Should a Body Be Embalmed?

Most states don't require embalming unless a body hasn't been buried more than 10 days after death (which, if you're pre-planning your funeral, would not be the case for you). ... When a person dies of natural causes, the only reason to embalm their body is to cosmetically improve the appearance of the corpse.

What happens if a body is not embalmed?

A body that has not been embalmed will begin to undergo the natural processes that happen after death, sooner. ... In circumstances where a person has not been embalmed and is brought home for an open or closed coffin wake, the funeral is generally held within a few days of the death and the room is kept very cool.

How long will a body last without embalming?

A body presents little threat to public health in the first day following the death. However, after 24 hours the body will need some level of embalming. A mortuary will be able to preserve the body for approximately a week. Regardless of the embalming, decomposition will begin after one week.