Choosing a coffin is a crucial element of funeral planning. It is frequently the focal point of the service and may set the tone for the rest of the ceremony. Coffin prices might also vary substantially, so it’s important to weigh all of your alternatives.
If you’ve planned a funeral, you’ll need to select a coffin from the start, but you may always change your mind after speaking with your selected funeral director. If you’re thinking about purchasing a funeral plan, keep in mind that you may pick the type of casket you want.
Here is how you select a coffin:
- Look online to see what kinds of coffins are available for purchase.
- Determine your budget and the size of the coffin you will require.
- Inquire with your funeral director about their casket selection.
- Purchase the casket from your funeral director or on your own.
To ensure that you obtain the correct size, you will need to know the individual’s estimated weight and height. The measurements of the coffin are usually specified in a letter. If the deceased’s proportions surpass these limits, you may need to buy a bespoke coffin. A local provider may be able to create the coffin to your loved one’s exact measurements.
Consider what will best reflect the person whose funeral it is and what would seem most natural at the funeral ceremony when making your final selection, but keep the budget in mind. Costs may rapidly add up, and the coffin is only one component. You could also want to think about getting an eco-friendly coffin that will biodegrade organically and won’t contaminate the land.
More information about eco-friendly funerals may be found on our dedicated page.
What Materials are Used To Construct Coffins?
1. Made of Solid Wood
This is a classic option, with elaborate metal handles and a white cushioned lining. The price will vary based on the type of wood used and the complexity of the carving.
2. Metal
Metal coffins or caskets are normally highly costly, but they are guaranteed to outlast their wooden counterparts. Stainless steel, bronze, copper, and ordinary steel are the most common metals utilized. Some people object to metal coffins because they do not allow the body to decay organically.
3. Chipboard and Veneer
These coffins typically feature metal or metal effect handles and resemble a regular type wooden coffin. This is a popular low-cost substitute for a solid wood coffin.
4. Cardboard
Cardboard coffins can be produced with personalized designs that reflect the person’s personality or accomplishments when they were alive. Images that are frequently utilized include the Union Jack, a flowery field, religious symbols, and pet shots. You may also create your own.
5. Wicker
Banana leaf, seagrass, willow, rattan, wool, and bamboo are examples of biodegradable materials. They cost about the same as an inexpensive veneer or chipboard coffin and are appropriate for forest burial.
What’s The Distinction Between A Coffin and A Casket?
Traditional coffins are the most common choice in the United Kingdom. Caskets are bigger and more rectangular than typical coffins and are more common in the United States. They are similar to typical wooden coffins in appearance, but they are rectangular and the upper part of the lid may be opened. This is typically utilized during open-casket rituals. These are available in metal or wood.
Can I Substitute A Shroud for A Coffin Or Casket?
Although it is not required by law to use a coffin during a funeral, many crematoria will want you to use either a coffin or a shroud. However, the sole legal need is that the body is covered in a public place.
If you do not want to utilize a coffin or casket, a shroud might be used in its stead. This is essentially a piece of fabric draped over the body, although it is frequently decorated with posies of flowers and other mementos.
Is It Necessary for Me To Purchase The Casket from The Funeral Home?
You do not have to purchase the casket from the funeral parlor. You may either buy your coffin or casket online and acquire the precise design you desire, or you can choose a local funeral coffin provider. You may be charged a storage or preparation fee by the funeral home.
Making your coffin might save you hundreds of pounds, so it’s worth considering. The coffin is likely to be on display for a very little length of time at the funeral, 30 minutes to an hour or so, before being cremated or buried, so it’s not unreasonable to wish to reduce the expense.
The funeral director should have numerous brochures available for you to peruse and pick which coffin to purchase, as well as a few coffins to inspect in person so you can get a better sense of the quality.
Look online for a wider range of options. If you have your heart set on a coffin that you discovered via an internet search, simply meet with your funeral director and communicate your intentions.
Also read: A Boy’s Friends Stage Mock Funeral After He Gets Committed
