Types of coffins and how to choose the right one
Choosing between a coffin or a casket might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but when it comes to arranging a funeral, it’s an important decision. Whether you’re thinking about your own funeral, or planning arrangements for a loved one, let’s examine different types of coffin and how the price compares.
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The law states that a deceased body must be covered in public, which could involve a coffin, casket or shroud, for example. As we’ll explore, there are various types of coffin or caskets you can buy, and the price varies considerably.
The coffin vs casket debate is familiar to many funeral planners, but is there a difference? While the words ‘coffin’ and ‘casket’ are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same.
- Caskets are rectangular, whereas coffins often have six sides and are wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.
- Caskets are often heavier than coffins and are usually made from metal or wood. In comparison, there are various types of material for coffins.
- Caskets are usually more expensive and often include decorations.
Types of coffins and caskets
Your choice of coffin may reflect your personal tastes and values as well as the price and other factors.
Traditional coffins
If you’d like a classic funeral look, you could consider a solid wood coffin. Many traditional coffins are made from oak, elm and mahogany, and sometimes have brass fittings.
Eco-friendly coffins
Many people increasingly decide to have an eco-friendly funeral, and this includes environmentally sustainable types of coffin. Materials include:
- Bamboo
- Rattan
- Recycled wood
- Poplar
- Willow.
Lightweight coffins
Many eco-friendly coffins are lighter than traditional alternatives like solid wood. For example, cardboard coffins may be more comfortable to carry, while materials like wicker and wool could be an attractive lightweight option.
Metal caskets
For a strikingly modern funeral look, metal caskets are one option to consider. These strong, durable and weather-resistant caskets can delay the onset of corrosion and could create an impressive focal point for a high-budget funeral.
Bespoke coffins and caskets
If you want to choose a coffin or casket that truly reflects your personality, you could opt for a custom-made product. Whether you’d like to decorate it with a treasured image, a unique design or paint the surface with your favourite colour, you can let your imagination run wild.
How to choose the right type of coffin
Whether you’ve got detailed plans for your own funeral, or you’d rather your loved ones make the decision, here are some factors that could influence the coffin you choose.
- Budget. Money talks, and the type of coffin you choose may depend on how much you wish (or are able) to spend.
- Taste. Do you like traditional coffin materials like wood, or even something different like a shroud?
- Values. Everyone’s different, and while some people prefer traditional funerals, others want their coffin or casket to reflect more recent environmental trends.
- Personality. Fancy some bright colours, patterns or other personalisation on your coffin? It’s up to you.
- Occasion. Do you plan on having a burial or cremation? If you’re planning a classic burial funeral, you may opt for a traditional wooden coffin, or you might want a cheaper coffin for a no-frills direct cremation.
Your letter of wishes
If you’re keen to make decisions about your own funeral, stating your preferred coffin type in advance could help your loved ones make the all-important decision. You can specify this in a letter of wishes. This is an opportunity to give guidance to those managing your estate on your funeral preferences and other matters.
How to buy a coffin
A coffin can be purchased directly from a funeral director, or you can shop around online for the lowest coffin prices.
After you’ve passed away, your executors or administrators can pay for a funeral – including the cost of a coffin and funeral director fees – using funds from the estate, a prepaid funeral plan or other cash reserves. And of course, Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance can provide a cash sum that can be put towards funeral costs.