When planning a funeral, many people are unaware of the variety of options they have when purchasing a casket. While many caskets are typically made from wood or metal, there are different options that may appeal to people more than the standard casket. These options include rental caskets, cremation caskets or boards, and eco-friendly caskets. It is beneficial to have a good understanding of what these options are as they may be a better fit, whether someone is trying to save money, utilize greener options, or choose a nontraditional burial option such as cremation.
One option that many people are unaware of is renting a casket rather than purchasing one. This is most often used when the deceased person is being cremated. While the idea of renting a casket can be a turn-off for some, it is actually quite smart because the family is saving money and natural resources. Rental caskets are used for the viewing and funeral services, but not for burial. A rental casket is specially designed to fit a cremation casket inside of it, so the actual cremation casket is easily inserted before the funeral services and taken out of the casket before the cremation. This is a great option for those wanting to have a traditional casket, but save money while still fulfilling the requirements for cremation. This option offers those choosing cremation to have the best of both worlds.
Rental caskets are a great way to still have a traditional casket when cremating because cremation caskets must be different in order to fulfill the requirements for the cremation process. Cremation caskets are similar to traditional caskets in the sense that they have ornate designs, linings, and can have added special features. However, they differ in the material that can be used. Cremation caskets must first and foremost be combustible. The material used in the making of the cremation casket cannot contain any metal parts that are non-combustible. The casket must also be leak-proof, rigid, and covered. These different components ensure the safety of the operator working at the crematorium. Cremation caskets can either be similar in design to traditional caskets (as long as they fit the requirements), or they can be alternative containers that are simpler in design. These alternative containers are most often made from fiberboard, unfinished wood, or even cardboard. These containers are more economically priced because of the simpler materials, and are the types of containers that fit into rental caskets so families can still have a traditional casket for the funeral services. There is a wide range of designs and options for cremation caskets or boards.
Another subcategory that offers a larger variety to families are eco-friendly caskets. These green caskets are often made from sustainable sourced material such as willow, bamboo, sea grass, and pine. A pine casket is a great option for those seeking to use a greener casket while still maintaining the shape and build of a traditional casket. Pine caskets are inexpensive, simpler than traditional caskets, and break down easily if a green cemetery is chosen for burial. Another type of green casket is also known as a basket casket, or a woven casket. These woven caskets are made from willow, bamboo, or sea grass. The caskets are all used from sustainable material that quickly grows for those who wish to use greener options. The caskets are woven by skilled craftspeople and have a beautiful, natural look to them. These caskets are optimal for those who wish to be buried in a green cemetery with sustainable sourced casket.
After considering the different options that one can choose, it is important to understand what one’s rights are as a consumer when purchasing these caskets from funeral homes or outside sources. These rights are called The Funeral Rule and apply specifically to the consumer when purchasing the casket. These rights include:
- Upfront pricing—the consumer has the right to receive a list of pricing options for funeral arrangements and casket prices before even looking at caskets. This includes outer burial options such as burial vaults.
- Easy-access pricing—the consumer has the right to access pricing over the phone.
- The consumer does not have to buy all items in a funeral package—they can purchase only the things they desire.
- Written statements for requirements—the consumer has the right to have a written statement or explanation as to why the crematory has specific requirements.
- The consumer does not have to have the body embalmed within a specific number of days.
- The consumer can provide a casket or urn purchased from an outside source other than the funeral home.
These rights are important for one to keep in mind when making end-of-life preparations for oneself or a loved one. The Funeral Rule protects consumers and allows for more agency and preparation when planning a funeral. It also allows consumers to utilize different options outside of traditional caskets if those options better fit the requests of the deceased person. These options include the aforementioned options such as rental caskets, cremation caskets, cremation boards/shroud boards, and eco-friendly caskets. Those alternative caskets offer more options to families and individuals seeking to save money, help the environment, or are choosing cremation over traditional burial.