Is My Loved One Viewable?

That’s a very important question and one we take seriously. Whether or not a viewing is recommended depends on a few things, including your loved one’s condition, how they were found, medical history and how much time has passed. Our team will do everything possible to prepare them for viewing, but ultimately, it’s also about what you feel emotionally ready to process.

We consider not just how someone looks, but also how the mind interprets what it sees. Even when physical changes are minor, seeing a loved one at rest can be very emotional. If there was trauma, discoloration, swelling or delayed care, we may recommend a modified viewing, a partial view, or suggest items like a veil, shield, or viewing from a distance to soften the experience.

In some cases, we may advise against viewing altogether not because we don’t want to honor your wishes but because we don’t want the final memory to be distressing.

Family Only Viewing

In some situations we may recommend that the viewing be limited to immediate family only due to concerns about your loved one’s condition or the potential for emotional impact on guest. This decision isn’t made lightly. It’s about protecting your loved one’s dignity and helping family create a meaningful and private goodbye.

Expectation Viewing (Unembalmed)

Before we begin any preparation, you may choose to view you loved one in their natural state. This can help set expectations, especially if there has been trauma, medical interventions or visible changes.

It allows you to see their condition before embalming or restorative care, so you can better understand what steps may be needed. The viewing is private, brief and we’ll guide you through what to expect ahead of time.

Family Approval Viewing

This private time allows you to see your loved one first, address concerns and request changes before public viewing. It’s a brief window to reflect on a lifetime of love and expectations.

There are certain circumstances in which the funeral home’s professional responsibility, health standards and ethical obligations will require us to decline public and family only viewings.

In Spite of Everything, They Just Look Different

We understand that even with careful embalming and restoration, your loved one may not look exactly like they did in life. Illness, medication, weight loss, trauma or changes after death can affect the appearance and sometimes there’s only so much that can be done to restore certain features. Our goal is always to create a peaceful, respectful presentation but it’s okay to feel that something looks “off.” We’re here to support you through those feelings and offer options for viewing, remembrance or final touches.

They Were Fine the First Day—What Happened?

It’s not uncommon for families to notice changes in their loved one between the first viewing and the day of the service. The body can continue to change even after embalming, especially if there’s been trauma, illness, fluid retention or temperature shifts. Swelling, darkening or small leaks can develop over time. We check and maintain the body daily but sometimes these changes are part of the natural process. We do everything we can behind the scenes to keep your loved one presentable and comfortable for final goodbyes.

Why Do They Look Different in Person vs. in Photos or Video?

It’s completely normal for someone to look different on camera than they do in person. Lighting, shadows, camera angles and flash can all change how facial features, skin tone and makeup appear. In person, the setting is more controlled and often lit gently to create a peaceful, natural presentation. But cameras, especially phone cameras can make the person look darker, shinier, more angular, or even distorted. If families are taking photos, we recommend avoiding flash and standing at a respectful distance to preserve the intended appearance.

Why Cosmetics May Be Needed

Cosmetics are used to help restore a natural and peaceful appearance. After death, skin color can change due to medication, illness or circulation. Light makeup can even out tones, cover bruising and make the face and hands look more familiar. We aim for a natural look unless the family requests a specific style or heavier application.

Can Cosmetics Be Applied to An Unembalmed Body?

Yes, but the results are limited. Cosmetics may not set well and can smear or absorb unevenly on someone who has not been embalmed. We’ll do our best to enhance appearance but embalming provides more reliable results for lasting and natural presentation.

Why Are They Darker?

After embalming, the skin can darken for a few reasons. It could be from medications, trauma, circulation changes or natural settling of the blood before embalming was started. Sometimes discoloration deepens slightly over time, especially in cooler environments or if there was internal fluid buildup. Lighting can also make the skin look darker than it appeared at the initial viewing. We do our best to use cosmetics to even out tone and create a peaceful appearance but some changes are normal and may not be fully reversible.

