During the process of funeral planning, one of the decisions you'll need to make for your loved one is the type of casket to use. Most funeral homes have a range of options to choose from, and you can also purchase a casket from an independent source, so your selection is varied. To help you narrow down the choices, here are a few points to consider.

What to Consider When Choosing a Casket

Burial or Cremation

One of the first funeral planning choices to make is between burial and cremation. If you choose the latter, a casket is not required, but can be used. If you do choose to use a casket, there are limitations to its design; it must be made of wood, and it cannot have metal fittings, as that could cause problems for the crematorium. Caskets for burial are less regulated, so a wider selection is available.

Material

Wood is a classic choice and can be quite beautiful. Many different types of wood are used, from inexpensive pine or willow to high-quality mahogany or cherry. Metals such as steel, copper, and bronze are also used to create durable, ornamented caskets, and some of them are painted with colored enamel. Finally, there are some more unusual materials such as bamboo or wicker that are biodegradable and eco-friendly, although these can be harder to find.

Design

The color and ornamentation of the casket are usually the largest design concerns. However, one other feature that many people look for is whether there is a gasket seal around the lid of the casket. Gasket seals slow the process of decomposition. Some people find this comforting and some don't; it's an individual choice to make during the funeral planning process.

For compassionate and experienced help choosing a casket and planning other aspects of a funeral service, contact Sosebee Funeral Home in Canton, GA. For almost 80 years, the family-owned company has helped residents throughout North Georgia with all aspects of funeral planning, from choosing the casket and flowers to providing grief counseling. If your loved one was a veteran, they also specialize in military services. For more information, visit them online or call (770) 479-2131 to speak with a funeral director today.