Choosing how to send off a loved one is not always an easy task. If they have not given their preferences, then how do you decide to choose a coffin vs a casket? In this guide, we will discuss casket vs coffin differences and elements to consider before making your selection during this difficult time. Following this piece, we hope that you will be able to make an informed choice regarding how to say goodbye.
Features of a Coffin
Typically, coffins have 6 sides and are shaped to resemble the human body. By this, we mean that a coffin is wider at the shoulders and is narrower towards the feet. Their lids are fully detachable and are usually on the smaller side compared with caskets.
Features of a Casket
Caskets have 4 equal sides and are rectangular in shape. They come with a hinged lid, and are usually lined with padded mattresses and pillows.
Coffin vs Casket: Things to Consider
So, now you know the casket vs coffin difference, which option is right for you? Let’s look deeper at the things you should think about before making a selection:
- Price
The cost of a funeral can be expensive, so when thinking about a casket vs coffin, price can be a compelling factor. As they are smaller and more simply designed, coffins tend to be cheaper than caskets. A casket’s plush lining and bigger size increase the cost. Caskets with intricate designs can cost even more.
- Religion
Some cultures have specific traditions about how their family members are buried, so this is an important factor to consider in some cases.
- Personality and preferences
What was your loved one like? Were they elaborate and eccentric? If so, would they suit a casket? Or were they simpler and more refined? In this case, they may have preferred a coffin. It’s certainly wise to think about what they may have wanted if they didn’t express this already.
- Funeral type
Are you looking to have open casket viewings? If so, a casket is the way to go due to its ability to open and close easily. If not, a coffin may be a better choice for a more private and practical funeral.
- Environmental factors
Coffins are typically more eco-friendly than caskets, as they can be made using biodegradable materials such as bamboo, wicker or ethically sourced wood.
Coffin vs Casket: Choose What Feels Right for You
Choosing between a coffin and a casket is ultimately down to personal choice. Some factors, such as cost, may be strong enough to make your decision; however, if money allows, it would be wise to consider your loved one’s personality to make their send-off as personal and special as possible. There may be other influences that affect your decision, such as cultural considerations or environmental factors, but at the end of it all, what’s most important is honouring and respecting the life of your loved one.