How to Save Money on a Casket
The casket is often the single largest expense when arranging a funeral.
It may not be necessary to buy a casket if your loved one has chosen cremation.
Even if you choose to purchase a casket there are less expensive models, called cremation caskets which are lighter in weight and less expensive than burial models and in many cases they may be used for burial.
There may be other alternatives depending on where you live which can save money on final expenses.
About Caskets Caskets are usually made from metal or wood with metal being the more expensive material.
Pricing is based on the finishing, the handles and the materials.
Less expensive caskets are usually made of wood and covered with cloth rather than finished.
Funeral directors will try to sell more expensive caskets and point out features like seals, but no casket will preserve a body forever.
Cremation caskets are usually made from light weight wood that is finished or covered in cloth.
Renting a Casket In the state of Massachusetts it is possible to rent a casket for the viewing when a person is to be cremated.
The casket is usually not cremated with the body and is necessary only for the visitation prior to the cremation.
Massachusetts recently passed a law which permits funeral directors to offer caskets for rent when they are not necessary for burial.
Other states may follow suit so check with your state consumer affairs department about laws in your jurisdiction.
Selection Most funeral homes have a room where caskets are displayed.
Under federal law they must also show less expensive models, but they usually start with units that are mid-priced.
Mid-priced caskets may still be well over $1000, but if the family asks to see less expensive caskets they must show them.
It is also possible to make your purchase from an internet wholesalers and have it shipped to the funeral home.
Most funeral homes make a good profit from selling caskets so it is best to get a price list before explaining you will be purchasing the casket elsewhere to avoid mark ups on other items.
Cremation caskets are available and often cost hundreds less than burial caskets.
Your choice may be limited by the regulations of the cemetery where your loved one will be interred.
By asking a few questions during the process of purchasing funeral services you can find an affordable option that fits your needs and honors your loved one appropriately.
It may not be necessary to buy a casket if your loved one has chosen cremation.
Even if you choose to purchase a casket there are less expensive models, called cremation caskets which are lighter in weight and less expensive than burial models and in many cases they may be used for burial.
There may be other alternatives depending on where you live which can save money on final expenses.
About Caskets Caskets are usually made from metal or wood with metal being the more expensive material.
Pricing is based on the finishing, the handles and the materials.
Less expensive caskets are usually made of wood and covered with cloth rather than finished.
Funeral directors will try to sell more expensive caskets and point out features like seals, but no casket will preserve a body forever.
Cremation caskets are usually made from light weight wood that is finished or covered in cloth.
Renting a Casket In the state of Massachusetts it is possible to rent a casket for the viewing when a person is to be cremated.
The casket is usually not cremated with the body and is necessary only for the visitation prior to the cremation.
Massachusetts recently passed a law which permits funeral directors to offer caskets for rent when they are not necessary for burial.
Other states may follow suit so check with your state consumer affairs department about laws in your jurisdiction.
Selection Most funeral homes have a room where caskets are displayed.
Under federal law they must also show less expensive models, but they usually start with units that are mid-priced.
Mid-priced caskets may still be well over $1000, but if the family asks to see less expensive caskets they must show them.
It is also possible to make your purchase from an internet wholesalers and have it shipped to the funeral home.
Most funeral homes make a good profit from selling caskets so it is best to get a price list before explaining you will be purchasing the casket elsewhere to avoid mark ups on other items.
Cremation caskets are available and often cost hundreds less than burial caskets.
Your choice may be limited by the regulations of the cemetery where your loved one will be interred.
By asking a few questions during the process of purchasing funeral services you can find an affordable option that fits your needs and honors your loved one appropriately.
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