Walking In from Sunlight

When entering the chapel or viewing room directly from bright outdoor sunlight, your eyes may need a moment to adjust. The softer, indoor lighting we use can feel dim at first, which can make your loved one look darker or more shadowed than they really are. This is completely normal and usually settles within a minute or two. We recommend taking a moment at the doorway or entry area to let your eyes adjust before stepping closer.

Lighting Differences and Their Impact

Lighting plays a big role in how someone appears during a viewing. Funeral chapels often use soft, warm lighting that helps create a peaceful and natural look. Churches, homes or outdoor locations may have brighter, cooler or uneven lighting, which can sometimes highlight things like discoloration, swelling or makeup. What looked gentle and natural in the prep room or chapel might look different under harsher lights. If needed, we may suggest slight cosmetic adjustments or repositioning to help the appearance remain consistent in different settings.

Viewing From a Distance

There are times when we may recommend that family and friends view their loved one from a few steps back. This may be due to visible swelling, discoloration or other conditions that are best seen from a gentle distance. We still encourage families to be present and say goodbye but this approach helps maintain the most peaceful final memory. We’ll set up the space to make this feel natural and respectful.

No Touching

While it’s natural to want to hold your loved one’s hand or touch their face, in some situations, we may recommend no physical contact. This could be due to delicate restorative work, fragility of the skin, leakage risk or hygiene concerns. In these cases, we gently guide families to observe without touching to protect the dignity and condition of your loved one. We’re happy to offer alternative ways to say goodbye like placing a letter, flower or small item in the casket.

Using a Veil

A veil is a soft, sheer fabric placed gently over the face or body. It’s used when there are visible changes to your loved one’s appearance such as trauma, discoloration or swelling that we want to soften. The veil allows you to still see and be present with them but it helps minimize noticeable details that might be distracting or distressing. This is often chosen when families want a viewing but also want to maintain a peaceful memory.

Using a Shield

A shield is a clear, physical barrier placed over part of the casket usually the face or upper body. It is often used in cases involving more significant trauma, decomposition or infectious concerns. Unlike a veil, a shield provides full visibility while still creating a protective layer that prevents contact or exposure. It may be built into the casket or added during viewing. We only use this when necessary and always with the family’s understanding.

Chapel Services

In the funeral home chapel, we have more control over the environment such as lighting, temperature, layout and access to preparation areas. This setting allows us to manage presentation closely and make quick adjustments if needed. Lighting is typically warm and diffused, which softens features and cosmetics. We can also offer more support options like viewing veils, shields, adjusted distances and seating arrangements for families who need privacy or have specific requests. 

Home Services or Viewings

When a service or viewing is held in the home, conditions are less predictable. Natural light, overhead fixtures and temperature shifts can highlight swelling, discoloration or differences in makeup tone. Space may also limit how close guests can get, which can be helpful or challenging, depending on the situation.

Cultural and Religious Services

Every faith and cultural tradition has unique expectations around death care. We are here to honor those customs while balancing the reality of your loved one’s physical condition. Some families may request ritual washing, dressing in traditional garments or certain positioning of the body.

Viewing Someone Laying Down – Especially Larger Individuals

Seeing someone in a lying-down position is very different from how we usually remember them while standing, sitting or moving. For larger individuals, the change in posture can affect how the face and body look. Features may appear broader or shifted due to gravity and clothing may not fit the same as when upright. These are natural differences and not a reflection of how your loved one was prepared. We’ve done everything possible to ensure a peaceful and dignified appearance from the viewing angle.

Tattoo Color

Tattoo colors may appear different after death, especially if there’s been trauma, swelling or certain medical conditions. Bright or vibrant tattoos can sometimes darken, blur or lose contrast due to changes in the skin’s tone and texture. Embalming may help preserve some of the detail but it’s normal for tattoos to look slightly faded or distorted. If a tattoo is meaningful and needs to be visible during the service, we’ll do our best to display it respectfully and offer guidance on clothing or positioning.

