More Sympathy GiftsHow to Select a Casket for a Person
Not so long ago, consumers purchased caskets almost exclusively from funeral directors at the time of need, which narrowly limited the choices available. Today, however, many options are available to wise consumers who shop for a casket as they would any major purchase.
Casket or coffin?
Traditionally, “coffin” was the term used to describe any type of burial container. Modern undertakers in North America, however, have adopted the term “casket,” a euphemism taken from a name for a jewelry box. Today, the word “coffin” typically refers to a burial box with a solid lid and tapered end, while the rectangular box with a split lid, which we typically see at wakes and funerals, is known as a casket.
Points to consider in choosing a casket
When deciding on a casket, here’s one simple fact you should keep in mind: No casket, no matter how costly or how durable the material, will preserve the remains of the deceased.
A casket has just one purpose—to transport the body of the deceased from the funeral home to a church, cemetery, or crematory. Casket manufacturers may describe a casket’s protective features and special seals, but these refer to the casket’s ability to withstand the elements rather than its ability to preserve human remains.
There are basically just two points to consider, then, in choosing a casket:
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Price. Of all the goods and services that make up a traditional funeral, a casket is by far the most expensive. The price of a casket can range from less than $1,000 to more than $10,000, with the average cost around $2,000.
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Personal preference. The range of personal preference regarding the purchase of a casket is as broad as in any consumer transaction. For example, you may see the casket you choose as a reflection of your love and respect for the deceased, and therefore only the best will do. Or perhaps you believe that the body is a mere shell, and the type of casket you choose is of little significance. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about the environment, you might want to purchase a casket made of biodegradable and sustainable materials.
Types of caskets
Following are some common types of burial caskets:
- Cloth-covered caskets are typically constructed from corrugated fiberboard or pressed wood. Although they are relatively inexpensive, cloth-covered caskets feature a finished interior and bedding, similar to more expensive types of caskets.
- “Green” caskets are made of biodegradable materials like bamboo, wicker or pressed wood and designed to allow the body to decompose naturally. Green caskets are also relatively inexpensive.
- Metal caskets are available in steel, bronze or copper, with the price of the casket based on the thickness of the metal used.
- Wood caskets may be made out of any variety of wood, including pine, cherry, oak, maple, walnut, and mahogany. A less expensive alternative to a costly wood casket is a veneer casket, which is constructed like a cloth-covered casket and finished with a more attractive wood veneer.
- Personalized caskets are unique expressions of the interests or beliefs of the deceased. These made-to-order creations come in all shapes and may bear the logo of a favorite sports team, a college emblem, a symbol of one’s profession, or other distinctive features.
Where to purchase a casket
For the sake of convenience, many people find it easier to purchase a casket from a funeral director. But if money is a concern, and especially if you intend to purchase a casket in advance of need, you may find a wider choice and better value by using the Internet to find manufacturers who will sell directly to you.
