How to Choose a Casket

1. Determine Your Budget

Casket prices vary widely, so setting a budget helps narrow your choices.

1.1 How much should you expect to spend?

Caskets range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on materials and customization.

How to do this:

• Research price ranges before visiting a funeral home or showroom.
• Ask for a General Price List (GPL) from the funeral home, which they are legally required to provide.
• Consider purchasing from a third-party retailer or online supplier for lower prices.

Why it matters:

• Prevents emotional overspending during a difficult time.
• Ensures you get the best value without sacrificing quality or personal preference.

1.2 Are there any hidden costs?

Some funeral homes charge extra fees for handling third-party caskets.

How to do this:

• Ask if the funeral home charges a handling fee for outside caskets.
• Confirm whether the price includes delivery, setup, or sealing.
• If choosing a burial vault, check if it is required and how it affects the total cost.

Why it matters:

• Helps avoid unexpected expenses.
• Ensures you understand the full financial commitment upfront.

2. Choose the Right Material

Caskets come in a variety of materials, each with different durability and aesthetics.

2.1 What are the main casket materials?

The choice between metal, wood, and biodegradable materials depends on personal preference and cemetery requirements.

How to do this:

• Consider a metal casket (steel, bronze, or copper) for durability and longevity.
• Choose a wood casket (oak, mahogany, pine, or walnut) for a traditional, elegant look.
• If looking for an eco-friendly option, explore biodegradable caskets made of bamboo, cardboard, or wicker.

Why it matters:

• Ensures the casket aligns with personal values, aesthetics, and budget.
• Helps meet cemetery regulations, especially for green burials.

2.2 What is the difference between gasketed and non-gasketed caskets?

Gasketed caskets include a rubber seal meant to protect the body from outside elements.

How to do this:

• Ask if the casket is gasketed (sealed) or non-gasketed.
• Determine if this feature is necessary or just a sales tactic, as sealing does not prevent decomposition.
• Check cemetery regulations, as some require non-gasketed caskets for natural burials.

Why it matters:

• Helps you make an informed choice rather than paying for unnecessary features.
• Ensures the casket meets burial site requirements.

3. Select the Interior and Customization Options

Many caskets offer a range of fabric linings, finishes, and personal touches.

3.1 What interior fabric options are available?

The casket’s interior can be customized for comfort and appearance.

How to do this:

• Choose between velvet, satin, crepe, or linen interiors based on preference.
• Consider selecting a color or pattern that reflects the personality of the deceased.
• Ask about customization options such as embroidered symbols, religious motifs, or personal messages.

Why it matters:

• Adds a personal touch to the casket.
• Ensures the choice reflects the deceased’s personality and wishes.

3.2 Can you personalize the exterior?

Some caskets allow for unique engravings and color selections.

How to do this:

• Ask about custom finishes, handles, and decorative details.
• If choosing a military, religious, or themed casket, check availability and pricing.
• Consider adding custom plaques, nameplates, or meaningful designs.

Why it matters:

• Makes the casket feel more personal and meaningful.
• Helps reflect the legacy and beliefs of the deceased.

4. Consider the Type of Burial or Cremation

Not all caskets are suitable for every type of burial or cremation.

4.1 Will the casket be buried or cremated?

Casket requirements vary depending on burial type.

How to do this:

• If choosing traditional burial, confirm whether the cemetery has any specific casket requirements.
• For cremation, select a cremation-friendly casket made of combustible materials.
• If planning a green burial, ensure the casket is fully biodegradable.

Why it matters:

• Ensures compliance with cemetery or crematory rules.
• Helps reduce environmental impact if that is a priority.

4.2 Does the cemetery require a burial vault?

Some cemeteries mandate the use of an outer burial container.

How to do this:

• Ask if the cemetery requires a vault or grave liner.
• If not required, consider the pros and cons of using a vault to prevent ground settling.
• Compare vault costs with and without a liner to see which is more affordable.

Why it matters:

• Avoids unnecessary expenses if a vault is not required.
• Helps maintain cemetery grounds over time.

5. Explore Alternative and Green Options

Many people are choosing eco-friendly or alternative burial solutions.

5.1 What are eco-friendly casket choices?

Sustainable options support environmental conservation efforts.

How to do this:

• Look for caskets made of bamboo, seagrass, willow, or cardboard.
• Ensure the casket contains no metal, toxic finishes, or synthetic materials.
• Check if the cemetery offers natural burial sections that allow green caskets.

Why it matters:

• Reduces the environmental impact of burial.
• Aligns with personal values around sustainability.

5.2 Can you rent a casket?

For those who prefer cremation, renting a casket for the service is an option.

How to do this:

• Ask the funeral home if they offer rental caskets for viewing or services.
• Confirm that the liner is replaced after each use for hygiene and safety.
• Compare costs between buying a simple cremation casket vs. renting a ceremonial casket.

Why it matters:

• Saves money for families choosing cremation.
• Allows for a traditional viewing without purchasing an expensive casket.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a casket is a personal decision that requires thoughtful consideration of budget, material, burial type, and customization options. Taking time to explore your choices, ask the right questions, and compare costs will help ensure that the casket aligns with your needs and values. Whether selecting a simple, traditional, or eco-friendly option, planning ahead can provide peace of mind and financial clarity.