Embalming

Embalming is not required by law except under certain circumstances. Laws and regulations concerning embalming vary from state to state. In Connecticut, embalming is only required by state law when death occurs from certain communicable diseases. Also, when shipment of a body for out of state disposition is to occur by common carrier (bus, train, plane) the body must be embalmed.

When death occurs in Connecticut, the state requires that forty-eight hours lapse before cremation may occur. In addition there are times when several additional days may pass, (weekends and, or, holidays), extending the holding period. Generally hospitals are the only facilities with a refrigeration room. Arrangements can be made with that facility to use their refrigeration until cremation. However, if death occurs in a private residence or nursing home and the body is brought to our facility for holding, embalming may be required.

The cost of embalming a body is actually only a very small item on the overall funeral bill. As a rule, locally for instance, it would cost more to dig the grave at the cemetery than embalm the body, and with the benefits of having the body embalmed it is a wise investment in the funeral process.