What Happens at an Open Casket Service?
When you lay a loved one to rest and plan a funeral service, you will be asked if you want the casket open or closed. To consider the best choice, getting more information is a priority.
When planning a funeral home in Ferrum, VA, you want to know you are making a choice that reflects your loved ones. The idea behind an open casket funeral is in place to allow the body to be viewed by your loved ones. At the time of the service, the loved one’s hair clothing, hair, and make-up are done to help promote a resemblance to when they were living. The body is often embalmed and placed in a way that allows guests to recognize that the death has occurred. Depending on the circumstances, it may promote that the loved one is out of pain.
Reasons for an Open-Casket Funeral
- It allows people to say their goodbyes which promotes healing and coming to terms with the loss.
- Promotes the family and friends to physically touch the deceased such as holding their hand or kissing them.
- The dead are remembered as looking beautiful and peaceful.
An open casket service offers a chance to gain closure by allowing there to be a physical connection. It will enable individuals to speak words of condolence to the individual or have a final goodbye. Visually seeing the body also promotes mourners to face the fact that the person has passed on.
Planning an Open Casket Funeral
- Choose a casket that is within your budget; your funeral facility will have a variety to offer.
- Provide an outfit that is appropriate or fitting for your loved one. Please include undergarments and make sure the clothing is clean.
- Pick out a date and time for the event. The clergy and cemetery need to be all informed to be present for the funeral.
- Are you providing a public viewing before the service? Where do you want to have the event, such as a church or funeral home? In some situations, adding a viewing with the facility can cost you extra.
- Keeping in mind that the body is waiting to be stored, so you want to decide quickly as possible on the date.
Other Considerations to Take into Account
In some cases, a closed casket may be necessary if someone has passed from an illness or an accident, causing a change in how they look. You may not want an open viewing to take place due to feeling uncomfortable around the body. Or the sight of your loved one may be overwhelming to others to witness. In this case, the closed casket may be your better option.
When working with children or adolescents attending, the open casket could be overwhelming for them, so considering this. Using this is as an opportunity can help them understand that death is a normal part of being human.
The experienced professionals at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home know it is never easy planning service at a funeral home in Ferrum, Va. So ensuring you have a caring and supportive team to help you with the small details can make all the difference. We are here to help you make the best choice for you, so give our caring professionals a call today.
