Behind the Scenes at a Funeral Home: What Really Happens

Planning a funeral often happens during a time of deep grief and stress. While funeral homes offer support and structure, many people don’t know what actually goes on behind the scenes. 

This guide pulls back the curtain and answers common questions about funeral home operations — from embalming to body release procedures — with an emphasis on what families really need to know when planning a final goodbye.

What’s the Difference Between a Mortuary and a Funeral Home?

Although mortuaries and funeral homes are often used interchangeably in conversation, they serve slightly different purposes.

Mortuary Services

A mortuary primarily focuses on the technical and medical aspects of preparing a body for final disposition, typically burial or cremation. These facilities may be attached to hospitals or operate as standalone locations that specialize in services such as embalming, refrigeration, and cremation. Mortuaries are typically more clinical and don’t always offer spaces for memorial services or visitations.

Funeral Home Services

A funeral home is a full-service facility that supports families through every stage of the funeral planning process. These services often include:

• Transporting and preparing the body
• Coordinating the funeral or memorial service
• Providing grief support
• Handling paperwork, such as death certificates and permits

Funeral homes often include viewing rooms, chapels, and reception areas where families can gather and pay their respects to their loved ones.

Embalming 101: What You Should Know

Embalming is a process designed to preserve a body for a short period. It is often used for public viewings or if there will be a significant delay before the funeral.

Do You Have to Be Embalmed?

In most cases, embalming is not a legal requirement. Whether it’s needed depends on several factors:

• If there will be a public or open-casket service
• If the body is to be transported across state lines
• If there is a lengthy delay until the funeral 

Some specific situations may require embalming, but in general, families have the right to decline it. Alternatives, such as refrigeration or immediate cremation, are also available.

Embalming Before Cremation

You do not need to embalm a body before cremation unless you are planning a viewing. If the family prefers to say goodbye in person before cremation, embalming may be suggested for presentation purposes. However, if there is no viewing, cremation can often proceed without this step, saving time and money.

How Funeral Homes Prepare and Dress the Body for Viewing

Funeral homes typically dress the deceased in clothing chosen by the family, often a favorite outfit or something appropriate for a viewing or religious tradition. After the body is washed and embalmed (if chosen), staff carefully style the hair, apply makeup, and place the body in the outfit, often cutting garments in the back for easier dressing. The goal is to present the person in a way that feels natural and comforting to loved ones.

What Happens When Someone Dies Unexpectedly?

When a person dies suddenly, such as in an accident, the process of handling their remains can differ from a typical expected death.

If a Car Crash Is Involved

In the case of a fatal car accident, law enforcement and emergency medical services secure the scene. The coroner or medical examiner may transport the body to a morgue for autopsy or further examination, especially if the cause of death must be confirmed.

After the necessary investigation is complete, the body is released to the next of kin or designated funeral provider. This process can take anywhere from hours to days, depending on the circumstances and local laws.

Claiming a Body from the Morgue

If a loved one’s body is held at a morgue, the family or their chosen funeral home must take specific steps to claim it. These usually include:

• Providing proof of identity and relationship to the deceased
• Completing required documentation, such as a body release form
• Coordinating the transportation of the victim to a funeral home or final destination

Funeral directors are well-versed in this process and often handle the logistics on behalf of the family, making the transition as smooth as possible. 

Helping Families Feel Better Supported

While funeral homes are often seen as somber and mysterious places, they serve a vital role in helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult moments. Understanding what goes on behind the scenes — from preparing the body to handling paperwork and planning services — can help families feel more in control and better supported.

Whether you’re preplanning your own arrangements or dealing with a sudden loss, knowing the basics about embalming, funeral home roles, and post-death procedures gives you the tools to make informed, compassionate decisions during a difficult time.

Learn more in our complete guide to funerals, discover how to settle a loved ones accounts, and find memorial and sympathy gifts that offer compassion and spark memories.

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