The quality of embalming

The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) offers training and certification for members to maintain an identified standard of embalming. Their members may be self-employed and provide a service to funeral directors, or are funeral directors or their staff. It takes a minimum one-hour to correctly embalm a body and the charge for this is £20 to £25 (1996) which includes the cost of chemicals etc.

Some comments by the bereaved suggest that, following embalming, the facial features of the body have been altered. Also, that the “drawn” appearance of the person prior to death has been reversed by the unnatural filling out effect of the embalming fluid. If this occurs, you may wish to check with your funeral director whether the embalmer is qualified.