Open or closed casket: Which option is right for you?

Whether you’re planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one, the choice between an open or closed casket is a deeply personal and often emotional decision that can influence how loved ones get to say their final goodbyes. The choice is often intertwined with many personal, religious and cultural values that must all be considered when deciding what option to choose.

A closed or open casket can determine the whole tone of the service and can play a large part in the memories that remain for mourners when saying their final goodbyes. Whether you’re considering religious beliefs, emotional impact or simply what feels right, we’re here to help you navigate this sensitive decision with care. If you’re looking for further insight into which option may be best for you, keep reading as we explore the many factors that can influence your decision.

What is an open-casket funeral?

An open-casket funeral allows mourners to see the deceased’s body during the funeral service in an open coffin. The deceased will be embalmed and dressed in an outfit that best reflects them and offers friends and family a nice last image of their loved one. This open casket will typically be placed at the front of the church or funeral home and allows for family and loved ones to pay their final respects.

While open-casket funerals can be emotionally challenging for some due to the shock of seeing a loved one after their passing, they can also be a nice chance to say a final goodbye and may provide comfort for some mourners.

What are the benefits of an open-casket funeral?

If you’re considering an open-casket funeral, there are many benefits this type of service can have in providing comfort to grieving family and friends – a few of which we have outlined below.

Gives families a chance to say goodbye

An open casket allows family and friends to say their final goodbyes to a loved one face-to-face, which can hold a lot of emotional significance. This can be comforting for those who weren’t able to be present when the person passed away as it allows for an opportunity to have one final personal connection with their loved one before they go. 

Offers a sense of closure

For some, seeing their loved one for the last time can provide solace and can help begin the healing process. This can be an opportunity for family and friends to seek out a sense of closure and come to terms with the reality of the loss.

Creates a more personal connection

In some instances, an open casket can allow for family and friends to create a more intimate and personal connection with the deceased, giving them a more tangible farewell. It can also help those grieving find comfort throughout the service having the deceased visibly present while allowing the opportunity for mourners to add personal mementos or flowers into the casket for a symbolic farewell.

A chance to create a lasting memory

An open casket can also provide a chance for those mourning to create a lasting memory of their loved ones. The tangible presence of the departed can be comforting to some people and for those who maybe had some traumatic memories of seeing the departed suffering before they passed, this can be a nice way to reframe their last memories, seeing them resting in peace.

It’s important to note that if you are choosing to have an open-casket service, consider the emotional readiness of family and close friends to see their loved one in this way, ensuring that this choice will bring comfort rather than any additional distress.

What is a closed-casket funeral?

A closed-casket funeral is one in which the body of the deceased remains concealed in the coffin throughout the funeral service. Mourners do not get the option to view the body and the focus is instead turned to honouring the lasting memory of the deceased through eulogies and reflections. The choice for a closed casket may be down to religious or personal choices, therefore it is important to respect the family’s wishes to not have the deceased on display during the service and kindly pay your respects.

Is a closed casket better?

There is no straightforward answer for whether an open or closed casket is better as there are many factors that can go into making this highly personal decision – a few of which we have outlined below.

Cultural or religious significance

In some cultures and particular religions such as Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism, open caskets are to be expected, with viewing the body being an essential part of the funeral service. However, in some other religions, such as those who practise the Islamic faith, they do not believe in viewing the body and instead opt for a closed casket and aim to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death.

Honouring the wishes of the deceased

If the deceased had expressed a desire for an open-casket service prior to passing, either verbally or in a funeral plan, then it will be necessary to fulfil this wish. Similarly, if the deceased had asked specifically for the casket to be closed, as a final act of respect these wishes should be adhered to. Honouring the deceased’s preferences can bring family members comfort and peace of mind that they are respecting their loved one’s final requests.

Death circumstances

In some instances, a closed casket may be the best option if the cause of death was traumatic in some way or the cause of death may have resulted in severe physical injuries. Some morticians may be able to use their skills to present the deceased in a more appropriate way following a traumatic death, however, this in itself may cause distress to friends and family as they will be viewing a different version of the loved one they knew. Therefore, a closed casket in these instances would be the more compassionate choice.

Impact on younger children

Another important consideration on whether a closed casket may be the better option is to think about the impact it may have on younger children. Adults are able to come to terms with the reality of death and can prepare themselves for how seeing the deceased may make them feel, however, children can struggle with the concept of death. Therefore, younger children may find the sight of their deceased loved one to be unsettling and confusing when trying to understand the reality of the situation and what this means.

If you wish for your child to witness an open-casket funeral, it is essential that you have the appropriate conversations with them prior to the funeral and afterwards, to ensure they are prepared for what they will see. Although this can be an emotionally difficult time for the whole family, always make sure to provide children with a supportive environment in which they feel comfortable expressing their emotions and feel safe enough to ask potentially difficult questions surrounding death. For more support and advice on how to help children through this difficult time, head on over to our blog on how to help children deal with grief and loss.

Discuss your funeral options with Heart of England

If you’re looking for further information and support in making the right funeral choices for you, get in touch with our team of friendly funeral directors today to discuss which funeral options are available to you.