If you’re planning a service for a loved one, you’ll have many decisions to make. These can include choices about the flowers, music, location, and whether to have a secular or religious service. Another significant decision is whether to have an open or closed casket. For many families, an open casket can be a comforting choice. Here are some things that funeral directors , encourage you to keep in mind when making this decision.

An open casket gives you the chance to say goodbye to your loved one. For many, especially if the loss was sudden, there may not have been a final opportunity to do this. Being able to say what you need to say and having a moment to reflect in front of your loved one can be an important step toward coming to terms with their passing. This can also be a meaningful experience for children who need to say goodbye.

Another benefit of an open casket is that it can offer closure. While we may understand that our loved one has passed, sometimes it can feel unreal or difficult to process fully. Seeing them at peace can help the subconscious accept what has happened and bring closure. This is often a vital part of the grieving process, helping everyone begin to heal.

An open casket can also provide comfort. If your loved one went through a long illness or endured significant suffering, those final images can linger in your mind. Seeing your loved one looking peaceful and at rest can replace that image, offering a more comforting memory. Funeral home staff are skilled at helping your loved one look their best, wearing their favorite clothes, and looking at peace.

These are just some of the reasons why an open casket might be the right choice for your loved one. Consider the closure it can provide and the chance it gives everyone to say their final goodbyes. If you’re unsure about how to plan a service with an open casket, you can always reach out to us and one of our funeral directors on staff will help you. We’re here 24 hours a day and  to help guide you through every step of planning, so don’t hesitate to contact us @ 800 618 4642.