Ask a mortician

@ninerbuff We have lifts
@Jelaan is right. Embalming is not a requirement. Most people think embalming is required by law, but its something the old funeral directors would tell people so they could make more money.

@odusgolp In the old days when embalming took place in the home, the blood was drained into large jugs, but over the years when embalming moved to the funeral home it is more convenient for the blood to go down the drain as we are washing the body and massaging the muscles to help fluid distribution.There are several factors about post mortem blood donations make them less than ideal. It would require additional consent from the family and their medical history is unknown. It would be very expensive to test each donation for HIV/AIDS and most people who are in the process of dying are usually on large amounts of medication. Blood begins to coagulate shortly after death. It isn't worth the hassle.

We use needle injectors to help close the mouth. The "needles" which looks nothing like a needle is injected into the gums and embedded into teeth. Then we twist the wires and whoop there it is. Snip the left over wire and your good to go.

Not everyone has to have it wired shut, many times individuals die with their mouths closed and rigor sets in and we don't have to do anything. If the lips part a little bit we can super them together if they try to rebel. Before needle injectors they did sew the mouth shut, but not in the way you think. A string would be run through the top and bottom frenulum's and tied together. Stubborn eyes can be closed by draping a wet paper towel over the eyes while embalming. The weight will hold the lid down while the formaldehyde stiffens the tissues.

You know that saying "Seeing is believing"? Many people believe seeing the deceased helps with the five stages of grief ( denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). In my opinion, it does help the family realize that they are truly gone. I had a friend that died a few years ago and I didn't get to go to his service. Not long ago, I ran into his mom and I almost asked her how he was doing. It doesn't feel like he is gone, it feels more like he is traveling across the world. I know that might sound odd, but it is hard to explain. If you don't want your family to view you, let them know what your wishes are. Its very common to have a close casket service or to do a cremation with no viewing. If someone has jewelry on, we ask the family if they would like to have it or for it to stay on. Big Mac and fries are permitted in the crematory as long as you bring me one too

@Tweaking_Time The retort runs between 1600-1800 degrees. When the first body goes in there may be a little smoke,but after that there isn't any smoke. The EPA frowns on smoke from crematories.