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If you know anything about embalming, it’s probably that it is commonly associated with funerals. But there are certain cases when funeral homes in Cherry Hill, NJ, may recommend embalming, even if it is a cremation.
We talk about those situations below.
1. You are Having a Traditional Cremation
In traditional cremation, the only difference is the final disposition. From viewings to funeral services, every aspect of a traditional funeral is observed.
Embalming is necessary if it is a public viewing, and the body won’t be cremated 48 hours after death. Not just as a cosmetic exercise, but according to New Jersey law. It requires that the body be embalmed, cremated, or buried within this period.
Hence, if the public will be coming into the funeral home for an open viewing two days after death, the funeral home would require embalming of the body.
However, if you manage to have a public viewing within the first 24 hours, then legally speaking, embalming is not necessary. In this case, simple refrigeration of the body would suffice.
This would require putting everything together quickly, which is more likely when you preplan the funeral or cremation.
Alternatively, you could have a private viewing shortly after death before the funeral rites and cremation. It would involve fewer people, usually family members, and close friends.
2. The Body Needs Transportation
In a less complicated scenario, embalming may be necessary even for cremation if you’re transporting the body across state lines.
Alongside California, Kansas, Minnesota, and Idaho, New Jersey requires embalming if a dead body is transported from their state by common carrier, i.e., an airplane or train.
Immigrants who wish to be buried in their birth country may also have to embalm to ship the body into the country. We recommend checking your home country’s embalming laws for dead foreign bodies if this applies to you.
Unfortunately, the only way around this is to cremate the body and ship the remains home to the family.
3. To Create a Better Final Memory
The circumstances that lead to death are different for each individual. Suppose an individual suffered from sickness or trauma before their death. In that case, family members may want to create a more flattering look of their body for a revitalized final image of the deceased.
With embalming, families can close signs of trauma like scrapes, bruises, wounds, and cuts. The special wax and mortuary makeup used in the dressing process can also improve symptoms like sunken eyes and hollow cheeks.
It could allow family members to share a final embrace or caress the cheek of the deceased. In short, it can help loved ones find closure before the body heads off to the crematorium.
It is important to stress that this is a personal decision, and the law does not mandate it.
In summary, embalming is not necessary for cremation. Still, funeral homes in Cherry Hill, NJ, may recommend one in these instances. If you are considering one, we offer embalming alongside cremation services. Contact us to set up a full-service arrangement or ask our director about any other questions you may have include planning ahead.