After losing a loved one, it’s often left to the surviving family to make funeral arrangements. From writing the obituary to choosing the final resting place, there are several aspects involved in the process. When planning a burial service, picking out a casket should be added to the list. With so many options available, it can be difficult to narrow down choices to find something your loved one would truly want. When shopping for a funeral casket, below are three expenses to be aware of that could contribute to your decision.   

What Expenses Should You Know About When Shopping for Funeral Caskets?

1. Rubber Gaskets Can Increase Costs

When shopping for funeral caskets, you might come across a few products featuring rubber gaskets. The rubber lining rests between the casket lid and base. When the casket is closed, the lining creates an air-tight seal. Although the gaskets are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, caskets featuring them are typically hundreds of dollars more than those without.

2. Outlaw of Retail Casket Sales in Some States

Depending on where you live, there could be rules and regulations in place that ban the sale of caskets by third-party retailers. The rules help redirect business to funeral homes for burial products. Sometimes, the casket fees are marked up and lumped into the overall service expenses. 

3. Take Service Fees Into Account

If you plan to purchase the casket from the same funeral home you plan to hold the service, think about the service costs when looking at casket prices. If the casket price is low, it could mean the service fee is high, or vice versa. Try to find an equal balance when deciding. 

If you need help planning a funeral in Greenwich, CT, or the surrounding areas, look to the compassionate, caring team at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home for assistance. They will help you navigate options to find a casket, provide advice to cope with grief, and do anything else you need in preparation for the service. To schedule a consultation in Fairfield County, call (203) 869-0315. Visit the funeral specialists online to discover how they will honor your deceased loved one, and follow them on Twitter for announcements.