Dangling Jewelry

While jewelry can be a touching tribute, large or dangling pieces may not always be appropriate for viewing. They can shift, fall or draw attention to areas we’re trying to minimize like discoloration, swelling or restorative sites. For viewings, we typically recommend smaller items like studs, pins or simple necklaces. These stay in place more easily and maintain a more natural and dignified appearance.

Large Brim Hats

Large brim hats can be a meaningful part of your loved one’s style, but they can present some challenges during preparation and viewing. Because of the casket pillow and how the head rests when lying down, wide-brimmed hats don’t always fit properly. They may tilt, press forward or cover the face in a way that affects visibility.

In some cases, we may need to remove the hat to close the casket properly. If the hat is important to include, we can place it beside your loved one or display it nearby. We’re happy to work with you to find a respectful solution that honors their memory while ensuring a proper fit and presentation.

Clothing Selection

Clothing not only honors your loved one but it also helps conceal the work we’ve done to prepare them. Tight-fitting, sleeveless, sheer, or low-cut clothing may reveal things like incisions, bruising or embalming repairs. We recommend long sleeves, high necklines and slightly loose-fitting outfits. This helps us maintain your loved one’s privacy and dignity while presenting them naturally.

All-White Clothing

We understand the tradition of dressing a loved one in all white, but we want to make you aware that white clothing can reveal more than darker colors, especially in trauma cases. Stains, discoloration or underlying repairs may show through. We may recommend a lining garment or adjusting the outfit if you still wish to use white. Our goal is to present your loved one as peacefully as possible while respecting cultural or religious wishes.

Do We Cut Clothing?

In some cases, clothing may need to be altered by carefully cutting during the dressing process. This is usually done to preserve your loved one’s dignity and appearance, especially when garments are difficult to maneuver due to stiffness, delicate skin or medical conditions.

Thicker materials like leather, denim or heavily lined jackets can be hard to adjust once your loved one is positioned. Rather than forcing the garment or risking complications, we make gentle alterations that allow clothing to lay properly.

Gloves Worn

We place gloves on your loved one as part of their formal presentation. Sometimes after death, the hands can show natural changes like discoloration or swelling. Gloves help cover those changes and give a more peaceful, dignified appearance.

Hands to The Side

Your loved ones hands were placed at their side which can be more comfortable for certain clothing, medical circumstances or to maintain a natural, relaxed appearance. Every choice we make is with care, comfort and respect.

Glasses or No Glasses

Families often wonder whether their loved one should be viewed with their glasses. If glasses were apart of their daily look, it can be comforting to include them. However, there are a few things to consider. After passing, the shape of the face changes slightly especially around the nose and cheeks. So glasses may not sit the same way. they might rest unevenly.

In some cases, we recommend placing the glasses loosely on the face just for the initial moments of viewing, then removing them. Or we can display the glasses beside your loved one in the casket. We’ll help you decide what looks most natural and respectful.

Do We Bring Shoes?

You’re welcome to bring shoes, especially if it’s part of your loved one traditional or personal style. However, shoes aren’t always necessary. Many families choose not to use them, especially for half-couch caskets where the lower half isn’t visible.

It’s important to know that after passing, tendons and muscles relax into a unique position and sometimes the feet swell or change shape. This can happen naturally or due to conditions like fluid retention, trauma or the use of plastic garments like unionalls. As a result, shoes that fit during life may no longer go on easily or may not fit at all.

Can Boots Be Worn?

Yes, your love one can wear boots but it depends on several factors. Boots often don’t fit properly due to foot swelling, plastic garments or tendon relaxation after death. Even if they fit in life they may not fit now.

Can I Dress My Loved One?

We understand that helping dress your loved one can feel like a final act of love and care. In some cases, this may be possible but there are important health, safety and preservation concerns we want to share so you can make an informed decision.

After death, the body can change in ways that aren’t always visible. There may be edema, especially from IV sites or medical conditions that make dressing more difficult. If the skin is fragile or has skin slip even gentle handling can cause damage. Autopsy and donor cases also present challenges. There may be incisions on the chest, head or back that require sealing, internal padding or plastic garments which need special handling.

