Are you planning a funeral? Buying a coffin is an important aspect of planning the ceremony and putting consideration into which casket your loved one will be buried in is important. Your personal preferences as well as your budget will also determine what type of coffin or casket you decide to buy. Read our blog post to discover the different types of caskets and coffins that are available.
Difference between a casket and a coffin
When you’re planning a funeral, you’ll need to decide between using a coffin or a casket. The term coffin dates back to the 16th century when it was first used to describe the structure that encases dead bodies prior to burial. A coffin is generally shaped similar to that of body, which means it has a wider top end for the shoulders and a narrower bottom end to accommodate the feet. These structures can have six or eight sides.
Coffins are typically built with a hexagonal or octagonal shape. Their design reduces the amount of material that is used when compared to caskets, which generally results in a cheaper price. The term casket was originally used to refer to jewellery boxes, which were used to store valuable items. The word was first used to refer to a structure similar to that of a coffin in the 19th century.
Caskets are bigger than coffins and they typically have a more rectangular shape. Caskets have a similar appearance to traditional coffins but their top lid can be opened. They are suitable for open-casket funerals. Caskets are available in metal or wood. It is believed that the word casket was used as a polite alternative to the word coffin. It was also believed that caskets were less offensive because their shape does not resemble that of a dead body. The main difference between these two structures is ultimately their shape.
Whether you’re buying a coffin or a casket, you’ll need to decide if you want to customise it or not. You can choose embellishments and engravings to enhance the structure’s appearance. You’ll also need to select the interior fabric and you could choose to add pockets that can be used to store photos and other trinkets. Coffins and caskets can also be personalised with folk art, decoupage or significant stickers.
How to choose a casket
There are a variety of factors to consider when you’re buying caskets. Caskets are applicable for ground burials as well as for burials once the body has been cremated. Caskets may be constructed from cloth covered or hardwood laminated plywood. Steel, solid copper or bronze, and solid wood variations are also available. Caskets are typically an expensive option but you can save money by purchasing a casket online. Caskets can also be bought from funeral homes. You’ll also need to factor in the delivery cost of the casket.
How to choose a coffin
With a range of options to choose from, buying a coffin can be difficult. A coffin is the final resting place of your loved one, which makes it important to choose the right coffin. Wooden coffins are well-suited for traditional funerals while metal variations are a good match for contemporary ceremonies. For a natural appearance, you can opt for a wicker coffin. Your budget will also impact the type of coffin that you buy. Before you decide on a coffin, it’s advisable to search online so that you can view the range of variations out there. Next, you’ll need to determine how much money you have to spend. You’ll also need to calculate what size coffin is required.
Once you’ve done your research, you’ll be ready to buy a coffin. Coffins can be made from solid wood, metal or veneer, and chipboard. Solid wood and metal variations are typically expensive options while veneer and chipboard provides a cost effective alternative. Biodegradable coffins can be made from wicker, willow or banana leaf.
Now that you know more about buying a coffin, you can shop for a suitable structure online. Whether you’re buying a casket or a coffin, these structures are an important part of any funeral so give them the consideration they deserve.
Nice explanation. It is a chance to say a final goodbye and pay tribute to a life well-lived. And that is what truly matters.
While you definitely need to choose an appropriate container for the funeral, there is no rule that specifies that it needs to be a casket. The choice is entirely a matter of preference and your funeral budget.