Caskets

What types of casket are available and how do I select one?

Most people select caskets for their beauty and finish. Of course, cost is another major consideration. Some religious faiths restrict the type of casket. For example, various orthodox denominations require simple wood caskets.

There are many types of caskets to accommodate varied tastes, sizes and budgets. Metal caskets are made of bronze, copper, steel and stainless steel. Some metal caskets have gasket sealers along the lid that are intended to help keep out the elements. Wood caskets come in mahogany, cherry, maple, oak, pine and other varieties of wood.

Casket exteriors come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Lids may be two-pieces of equal lengths or a single piece covering the length of the casket. Casket interiors come in various fabrics and colors.

What’s the difference between a coffin and a casket?

The term "coffin" generally refers to the early versions of burial containers that were made of wood and human shaped. However, the terms coffin and casket can be used interchangeably.

What’s the importance of "protection" in a casket?

The term "protective" is often used in the marketing of higher quality metal caskets that are resistant to rust and have sealing lids. These protective features come at a higher price and their value is primarily a matter of personal preference.

How much can I expect to pay for a casket?

Caskets come in a wide range of prices depending upon the quality of the materials and workmanship. The casket is often the most costly item in a funeral. You can pay as little as several hundred dollars or as much as $5,000 to $10,000 and more. According to the 2005 General Price List Survey by the National Funeral Director's Association, the average price of a metal casket is $2,100 and the average price of a wood casket is $2,649. In accordance with Federal Trade Commission rules, funeral homes must provide you with a Casket Price List.

Where should I buy a casket?

There are three major casket manufacturers in the United States and numerous smaller manufacturers. Most manufacturers distribute their products for resale through funeral homes, cemeteries, specialty funeral services and independent retailers. Regardless of where you choose to buy a casket, be sure to find out about the warrantees and guarantees they provide. Is the casket warranted against defects? Do they guarantee that the casket will available when needed?

If cremation is selected, is a casket necessary?

Many crematories only require a simple, rigid, combustible container for the body. This container may be wood, cardboard or other combustible material. For purposes of funeral ceremonies prior to cremation, you may prefer to purchase a cremation casket. Cremation caskets come in many types of wood and styles and look like burial caskets. The principal difference is that they do not contain non-combustible materials such as metal.

Another option for funeral ceremonies is a rental casket. Rental caskets appear to be regular burial caskets, however, the interior a removable container that can be used to transport the deceased to the crematory following services.

See Funeral Products for additional information on caskets and other funeral merchandise.

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Outer Burial Containers (i.e., burial vaults)

What is a burial vault?

When a casket is buried, most cemeteries require that it is placed in an outer burial container — an enclosure that is designed to support the soil from sinking in. There are various types of outer burial containers. Burial vaults completely enclose the casket to add a protective measure. Vaults are usually made of concrete and may be lined with plastic, stainless steel, copper or bronze to add protection and visual appeal. There are also fiberglass versions of vaults.

Grave boxes or grave liners are the most basic form of outer burial container. They are usually made of wood or concrete and are designed solely to support the soil.

Is a burial vault required?

State and local laws generally do not require a burial vault. However, most cemeteries do require them to prevent the soil from collapsing.

How much can I expect to pay for a burial vault?

Burial vaults come in a wide range of prices depending upon the quality of the materials and workmanship. You can pay as little as several hundred dollars or thousands of dollars. According to the 2005 General Price List Survey by the National Funeral Director's Association, the average vault price is $998. In accordance with Federal Trade Commission rules, funeral homes must provide you with a Outer Burial Container Price List.

See Funeral Products for additional information on burial vaults and other funeral merchandise.

Cremation Urns

What are my choices for an urn?

Urns are permanent containers for cremated remains. Urns are available in marble, wood or metals such as bronze or steel. They can be personalized with engravings, military medallions, and emblems. Tiny containers, designed to be worn as jewelry, are also available to hold only a small portion of ashes.

If I intend to scatter the ashes, do I need an urn?

A temporary container will suffice if you intend to scatter the ashes shortly after cremation. The crematory can provide a simple wood or cardboard container for the cremated remains.

See Funeral Products for additional information on cremation urns and other funeral merchandise.

Grave Markers (also headstones, memorials, monuments)

What are my choices for a grave marker?

Grave markers are perhaps the most common form of memorialization throughout the ages. Today, there are basically two types of grave markers — upright monuments and flush to the ground markers ("memorials"). Cemeteries have regulations governing the types of grave markers that can be used in various sections of the cemetery. Grave markers can be made of stone such as granite or marble or metals, such as bronze. Various shapes, designs and decorations are readily available. Custom designs are also possible, including a portrait of the deceased etched in the stone.

Where do I purchase a grave marker?

Cemeteries, monument companies and sometimes funeral homes sell grave markers. A cemetery may require that it install the marker even though it was purchased elsewhere.

See Funeral Products for additional information on grave markers and other funeral merchandise.

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