Cultural or Religious Washing

We deeply respect the cultural and spiritual importance of washing rituals. For many families preparing the body through traditional washing or purification is a sacred act of love and faith. We want to support those customs as much as we can.

In many cases we can accommodate or assist with ritual washing. However, there are some circumstances where full washing by family or religious groups may not be recommended.

Dressing an Unembalmed Loved One

We understand the desire for your loved one to be dressed when embalming is not being performed due to cultural, religious or personal preferences. However, it’s important to know that when a body is not embalmed, it begins to change quickly both in appearance and condition.

If a family insists on dressing an unembalmed body, we strongly recommend doing so with the help of our staff. We will guide the process and make sure your loved one is treated with care.

In some cases, it may be safer or more respectful for our team to handle the full dressing. Dressing may not be possible or advisable under certain circumstances.

Unionall and Other Plastics

We sometimes place a plastic garment under the clothing called a unionall or use plastic pants, sleeves or chest coverings. These help manage fluids and protect the body and casket, especially in cases involving trauma, decomposition or long holds. It’s very important to select proper clothing in these cases. If the outfit is too tight, the plastic underneath may be visible. Looser, non-sheer fabrics help us maintain your loved one’s privacy and appearance.

Impact of Rigor Mortis

Rigor mortis is the natural stiffening of the body that happens after death. It can affect the ability to move or pose the body normally. This stiffness usually goes away after some time but it can delay embalming or affect how the body is dressed and positioned. Our team works gently to ease this condition, but it’s helpful to begin preparation as soon as possible after passing.

Fused Joints (Fingers, Elbows, Knees, Neck, etc.)

Sometimes, joints become locked or fused due to medical conditions or natural stiffness after death. This can make it hard to adjust the position of arms, legs, fingers or the neck. We’ll work carefully to reposition as much as the body allows but in some cases, we may need to adapt the clothing or the way your loved one is placed in the casket.

Fetal Position

When someone passes away in a curled or fetal position, it can be difficult to reposition them completely. We do our best to gently relax the limbs but if movement is restricted, we’ll adjust clothing and positioning to maintain dignity.

Medication Impact

Certain medications taken before death like chemotherapy or blood thinners can affect the embalming process. They might cause faster breakdown or make preservation more difficult. We adjust our approach based on the medical history available to provide the best results possible.

Life-Saving Interventions in Hospital

Things like chest compressions, IV’s and ventilators may leave marks or bruises on the body. These are common and usually manageable. We’ll explain if any areas need to be covered or treated differently.

No Teeth or Dentures

If someone no longer had teeth, or dentures were removed before passing, it can change the appearance of the face especially the lower jaw. We often ask families to bring dentures in early, but in some cases, using them isn’t appropriate. If the gums are eroded or too fragile, placing dentures could cause more damage or discomfort in appearance. If that’s the case, we’ll gently shape the mouth for a natural look using internal support methods.

Skin Slip

Skin slip happens when the outer layers of skin start to separate due to a delay between death and care or other conditions. It can look like peeling or blistered skin. We treat this area carefully and may need to cover or rebuild it to allow for viewing. This condition can be distressing, but it’s not uncommon and can often be improved with care.

Senile Ecchymosis

Older individuals sometimes bruise easily, even from light contact. These bruises may be dark and show on the hands, arms or face. We use cosmetics to gently reduce the appearance but some marks may still show slightly.

Abrasions

Scrapes or rough patches on the skin are called abrasions. They may have happened before passing or during transport. We treat these areas gently and use cosmetics or cover techniques to restore a peaceful look.

Lacerations

These are deep cuts or tears in the skin. They may be from injuries, surgeries or accidents. Our embalmer will carefully close and conceal them often using restorative art techniques to allow for viewing.

Gunshot Wound

In cases involving a gunshot, the embalmer must handle significant trauma. Depending on the location and extent, viewing may still be possible. We’ll walk you through the condition and what can realistically be done to prepare your loved one.

