How do I choose the right casket?
Retail therapy can be very fun but shopping for caskets is a whole different ball game. The pressure of buying a casket can become extremely burdensome if you’re doing it while planning the funeral of a person you love. In any case, a casket is the primary focal factor during a funeral ceremony, so it’s not something that you can take lightly.
And contrary to what most people believe, caskets are not just for traditional funeral services where the body is buried at a gravesite or laid to rest in a tomb. Cremation services, especially those with a viewing or visitation, also need one. Since a casket is not something you typically shop for, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Here are some factors that you ought to assess whilst deciding on the excellent casket:
- Peruse Different Casket Types
Two of the most popular casket types are timber and metallic. You’ll see them in most memorial services with different hues, finishes, and embellishments. It is important to keep in mind that the type of casket you pick out will have an impact on the price.
For starters, metallic caskets come in a broad range of prices But the general rule of thumb is the thicker the metal, the higher the price. Bronze and copper caskets are a good pick because they’re nice to look at and are durable.
As for timber or wood, there are cheap wooden caskets made with inexpensive pressed wood. This material mimics the look of hardwoods without jacking up the price. But if you want your deceased loved one to say goodbye in style, a more ornate hardwood casket like mahogany, oak, and maple will work superbly. Other wooden caskets like walnut and pine are also beautiful. Wooden caskets come with diverse finishes from a discreet stain to a high gloss polish.
And finally, if you’re looking for a very cheap casket that would not break the bank, a cardboard casket is the cheapest option in the market. This will set you back around $200, and it is a good option for those who are struggling with funeral expenses.
- Take Time to Shop Around
You will find many types of caskets online from different manufacturers. These pages will give you sufficient information with product descriptions and pricing. But you can also shop around for different coffin types in a funeral home. This proffers maximum comfort because an expert funeral team can provide you with insight.
Moreover, you also don’t have to worry about exorbitant prices because funeral homes are mandated by law to keep fair pricing. Shopping for caskets at a funeral will ease your burdens especially if you’re in the midst of grieving.
- Check Out the Casket Size and Design
One of the most important things to consider is the size of the casket, especially if the deceased is not a standard size. There are caskets for babies, children, tall people, etc. Your funeral director can help you order special casket sizes to house different body sizes. As noted above, there are numerous types of casket designs. You can check pre-made caskets with embellishments or engravings. Some have markings like flowers or crosses.
Moreover, you also have the option of customizing the casket by having your deceased loved one’s name engraved on the coffin’s surface. Of course, as with anything in the market, having customization done to make personalized details usually increases the price. So keep those in mind before you make requests from the coffin manufacturer.
- Select the Coffin Interior
Elaborate caskets are usually used for funeral and cremation services when there will be a viewing of the deceased. These lining materials look pretty and elegant with ruching, and they’re also leak-proof. All caskets include a cloth lining interior lined with different materials that vary in price. Examples of these materials are the following:
- Polyester
- Crepe
- Taffeta
- Satin
- Velvet
Amongst all the materials satin and velvet are the most expensive options. The most common lining color is white. But others opt for a more vibrant red. You can also ask for a customized lining in the favorite color of the deceased.
- Check Out Special Features
Some caskets are fancier than others so they have special features. An example of this is memory drawers. These are optional add-ons on the casket’s frame where you can place mementos like jewelry, pictures, or even cards. For the memory drawer, you can select fancy hardware that will add to the beauty of the casket.
Another example is a memory tube or reminiscence tube. It’s like a small glass capsule that can be screwed somewhere in the exterior of the casket. It provides further details since the tube contains all the pertinent information laid to rest inside. This small tube allows for smooth identity in case of accidents after internment.
- Shop Around for a Good Price
One of the primary considerations when buying a casket is the price. The last thing a grieving family must deal with is debt over the interment procedures. Ideally, you must pick a casket that fits your budget. Cheap options include cardboard or woven caskets. A cloth funeral shroud is also inexpensive. However, these materials may make it hard to host a viewing.
Remember, a casket’s material and design is the top component affecting its price. Every little detail from finishes to extra options mounted will affect the final price. The greater the customization, the higher the price. So keep these things in mind when you’re planning a funeral.
If budget is truly a concern, you may ask your funeral director about renting a coffin. This option gives you a chance to use a lovely casket for the deceased’s viewing services. But on the day of the burial, the body will be transferred to a simple box. When it comes to these details, worry not. You can always work with your funeral team to create a meaningful funeral that celebrates the life of the deceased without breaking the bank. And as always, it’s your intention that matters above all else.
