Why is an open casket funeral more expensive than a closed casket?

Question

My dad died last week after a long illness. When we made the arrangements my mom wanted an opened casket in spite of my brothers and I objecting to it (its just gross). My mom insisted and said she was willing to pay the extra to have the casket open. I really don't want to see my dad's dead body but my question is why would having an open casket cost more? Seems dumb to me

SaoirseS · Accepted Answer

The cost of embalming is likely what she's talking about, which usually runs between $800-1200, plus the cosmetology and other preparation of remains. Embalming takes time, and chemicals are not cheap. Neither are mortuary cosmetics. Plus the time it takes to fix hair and nails for public display. Embalming is not required by law (except in certain cases), but it is more often than not funeral home policy for public viewings (and trust me - it's a good policy). The added cost is one of the reasons why open casket funerals are becoming much less common. @Mark000h is on the right track. The disagreement over open or closed casket among family members is pretty common and easily resolved, usually by having an open casket in a parlor or visitation room the day before or a few hours prior to the service, so that those who wish to sign the register and pay their respects without seeing the remains don't have to enter the room or even walk by the door. The casket is then closed for the service.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I would expect that a closed casket, they don't do all the makeup of the body and dressing it up for presentation. So the cost is likely for clothing and the cosmetologist? to spend hours making the body look presentable etc.

Sorry for your loss.

mark000h · Accepted Answer

I'm really sorry about your father. May he rest in peace. I don't really know about why it's more expensive, but I agree with you that I wouldn't want it open either. Some people say, however, that seeing the deceased helps with accepting the death as real. Still, I think they can do open for some people at viewing, but closed for the service so that you don't actually have to see him like that. It would really bother me to have that be the last image I see of my loved one.

CaptainSmartass · Accepted Answer

Because its a nice little earner for them. They can make money from people at their most vulnerable. It almost makes me seem moral and ethical... Simples...

abc3643 · Answer

An open casket funeral requires embalming which a closed casket funeral does not.

In_Trance · Answer

Because they have to do more work on the body to make it look natural

Anonymous · Answer

Probably the expense of getting the body prepared for viewing (make-up etc?

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe the one that has the open casket has hinges on it, and the close casket doesn’t have any

LiamJHayden · Answer

Embalming and makeup.

Guardian45 · Answer

Cuz the the body has to be painted & prepared.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Probably the embalming expense.

Why is an open casket funeral more expensive than a closed casket?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Which is more acceptable & respectful, to be buried or to be cremated?

Why is an open casket funeral more expensive than a closed casket?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Which is more acceptable & respectful, to be buried or to be cremated?

We're glad to see you liked this post.