If you are interested in cremation as the final disposition of choice, you may need to choose a cremation casket or cremation container as part of your funeral plan. In many states, cremation cannot take place unless the body is placed in some sort of container, and today, we’re going to talk about the options.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of casket to use is up to you and your family, and there’s no right or wrong answer. While it can be a difficult choice, discuss the options with both your funeral director and your family to decide what’s best for your particular needs.
3 Types of Cremation Caskets & Cremation Containers
The main thing that sets cremation caskets apart from burial caskets is that any cremation casket or container must be made of a fully combustible material. This means there can be no metal parts (or very minimal ones). Let’s discuss 3 main types of cremation caskets and containers that are most commonly available.
1. Traditional Cremation Casket
If you would like to have a traditional funeral service with body present before cremation takes place, you can. In this instance, you can choose a more traditional cremation casket made from materials like wood, bamboo, or wicker. The casket will encase a loved one’s body for the funeral service or visitation, and after all services are complete, everything will be escorted to the crematory. Since there’s no metal, the casket will serve dual purposes: presentation at the service and dignity at the crematory.
2. Green or Eco-Friendly Caskets
Because green or eco-friendly caskets are made of natural materials, you can use one as a cremation casket. These types of caskets are available in bamboo, willow, seagrass, wicker, cotton or wool, teak, and other types of wood. They tend to be less expensive, depending on the material and construction you choose. Also, they are fully combustible and contain no metal.
3. Cremation Container (or Alternative Container)
Another option is to choose a cremation container (as opposed to a cremation casket). A cremation container is a simple box made of either cardboard or fiberboard. There are no embellishments or personalized elements, and the focus is on function, not presentation. If it’s important to you, some cremation containers are made to look like traditional caskets, but you will need to speak with your funeral director to determine if that option is available in your area.
4 Tips When Buying a Cremation Casket
When deciding which cremation casket or container to use, keep these 4 tips in mind:
1. What is My Budget?
Always keep your budget in mind. While cremation caskets are typically less expensive than burial caskets, they do vary in price. If you are working with a very specific budget, speak with your funeral director about the options that best fit with your financial needs.
2. Does Appearance Matter?
For some, the appearance of the caskets matters, so do a little research. If you’d like to add personalized elements, then a cremation container isn’t for you. However, with some cremation caskets, you can add special touches to create something unique.
3. Will There Be a Funeral Service?
If you plan to have a traditional service with the body present before cremation takes place, keep that in mind when selecting a cremation casket.
4. Did My Loved One Have Any Personal Preferences?
If you are planning a final tribute for a loved one, you may or may not know what their funeral preferences were. However, if your loved one preplanned, consider honoring those wishes and going with their preferred selection. If not, make the best choice possible with the information you have.
Common Questions to Consider
What are my casket options if I choose to have a traditional funeral service with cremation?
First, you can either select a cremation casket made of a natural material, such as wood or bamboo, that is presentable for the service and safe for the crematory. Or second, you can speak with your funeral director to see if the funeral home offers rental caskets.
While a rental casket looks like a traditional casket, there’s a foot panel that opens up to allow a cardboard insert to be placed into or removed from the casket exterior. The removable insert comes with its own fabric liner, which is for one-time use, and it is hidden from view once inside the casket exterior.
In this way, you can rent a casket for the ceremony and have a less expensive container for the crematory. To learn more, read “Rental Caskets: What You Need to Know.”
What is the cost of a cremation casket?
The cost will vary depending on the type of casket you select. Some materials cost more than others, but in general, cremation caskets and containers will be less expensive than burial caskets.
Do cremation caskets come with personalized design elements?
There may be a few different design options available, but in general, the appearance is more minimalist. If you’d like, you can always work with the funeral home to commission a custom cremation casket, if that’s important for your family.
What does the interior of a cremation casket look like?
Generally, the interior will be simple with a lining and basic padding. You won’t see the more ornate details that are available with burial caskets.
Does a cremation casket seal?
There are no tight sealing mechanisms on cremation caskets. The cover and hinges are sufficient for a funeral service, but they are not heavy-duty like you’d see on a burial casket. The purpose of sealing is to keep out the elements, and since a cremation casket will not be buried, there’s no need to seal it in the same way.
Do cremation caskets have handles?
Yes, they do. In some cases, the handles are removable, but it all depends on what type of cremation casket you select.
By law, do I need to purchase a cremation casket?
In all 50 states, the law does not require that a person be cremated in a casket. However, many states or crematories require that there must be some sort of container. This is where the alternative container comes into play. You can select to use the cardboard or fiberboard alternative container in place of a cremation casket, especially if you are on a tight budget. The alternative container won’t come with padding or a lined interior; it is simply a box.
If I choose direct cremation, do I need a cremation casket?
That’s up to you and your family. You do not have to select a cremation casket, but you will likely need a cremation container at the very least.
Can I have a service with a cremation container?
It’s not generally recommended to use a cremation container for a funeral service. Cardboard and fiberboard cremation containers are not intended for viewing purposes and only serve as a means of providing a loved one’s remains with a respectful journey to the crematory. If you don’t want to purchase a cremation casket for a service, you can instead opt for a rental casket.
Hopefully you now feel equipped to better understand the options that are available to you regarding cremation caskets and containers. If you still have questions or would like to discuss the options available locally, reach out to a trusted funeral home and set up a time to visit with a funeral professional. They can help you understand all of your options so you can decide what’s best for your family and your needs.