As you get ready to decide on the kind of services that you want to offer a loved one who has died, one of the things that you want to consider is embalming services. Embalming services can offer a wide variety of benefits and they can be perfect for many families. If that is something we were considering but you're not sure what to expect or what the services are like, it can be a good idea to know a few things. Here are the things that directors of funeral homes in Riverside, IL want you to remember.

You want to understand what embalming is before making a decision. Embalming is an option that is done to preserve the body in a temporary manner. It is done by removing fluids from the organs, tissues, and veins and injecting chemicals like formaldehyde. The person who does the embalming will also do cosmetic and hairdressing services for the person who died. 

Another thing that you want to remember is that there are many reasons why someone may choose embalming services. If you think there will be delays in laying your loved one to rest, this can help. If you want to give your loved one a viewing or a service with an open casket, this is necessary, as well. Having the person embalmed can ensure that people get to see them looking peaceful. This offers comfort to many people who are struggling with loss, so do keep that in mind. 

You also want to know about what embalming services work. The process starts with the embalmer washing the body. They will put the body’s features in place using photos that the family provides. If they need to reconstruct features, they will do so using wax. Most of the time, the eyes and lips are glued shut. The process of removing the blood begins, with the embalmer using a vein to drain the blood while at the same time using chemicals to inject chemicals. After that, they have to drain the organs. They insert a metal tube and start the draining process while also filling in the cavities with more chemicals. Once that is done, they will wash the body again and dress it in the clothes the family provided. They will then provide hairdressing and cosmetic services. 



Choosing to have a loved one embalmed is an option that works for a lot of families. It can make it easier for you to get closure after a death because you get to see the person at rest. It can also allow you to have an open casket and a viewing, which is helpful for lots of people. If you are not sure about what to expect or if you have questions about embalming, it is a good idea to reach out to a Riverside, IL funeral home like us. We are here to answer all of the questions you have about this and more. Call us today or visit us right now to learn more about what we can offer.