Discolored Nail Beds

Discoloration in the fingers or nails is common and may look dark or purplish. While embalming helps, it doesn’t always fully clear the color. In some cases, we recommend using gloves, laying the hands at the sides instead of over the abdomen or applying dark nail polish to help reduce attention to the area. We’ll guide you based on what looks best for your loved one.

Bruising (Including After Embalming)

Bruising can happen before or even after embalming, depending on the case. Sometimes the process draws discoloration to the surface. We’ll use cosmetics and positioning to reduce visibility but we’ll also let you know if anything might still be noticeable.

Discoloration

Changes in skin tone such as purplish or greenish areas are common after death. These may be caused by circulation changes or early decomposition. Embalming and cosmetics help a great deal but some color differences may remain, especially with delays.

Jaundice

Jaundice is when the skin appears yellow due to liver issues. This can react with embalming chemicals in unpredictable ways and sometimes turning the skin green. We use special fluids and techniques to manage this and improve appearance. Cosmetics are usually required.

Edema

Edema means there is extra fluid in the body’s tissues. This often happens when someone was very sick or had certain medical conditions before passing. It can cause swelling, especially in the hands, feet and face. Embalmers use special techniques and chemicals to try and reduce this swelling.

Even after embalming, some of that fluid may still come out through the skin or pores. A process we sometimes refer to as “sweating out.” This isn’t sweat like in living people but rather the release of excess moisture. It may require absorbent materials, plastic coverings or clothing adjustments to keep everything clean and presentable. We do our best to manage it discreetly and will guide you on any clothing recommendations if needed.

Emaciation

When someone loses a lot of weight before passing like from illness it can cause the body to appear very thin or sunken. This is called emaciation. Our team can use gentle techniques to restore some fullness to the face and hands, so your loved one looks more like they did in life. We may also suggest clothing and positioning to help with the overall appearance.

Delayed Embalming

If embalming doesn’t happen right away whether due to legal reasons, transport, or family decisions it can affect how well we can preserve and prepare the body. In some cases, the embalming may not be as effective and viewing may be limited or modified. We’ll always let you know your options based on the condition of your loved one.

Autopsy Embalming – Thoracic (Chest Area)

When someone has had a chest autopsy, the embalming process becomes more complex. The embalmer needs to treat the internal organs and chest cavity directly. This takes more time, and there may be some differences in how the chest looks. We take every precaution to ensure a dignified appearance.

Autopsy Embalming – Cranial (Brain Removal)

When someone has had a cranial autopsy, it means their brain was removed for examination. The embalmer must treat and restore this area carefully, especially the head and scalp. Often, families won’t notice any difference after restoration. However, in some cases, we may recommend placing a wig, headscarf, hat or other covering to ensure your loved one’s appearance remains natural and dignified.

Autopsy Embalming – Spinal

In rare cases, the spine is examined during autopsy. This type of embalming is even more specialized and time-consuming. It may affect how the body can be positioned or viewed but our team is trained to manage this and still present your loved one respectfully.

Other Methods Used for Autopsy Embalming

Sometimes, a combination of embalming techniques is used when there’s an autopsy. We might need to use internal packs, cavity treatment or special adhesives. These methods are all designed to help restore the body as naturally as possible.

Organ Donation

If your loved one was an organ donor, it means they gave the gift of life to others by donating major organs like the heart, lungs or kidneys. While this is incredibly meaningful, it also means the embalmer must work differently, sometimes using internal preservation techniques and additional time. Depending on the donation and timing, it may affect how the body can be viewed but we’ll let you know your options.

Tissue Donation

Tissue donation involves recovering things like skin, tendons, or heart valves. It may not be visible externally, but it can affect how the embalmer treats the body. The embalmer may need to use plastic garments or extra preservation methods to restore the appearance. Clothing and positioning may be adjusted to maintain a natural presentation.

Cornea Donation

When someone donates their corneas, the clear part of the eyes, it can leave a slight change in the eye’s appearance. Embalmers usually place caps or support under the eyelids to restore a normal look. In most cases, this is not noticeable during viewing. However, there is a possibility for leaking.

