If your loved one has chosen to be buried, determining what to include in their casket is an important aspect of funeral planning. Incorporating sentimental items can give surviving family members comfort and peace of mind. While deciding which items to include is a largely personal decision each family should make together; here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

5 Items to Consider Placing in a Loved One’s Casket

1. Personal Artifacts

If there is a special piece of jewelry, beloved hat, or other personal object you believe your loved one should be buried with, include it in their casket. If you don’t intend to have it present at the viewing, speak with a staff member during funeral planning to ensure it gets placed inside before the burial.

2. Photos of Loved Ones

Family photos are common items to include in a coffin. Oftentimes, individuals choose pictures of monumental events, such as weddings, or group photos with all of their family members.

3. Drawings, Poems or Books

Sometimes, grandchildren or other surviving family members may want to create drawings for those who have passed. These, along with other special items, such as their favorite poetry verses or books, are common items to include in a casket.

4. Cremated Remains

In many cases, a spouse may pass away and choose cremation, in which case it may be appropriate to have some or all of their ashes buried with their loved one. If this is the case for your family member, consult any siblings or other close relatives during funeral planning to ensure everyone’s wishes are respected.

5. Awards or Medals

Finally, if you feel your loved one would have liked to be buried with a special medal or award, such as those earned in the armed forces, consider doing so. Unless it was explicitly instructed in their end of life plans, however, consult family members on this matter out of respect.

While each decision made during funeral planning is ultimately a matter of personal preference, the caring team from Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home knows that these choices may begin to feel overwhelming during a time of grief. For this reason, their compassionate directors are here to walk surviving family members through each step of the process. Their family-owned and -operated facility has been serving Fairfield County, CT, since 1846 and offers a broad range of services to respectfully honor the lives of community members. To reach the funeral home, send them a message online or call (203) 869-0315.