How to Choose a Casket
Choosing a casket is not only an emotional journey a loved one of the deceased must take, it is also a financial and practical one. With hundreds of caskets to choose from, how do you know which is the right one? Use these steps to learn a little more about caskets and how to make the best choice for your dearly departed.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Trust the funeral director's taste. Though a stranger, this person is who you can lean on for strength during this time. They know what they are doing, so trust their guidance and instinct. However, like all industries, they have to make money, too, so if it seems the funeral director is steering you toward something that is outside your budget, speak up.
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Take someone with you. If you are having a hard time with the grieving and planning, give the task to another person or take someone with you to help you think more clearly. Make sure it is someone who knew the deceased well and knows your budget for the entire funeral and burial costs.
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Think of the deceased. What colors did they like? The types of wood available can vary. Think of what they would want, within reason, and select from those items. Was the deceased someone who didn't bother with frills? Or was this someone who wanted only the very best? There are caskets in every price range, from the plainest to the most "decked out"--it all depends on your preferences and budget.
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Know your rights. Funeral homes will tend to direct you to choose one of the caskets they offer, but you need to know this is not your only choice. You can choose and purchase a casket from an independent company (often saving you money) and have the funeral home use it. Check laws in your state first, though, governing discount caskets.
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Comments
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SkinExpert
Dec 19, 2007
My funeral arrangements are made and paid for and I found, once I settled in and decided to enjoy the twilight zone aspect of the experience, it was fun. Ivory or white silk lining in the casket? The Lord's Supper engraved on the casket or a simple William Morris affair? I realized I really did care what happened to my body after I died and how it would wait out eternity. It was an illuminating experience, like me introducing me to myself. And the peace of mind from knowing it is done and my daughter need never go through what I went through with my parents is priceless. I even bought a double plot because other members of my surviving family think, as most people do, they aren't going to die today so they don't need to think about it. -
SkinExpert
Dec 19, 2007
My funeral arrangements are made and paid for and I found, once I settled in and decided to enjoy the twilight zone aspect of the experience, it was fun. Ivory or white silk lining in the casket? The Lord's Supper engraved on the casket or a simple William Morris affair? I realized I really did care what happened to my body after I died and how it would wait out eternity. It was an illuminating experience, like me introducing me to myself. And the peace of mind from knowing it is done and my daughter need never go through what I went through with my parents is priceless. I even bought a double plot because other members of my surviving family think, as most people do, they aren't going to die today so they don't need to think about it.