Long Bone Donation

Long bone donation involves removing bones like the femur (thigh) or humerus (upper arm). This can change the shape of the limbs and make embalming more difficult. The embalmer often uses internal fillers, padding and plastics to rebuild the structure. We may recommend special clothing or limited viewing to help present your loved one in the most natural way possible.

Long-Term Hold

If the body needs to be held for a longer period due to family travel or legal processes, we use preservation techniques to maintain appearance. Over time, some changes may still occur but we’ll be honest with you about what to expect and prepare accordingly.

Odor

In some cases, especially with delays or certain conditions, the body may have an odor. Embalming helps with this significantly but if needed, we may use sealing products or adjust the type of service to maintain comfort for guests.

Restorative Art

This is the work embalmers do to rebuild or enhance the appearance of someone who experienced trauma or disfigurement. It includes things like wax reconstruction, skin tinting or facial rebuilding. It’s used to help families have a comforting final memory.

Tissue Gas

Tissue gas is a condition that can happen after death, especially if there’s been trauma or an infection. It causes the body to swell rapidly and may produce a strong odor. The gas moves quickly through the tissues and can be very difficult to stop once it starts. Special embalming chemicals are used in these cases and the process takes longer and may not always fully reverse the effects. If viewing is still possible, we’ll let you know what to expect.

Open Fracture

An open fracture means the bone has come through the skin. This can create damage to the skin and the circulatory system, which may affect embalming. The embalmer must work carefully to restore this area. Extra care may be needed to rebuild tissue, control swelling, and ensure the body looks presentable. We may recommend covering part of the body or modifying how the hands and arms are positioned during viewing.

Closed Fracture

A closed fracture is a break where the bone stays under the skin. It may not be visible, but it can affect the way blood moves through the area, which can interfere with embalming. Swelling or a change in shape might occur, especially in the limbs. Our team takes steps to improve the appearance, but depending on the location, some irregularities might still be present.

Maggots

If the body wasn’t discovered right away or was in a certain environment, maggots may be present. While we handle these cases with care and professionalism, it can sometimes affect whether viewing is possible. In some cases, we may recommend a modified viewing with limited exposure, closed casket or using photos and memory tables instead of traditional viewing.

Other Infestation

Sometimes other insects like ants or flies can affect the body if it was in a warm or unattended environment. We clean and disinfect thoroughly but depending on how much damage occurred, full viewing might not be recommended. We may offer an alternative form of remembrance, such as a partial viewing, private identification or no viewing at all if necessary.

Leaking

Sometimes, despite embalming and preparation, a body may leak small amounts of fluid. This can happen for several reasons like if there was recent surgery, trauma, decomposition or if the body was held for a longer time. Leaking is managed using internal sealing compounds, plastic garments like unionalls and absorbent materials. In some cases, clothing or positioning may need to be adjusted. We take every step possible to keep your loved one presentable and protect the casket but we’ll always let you know if any special precautions are needed.

Swelling

Swelling can happen before or after embalming and is often related to medical conditions, medication, trauma or fluid buildup in the body. Even with good embalming, the body can continue to swell due to internal pressure, trapped gases or residual fluid in the tissues. We use specialized techniques to reduce and manage swelling but in some cases, it can’t be fully eliminated. Clothing and positioning choices may help improve the presentation if needed.

IV Leaks

IV’s and other hospital lines can sometimes cause fluid buildup under the skin, especially in the arms or hands. This may cause dark marks, puffiness or small leaks during or after embalming. The embalmer will treat these sites and may use special sealing compounds but in some cases, discoloration or fluid movement can still occur. We might recommend adjusting hand placement, using gloves or selecting clothing that helps minimize attention to those areas.

Other Considerations

We know every case is different. We’ll always communicate with you if we notice anything that may affect how your loved one is viewed like surgical incisions, stitches, dental issues or hair loss. Our goal is to be transparent, gentle and supportive throughout the process. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.