Expert: Kellie Gillespie - 2/27/2009

Question
after somebody dies.how long does the family have before the body cant have a open casket wake?

Answer
Hello -

This is a unique question.   There are many variables that affect the amount of time when a body is no longer viewable.  It depends if there was embalming performed, if the body was maintained in a cool environment, and certain conditions of the body before death.  If the body was not embalmed or kept cool, decomposition occurs immediately in the stomach and gives off an odor.  The body can be viewed perhaps up to a few days.
If the body was well embalmed and kept cool, not frozen, it could be 1 month up to a year or so.  This is based on my experience, not scientific research.  
 If there are concerns about family that will arrive from overseas, it could be months before a service is held.  Prior to viewing, I make every effort to explain to the family members what to expect.  The body will show signs of decomposition, embalming will not preserve forever.  There may be discoloration and odor issues but the body may still be viewable.  Every body is different.