Why choose to have an open vs. a closed casket?
Visitation helps bring about closure and serves as an important part of the healing process. There are several reasons why the custom of visitation is so important. Viewing the body of the deceased makes those who survive more aware of the reality of death. That is often the reason why so much time and money is spent on the recovery of a missing body. Seeing is believing and it often marks the beginning of the grieving process. Proper preparation and restoration will often remove the marked effects of a long illness or a sudden violent death, allowing family and friends to recall an acceptable image of the deceased. Viewing the deceased is especially helpful to children who have never experienced the death of a loved one. The funeral director will arrange for specific visitation hours or they can be made by appointment.
