Laying out - procedure, rules & costs

A laying out allows a dignified farewell before the burial. Learn everything about the process, types, costs and important rituals. Read it now!

Von Manuel Kaiser
February 26, 2025

The most important things at a glance

  • A laying out makes it possible to say goodbye before the funeral.
  • It helps to cope with grief and honors the deceased.
  • There are open and closed lay-outs.
  • It can take place at home, in the funeral home or in the chapel.
  • The process includes preparation, laying out and farewell.
  • The duration depends on legal requirements and wishes.
  • Costs vary depending on location and additional services.
  • Memovida helps with organization and implementation.

What is a laying out?

A lay out is the opportunity to say goodbye to a deceased relative before the burial takes place. It serves both to cope with grief and to honor the deceased.

Important aspects of laying out:

definition: Presentation of the deceased in an open or closed coffin in a dignified place.

purpose:

  • Give loved ones time to say their goodbyes.
  • Possibility to perform final rituals or personal gestures.
  • Assistance in processing the loss.

shapes:

  • Open lay out — the deceased is visible.
  • Closed laying — the coffin remains closed.

site: At home, in a funeral home or in a cemetery chapel.

Why is laying out important?

The laying out plays a central role in the farewell process and supports grief management in a variety of ways:

  • Saying farewell: It enables family and friends to say their last goodbyes in a dignified setting.
  • Grief processing: Personal eye contact makes it easier to accept and process the loss.
  • Appreciation of life: The laying out honors the life of the deceased in a respectful atmosphere.
  • Preserve memories: Moments of farewell together create space for valuable memories and help alleviate pain.

What types of laying out are there?

The laying out can be carried out in various ways, depending on the wishes of the relatives, religious or cultural traditions, and the circumstances of death. Basically, a distinction is made between two main forms:

Open lay out

  • The deceased is lying in an open coffin so that relatives and friends can see him again.
  • It makes it possible to consciously say goodbye and helps to understand death as a reality.
  • The deceased is often prepared through hygienic and aesthetic measures (e.g. thanatopraxia).

Closed laying

  • The coffin remains closed while the farewell takes place in a dignified setting.
  • This form is often chosen when the deceased has had serious injuries or relatives want to avoid a visual confrontation.

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Where can a laying out take place?

The choice of location for laying out depends on personal, religious and organizational factors. There are basically three main options:

1. Laying out at home — Is that allowed?

  • In Germany, laying out at home is permitted under certain conditions.
  • Relatives can keep the deceased in familiar surroundings for a limited period of time (up to 36 hours, depending on the federal state).
  • This form enables a particularly intimate and personal farewell.
  • Important: Cooling and hygienic measures should be discussed with an undertaker.

2. Lying out in a funeral home

  • Many undertakers, including Memovida, offer specially furnished farewell rooms or funeral parlors.
  • Professional preparation and support provide a dignified setting.
  • Flexible visiting hours and individual design options.

3. Lying out in the cemetery chapel or funeral hall

  • Suitable for larger farewell ceremonies with multiple mourners
  • Often organized in conjunction with the funeral service.
  • Religious rituals can be integrated within this framework.

No matter which location you choose — Memovida will help you create a dignified and individual presentation.

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How does a laying out work?

The process of a lay out can be individually designed, but usually follows a specific sequence. The preparation and implementation are usually carried out by experienced undertakers such as Memovida to ensure a dignified setting.

1. Preparing for the lay out

Care for the deceased:

  • Wash, dress and prepare the deceased.
  • On request, cosmetic and thanatopractic measures for natural presentation.

Choice of coffin:

  • Open or closed laying out.
  • Selection based on personal and religious preferences.

Design of the farewell room:

  • Decorate with candles, flowers and personal memorabilia
  • Provision of seating for relatives.

2. Carrying out the laying

  • The deceased person is laid out in a designated room or at the chosen location.
  • Relatives and friends have the opportunity to say their goodbyes in peace.
  • Religious or personal rituals can be integrated upon request.

3. Length of laying out

  • Depending on legal requirements and individual wishes.
  • Can last from a few hours to several days.

How much does a laying out cost?

The costs of laying out vary depending on the type, location and the additional services required. The following is an overview of the most important cost factors.

1. Basic costs of laying down

  • Lying out in a funeral home or in the funeral home: 100 — 500€
  • Laying out at home: Dependent on transport and hygiene measures
  • Thanatopractic care (e.g. embalming, cosmetics): 150 — 600€

2. Additional costs as required

  • Coffin decoration and flower arrangements: 50 — 300€
  • Use of a special meeting room: 100 — 400€
  • Musical background or religious ceremony: variable

3. Who bears the costs?

  • As a rule, the community of heirs or the person who orders the burial takes over.
  • Perhaps a Funeral provision already cover corresponding costs.

Frequently asked questions about laying out

What happens during a laying out?

The deceased is prepared with dignity for the farewell and laid out at a desired location. Relatives can say their goodbyes in peace, often accompanied by flowers, candles or personal rituals.

How long can a person be laid out?

Depending on legal requirements and hygienic measures, it is possible to lay out for a few hours to several days. Refrigerated laying out extends the duration.

How much does a laying out cost?

The costs vary depending on the location and additional services, but are usually between 100 and 600€. For detailed advice, contact Memovida.

What do you bring to the laying out?

Personal memorabilia, photos, flowers or letters can be brought along and placed on the coffin as a farewell.

Artikel von

Manuel Kaiser Founder & Managing Director

Manuel has worked in the service sector for many years, particularly in the digital sector. With Memovida, he wants to make burials easier and more transparent. His aim: a service that focuses on people and their needs — without complicated processes, but with genuine support in difficult times.

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