Only the right casket can make a meaningful resting place for your loved ones. But, buying a casket can be an overwhelming task. Before purchasing one, you have to research different types and their costs with the help of guides similar to https://insuranceforfinalexpense.com/guide-to-buying-a-casket/ curated by professionals like Gary P. Cubeta from Insurance for final expenses.
Once you have a fair idea about the basics of caskets, you can start with the following steps to buy the right one that suits your needs.
Look For Options Other Than Funeral Homes
Before the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule came into play in 1984, funeral homes were the consumer’s only option for buying a casket. But after the rule was set forth, the patrons are now allowed to use caskets purchased from other places.
Thanks to the ruling, there is a thriving market now hosting various retailers who offer different types of caskets for sale. But that does not mean you should completely shun shopping at the funeral home. Browse through the different caskets and see which style you prefer the best.
Other than funeral homes, you can also buy caskets from:
Online Retailers: There are lots of specialty stores that provide online caskets in different types and styles. Many online vendors offer a good selection for the best price. You can find a particular brand and style and look it up online or browse through different options and choose one.
Independent Retailers: Compared to showrooms displaying various caskets, independent retailers usually have unique styles and models. Even if you don’t buy from them, there is no harm in assessing different options and getting baseline prices.
Check Out Different Types of Caskets
For every budget and personality, there is a suitable and right casket out there. All you have to do is, get to know about the different market options and assess them to find the right fit for your loved one.
Here are some of the types of caskets that you can choose from:
Wooden Caskets: More of a traditional choice, they are made using different hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, pine, cedar, elm, and laminate. The prices of wooden caskets vary based on the kind of wood, finishes, construction, etc.
Metal Caskets: These are made of stainless steel, copper, or bronze, and they are very durable and tasteful. If you are looking for an economical option, you can check the steel casket models, which start around $1000. The expensive ones include copper and bronze, which can range anywhere from $3000 to $10,000.
Fiberglass Caskets: This is a newer alternative you can go for if you are looking for a lightweight and durable casket. You can also choose from different finish options like faux marble and faux wood.
Green Caskets: These are environmentally friendly caskets suitable for a “green” burial. Biodegradable caskets are made of materials like bamboo, banana leaf, seagrass, and rattan. You can choose green caskets if you are looking for an environmentally-conscious option for your loved one.
Choose Different Features of the Casket
Some of the other features of the casket that you can customize are:
- Casket Lids
- Casket Lining Materials
- Special Casket Features
Casket Lid: Half couch and full couch are the two basic lid types. The half couch is the standard lid style, and depending on you and your loved one’s wishes, you can choose either one of the models.
Casket Lining Materials: Some of the most popular choices for the casket’s interior are velvet, satin, crepe, linen, and velour. Crepe is the economical choice, while velvet is the expensive fabric.
Special Casket Features: One of the popular special casket features is the memory drawer or the hidden compartment in the casket’s lid.
Give a Thought about Your Loved One’s Wishes
In case you are shopping for a loved one who has left clear instructions on the kind of casket they would like, then make use of that information wisely. Often this may not be the case. In such situations, think about the person’s tastes and personality and narrow down the choices pertaining to the casket’s material, trim, and linings.
Ask Lots of Questions
If you are dealing with a reputable provider, they will not make you feel uncomfortable when you are asking questions. Ask about options like alternative interiors and finishes, colors, styles and differences between models, etc. If you think any provider is pressuring you into buying any items, leave immediately and start looking for another retailer.
Whether you are purchasing a casket for your loved one or pre-planning for yourself, make sure to do good research and work with a reliable retailer. Though the process can be challenging, make every second worth it.