Open Casket and Closed Caskets

A comprehensive description of what is open casket and a closed casket along with their respective advantages and reasons will help you at funeral homes Westmont, PA. It will help you decide which option might be best for you or your loved one when the time comes.

Let’s dive in!

1. What Is an Open Casket Funeral?

An open casket funeral is a style of a funeral in which the embalmed and dressed body of a deceased person is put on open display in a casket. Embalming is almost always done before the open casket viewing to allow family and friends to see the body in a safe environment.

Also, the body is fully prepared with hair, makeup, and clothing so that the decedent resembles what they looked while alive.

Benefits of Open Casket

  • Offers a chance for everyone to say their final “goodbye.”
  • Allows friends and family members to kiss the deceased goodbye one last time.
  • Everyone can take comfort in seeing the deceased looking beautiful and at peace.
  • It can bring closure to close kin, knowing that the loved one is in peace.

2. What Is a Closed Casket Funeral?

A closed casket funeral is a type of funeral during which the casket of your loved one remains fully closed throughout the wake, service, and burial – hence the name. With this type of service, you won’t be able to view your loved one’s body at any point during the procession

Benefits of Closed Casket

  • Honoring the deceased’s final wishes – if any.
  • The decedent died a violent death and is not viewable. The family can, however, choose to display a large photo or poster board near the casket for this purpose.
  • Seeing a loved one that is deceased may be traumatic for children
  • Some religions or cultural traditions bar the followers from having an open casket.

3. What to Expect at an Open Casket Service

  1. At an open casket funeral, the body is present to let the guests offer their final respects. If you prefer not to view the open casket, walk past without looking or take a seat without passing by the decedent.
  2. Remember that your emotions may run high after seeing the departed soul. If you don’t want to view it alone, take a friend up to the casket with you.
  3. Avoid embracing the body. However, you can give a gentle kiss on the cheek or touch the hand. Keep in mind though that the body will feel cold and hard to the touch.
  4. If you’re taking your kid with you, let them know in advance about the occasion so they don’t feel uncomfortable. You may also stand further away from the casket.

funeral homes Westmont, PA4. Are open-casket funerals common?

Yes, open-casket funerals are common. Many families choose to have an open casket during a funeral, a wake, a viewing, or a vigil.

5. What religions and traditions have open caskets?

  1. Most Catholic and Protestant religions have the casket open, at least for some portion of the service.
  2. Open caskets are allowed in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Despite this, there are some regulations of custom and aesthetics.
  3. In the Muslim tradition, the deceased is buried without embalming. Therefore, no open casket services are possible.

You can discuss your options at funeral homes Westmont, PA.