What You Need to Know About Embalming?

Many people still choose embalming for their loved ones. Funeral directors may have the facilities to carry out embalming themselves, or can arrange for an embalmer to care for your loved one.

In Australia, embalming is usually not a legal requirement unless the person who has died is to be transported. Your funeral director will be able to advise you of any regulations.

Embalming is the process used to preserve a deceased body and to delay decomposition. This is typically done for funerals, particularly if there is going to be a viewing of the body or if there is a gap between death and burial or cremation.

The Embalming Process

There are two main types of embalming: arterial and cavity. The arterial process works by replacing blood with embalming fluids, whereas cavity involves draining and filling the abdomen and chest.

Before embalming begins, the person who has died is washed with a disinfectant solution and the body is massaged to relieve any rigor mortis, when muscles and joints can become stiff after death. The eyes and mouth are closed.

In the case of arterial embalming, the blood is removed via the veins and replaced with embalming fluids via the arteries. Embalming solutions are commonly a mixture of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, phenol, and water.

In the case of cavity embalming, the natural fluids inside the chest and abdomen are drained removed via a small incision. These fluids are then replaced by embalming solution and the small incision is closed.

After the embalming process is complete, the body is often cosmetically prepared for viewing. This involves once again washing the person who has died, dressing them, grooming their hair and applying make-up.

Why Choose Embalming?

Embalming delays natural decay, making it possible to view your loved one for a longer period after their death. Therefore, you may choose embalming if it will be several weeks before the burial and you intend to view your loved one, or allow other mourners to view them. Some people choose embalming because it is a cultural tradition, or simply because their loved one expressed a wish to be embalmed.

If your loved one is to be repatriated from Australia to another country, or vice versa, it is a legal requirement that they be embalmed before transportation. The only alternative is to have them cremated and then repatriate the ashes.

There are some cases when embalming may not be necessary or permitted. This includes:

• When the person who has died followed a religion which prohibits embalming; for example, some forms of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
• When the person is to be buried in a natural burial ground. Many green burial grounds do not allow embalming at all, but regulations can vary.
• If neither you nor any other mourners intend to view your loved one before the funeral.

If you are unsure whether or not you want your loved one to be embalmed, your funeral director will be able to advise you further.

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Peter Erceg

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.