Choosing a Casket or Urn
Choosing the final container for a loved one is a necessary step in funeral planning. For burial, you choose a casket. For cremation, you choose an urn. Both decisions are driven by personal preference, budget, and the funeral home’s offerings.
Caskets for Burial
Caskets vary widely in material and price. Funeral homes must provide you with a written Casket Price List (CPL) before you discuss models.
Metal Caskets These are the most common caskets sold in the USA. They are made from various metals like steel, stainless steel, or copper. The price changes based on the thickness of the metal. These caskets are often described as having a "sealer" or "gasket" that keeps the casket airtight.
Wood Caskets These are made from hardwoods like mahogany, oak, or cherry. They are often seen as a more natural and warmer option. They typically do not have sealing features. The cost depends on the type of wood used.
Your Rights The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule gives you important rights. You do not have to buy a casket from the funeral home. You are allowed to buy a casket from a third party retailer and have it delivered to the funeral home. The funeral home cannot refuse it or charge you an extra fee for using an outside casket. This is a great way to save money.
Urns for Cremation
An urn is the container that holds the cremated remains. The choice of urn is driven by what the family intends to do with the ashes.
Temporary Containers The ashes are typically returned to the family in a simple plastic or cardboard container from the crematory. This is fine if the family plans to scatter the ashes soon.
Permanent Urns These are made from materials like ceramic, wood, marble, metal, or glass. They are meant to be kept at home or interred in a cemetery. The price of the urn is usually based on the quality of the material and the craftsmanship.
Specialty Urns If the family plans to scatter the ashes, they can purchase a scattering urn, which has a secure opening for scattering. If they plan to bury the ashes, they might choose a biodegradable urn that decomposes naturally in the ground.
Casket Rental
If a family chooses cremation but still wants a traditional viewing or funeral service, they have the option to rent a casket. The deceased is placed inside a liner within the rental casket for the service. After the service, the body is transferred to the crematory. This saves the family the expense of buying a casket that will only be used for a few hours.
The choice of a final container should reflect respect for the deceased and fit within the family's budget. Do not feel pressured to buy the most expensive option.