Finding the perfect casket for a loved one can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re dealing with the loss of someone close to you. Making the right choice is never easy, as nobody is truly prepared for the challenges of funeral planning. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of selecting the ideal casket.
To help ease this burden, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to assist you in selecting the best casket as a final tribute to your loved one. Today, there are online retailers, funeral homes, and mortuaries that offer a wide variety of caskets, providing more options for you to choose from.
Find Out The Different Types Of Caskets:
Cremation Caskets:
Cremation caskets are designed specifically for use in crematoriums. They are typically made from combustible materials such as wood, plywood, or cardboard. It’s important to note that cremation caskets cannot contain any metal hardware, as the entire casket must be able to combust completely during the cremation process.
Burial Caskets:
Burial caskets, also known as coffins, are used for burying the deceased. Depending on the type of funeral service, visitors may have the opportunity to view the deceased in their burial casket before burial. These caskets are usually made from wood or metal, depending on the preferences of the family. In Jewish burial services, burial caskets are commonly used, as cremation is prohibited by the religion.
Which Material is Best for Your Casket?
Metal Caskets
If durability is your main priority, choosing metal caskets might be a good option. There are many varieties and options to choose from, such as stainless steel, steel, bronze, and copper caskets.
Steel caskets are a popular choice among metal caskets due to their durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. They work well as burial coffins or caskets.
Under the umbrella of metal caskets, you’ll also find subcategories based on the thickness of the material, such as 18-gauge or 20-gauge caskets. A good reason to choose a metal casket is if you wish for your coffin to be sealed or have a gasket.
Wood Caskets
One of the most popular materials for coffins is wood due to its versatility and wide range of options.
For wooden caskets, you have a variety of raw materials such as oak, poplar, walnut, mahogany, maple, willow, birch, pine, and cherry, among many others. Wood caskets are the most common and the “traditional casket” material in most cases.
If you want your wooden casket to be a step above traditional caskets, you can opt for hardwood caskets, which are more high-end and might have a higher price point. A hardwood casket is typically made of oak, mahogany, or walnut, giving the coffin a very rich and luxurious look and feel.
Biodegradable Caskets
If the deceased was a nature lover, choosing biodegradable caskets can be a respectful choice. Most eco-friendly caskets are made from willow, seagrass, bamboo, or even cardboard.
Unlike typical coffins, biodegradable caskets do not come with metal fasteners or any other hardware that are not biodegradable materials. These caskets are designed to decompose and break down quickly and naturally, unlike regular caskets.
Funeral Expenses: Understanding the Costs and Planning Ahead
When shopping for a casket at a funeral home, it’s crucial to understand your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. This rule empowers bereaved family members to compare prices of funeral caskets from various funeral homes.
It’s common for funeral homes to prioritize higher-end caskets and possibly conceal lower-priced options. However, it’s the responsibility of the funeral home service provider to disclose all casket costs, as well as the range of options and alternatives available to you.
Therefore, always insist on reviewing the written casket price list before examining the actual caskets or making a commitment. This approach ensures you can find the best casket prices and potentially save money.
Should You Buy Your Casket Online Or At A Shop?
This choice is completely up to you and what your preferences are. You might find a good choice at your local casket retailer but the same casket might be selling at a lower price online from companies like Express Casket. So it’s always a good idea to weigh your differences and see which one suits your needs the best. check below to see which option might work out best for you:
When considering buying a casket, online shopping is advantageous if:
- You aim to save money on casket prices.
- You seek specific types of caskets that are customized or not available locally.
- There is no urgency for casket delivery, or an overnight delivery service is available.
- You find a good deal with free shipping.
On the other hand, offline purchasing is preferable if:
- You prefer to feel the casket before buying.
- You are in a hurry and cannot wait for an online purchase.
- The local funeral home offers the desired casket.
- You prefer the convenience of having the funeral home manage everything, from the service to the casket.
In Conclusion
Choosing a high-quality casket should be a top priority when planning a funeral, but it’s also important to consider the cost to stay within your budget. Familiarize yourself with the FTC’s funeral rule to make informed decisions about coffin prices and overall funeral expenses.
After selecting the perfect casket, focus on finding a reputable funeral service provider. Here are some tips:
- Consult with providers to understand their services and total expenses upfront.
- Ensure the funeral home accepts your chosen casket.
- Select a funeral director who listens to your needs and respects your service preferences.