Whether you are laying a loved one to rest or pre-planning your own funeral arrangements, the casket is an important decision. The right choice will provide an elegant scene for everyone to say goodbye and will meet your needs. There are a lot of options out there, so use these tips to guide you as you shop.

A Guide to Casket Shopping

1. Choose Your Use

Begin by deciding whether you want cremation or burial. Caskets are not required for cremation; your funeral home can use an alternative urn that is much more affordable. If you will be holding a funeral and want a casket for the event, ask about renting one. You will need to buy a nicer casket if you are planning a burial.

2. Find the Right Size

Caskets come in different sizes; burying a child in an adult-sized coffin can only make the loss more painful, while you don’t want to find you cannot fit your loved one in the one chosen. The four main sizes are adult, child-size, infant, and oversized. Adults up to 6’10” and under 350 pounds will fit in a standard adult-sized coffin.

3. Find the Material

Wood is the most popular casket material because it is elegant and biodegradable. Hardwoods such as walnut and mahogany are beautiful and will be on the higher end of the budget. Poplar or pine are more common woods, so they are affordable. Metal is another popular material that is more durable, with a thick gasket that seals the lid.

4. Compare Lid Types

The two lid types are a half-couch and full-couch. The full couch tends to be more affordable, with a one-piece lid that runs the full length of the casket. If you plan to have an open-casket viewing in your funeral arrangements, the half-couch is the most popular option because it allows you to open half the lid from the waist up.

The staff at Dennis George Funeral Home has more than 20 years of experience with funeral planning in Cleves, OH, and for families across the western Cincinnati area. Their funeral director will take the time to explain all your options, to help you find the right solutions that fit your budget and your needs. Learn more on their website and call (513) 941-6700 for assistance.