Choosing a Casket: Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re facing the task of planning a loved one’s funeral or preplanning for your own, you know the wide variety of casket options available to you. The selection of styles, materials used and price points to choose between are enough to make a person’s head spin. How do you decide which funeral casket is the right one for your ceremony?

If you’re overwhelmed and struggling to find something that fits your vision, we’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about funeral caskets and the details that may make one more desirable than another in your evaluation process.

Casket or coffin?

You’ve probably heard these terms used synonymously, but there are actually some differences between them. While both are boxes intended to hold, transport and bury a body, they differ in style and popularity. While caskets are rectangular, coffins have a distinct, six-sided perimeter that is meant to mirror the dimensions of a human body—it’s broader at the top to accommodate the shoulders and more narrow at the feet.

While the coffin has a more elaborate design, the shape is actually intended to cut material costs, meaning this option is generally less expensive. In general, the casket is still the more popular design.

Types of funeral caskets

There are caskets made to suit any style and budget—you just have to know what you’re looking for. Here are some popular options currently on the market:

• Wood caskets: The classic wooden casket is usually made from hardwoods like oak, maple, mahogany, pine or furniture-grade wood veneer. These come in many stains and finishes and are a simple and timeless choice.
• Metal caskets: Generally constructed from metals like bronze, copper or stainless steel, metal caskets are readily available options that many people love because they’re durable and customizable in terms of color, engraving and other embellishments.
• Biodegradable caskets: If you’re looking for a more sustainable casket option, you can now purchase caskets made of recycled or renewable materials that don’t use metal or chemical finishes that may seep into the soil. If sustainability is a priority for you or your loved one, this is a great choice.
• Rental caskets: If your budget doesn’t allow for a high-end casket, which can become incredibly expensive, you can rent a casket at many funeral homes. You’ll just select a casket in the metal or wood variety you’d like to use for the ceremony, and then a more simple, cost-effective wooden box holding the deceased will be placed inside. After the ceremony, the rental is returned and the deceased is buried in the simple insert box. This is a cost-effective way to achieve the ceremony you envision.

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming undertaking at an already difficult time, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling to choose the right funeral casket for yourself or a loved one, bring your questions and concerns to the knowledgeable funeral planners at ICS Cremation & Funeral Home. We’ll walk you through all the available options and help you decide which is right for your ceremony, budget and unique needs. Contact us with any questions you have, or to get a free estimate.

Categorised in: Caskets

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