person’s death, especially if it involved severe trauma, can affect the viability of the embalming process.
• Time since death – if several weeks have passed before embalming is attempted, advanced decomposition may have already started, making preservation more challenging or inappropriate.
• Environmental conditions – factors like heat, humidity, or delays in locating the deceased can impact the embalming process.

At McDonald and Tomlin Funerals, we will always assess each individual case and advise families honestly and compassionately about what is possible.

Why Some People Decline Embalming
Not everyone opts for embalming, and that’s perfectly okay. Reasons for declining include:
• Religious or cultural beliefs – many faiths, such as Islam and Judaism, favour natural and immediate burial without embalming.
• Eco-conscious values – some people choose green or natural burials, which avoid chemicals and promote environmental sustainability.
• Cost – while not excessive, embalming is an added service that contributes to overall funeral costs.
• Simplicity – For those opting for cremation or private funerals, embalming may not be necessary.

Embalming and Religion
Religious perspectives vary widely:
• Christianity – generally accepts embalming, though opinions may vary by denomination.
• Islam – typically forbids embalming unless legally required, such as for repatriation.
• Judaism – encourages prompt burial and generally opposes embalming unless unavoidable.
• Hinduism and Sikhism – cremation is often preferred, with embalming usually unnecessary unless there are delays.
• Humanist and secular beliefs – these typically prioritise personal or environmental values over tradition.

Our team is experienced in working with a diverse range of beliefs and customs and can help ensure that your wishes are honoured respectfully.

What Happens During the Embalming Process?
Though it’s not widely discussed, knowing the basics of embalming can bring clarity and comfort:
1. The body is respectfully washed and prepared.
2. Preservative fluids are introduced via the circulatory system to slow decomposition.
3. Facial features are gently set to create a peaceful appearance.
4. The body is dressed and cosmetically prepared for any viewing, if desired.

At McDonald and Tomlin Funerals, we ensure all care is carried out with dignity, compassion and professionalism.

The Pros and Cons of Embalming
Pros:
• Helps preserve the body for viewings or delayed funerals.
• Allows time for relatives to gather from afar.
• Required for many international repatriations.
• Provides a peaceful, natural appearance for open caskets.
• Can offer families peace of mind.

Cons:
• Not always possible due to medical or physical conditions.
• May go against religious or environmental beliefs.
• Involves chemical preservation.
• Adds to funeral costs.

Is Embalming Required by Law in the UK?
In the UK, embalming is not legally required except in rare cases. However, if a body is being repatriated overseas, some airlines and destination countries do require embalming. We will always guide you through what’s necessary based on your plans and chosen arrangements.

Making the Right Decision for You
Whether you’re arranging a funeral or planning ahead for yourself, choosing whether to embalm is a personal decision influenced by faith, values, practical needs, and individual preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and we are here to support you with clear, compassionate advice every step of the way.