A Short Guide to Casket Options
The use of caskets can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. There, materials such as wood, paper, and cloth were used to make burial boxes. Over time, caskets evolved and in the United States, they started being manufactured in the 19th century. Today you can find caskets being offered by individual casket providers as well as funeral homes in Belvidere, IL.
Caskets have come a long way from their roots in the 19th century. Advancements in materials, as well as design, have created a market full of unique options. Knowing and understanding what these options are can help you find the perfect choice when selecting one for you or a loved one.
The first thing to look at is the material. Caskets today are made from wood steel and everything in between. Each material is unique and can offer various advantages and/or disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular materials:
- Stainless-Steel – These caskets are extremely durable and do not corrode as easily as caskets made from standard steel. However, due to their durability, they can be more expensive than other options
- Gold, Copper, and Bronze – These materials also provide high durability as well as a pretty high price tag. If you want the look but not the high cost, consider getting a stainless-steel casket with a gold or bronze finish.
- Pine or Willow – These are typically the least expensive option of all the materials. The wood is light and can be eco-friendly when left untreated. This is a draw for many people.
- Oak, Burch, and Maple – These are medium-heavy wood options, and the price reflects that. They can also be quite beautiful.
- Mahogany, Cherry, and Walnut – These are wooden options that are on the high end. They tend to be heavier and sturdier and can take a little longer to break down than their less expensive counterparts.
- Veneer – If you would like a lighter casket choice or if you are working on a small budget, this is a good option.
While these are the most common types of materials, they are not all the materials you can find. When talking with your funeral home, ask about their options.
Other Elements
While caskets long ago might have been pretty simple, today there is a myriad of ways to embellish and personalize them. Just some of these options include:
- Photo Prints – It is possible to have images screen-printed directly onto the casket. Many families select photos that show the loved one’s life and achievements such as marriage photos, travel pictures, or other life events.
- Casket Wrap –
These are wraps that, once printed, will cover the entire casket. These wraps can be designed to look like just about anything. From flowers to your loved one’s favorite sports team colors and logo, the options are endless.
- Inside the Casket – You can also customize the interior lining of the casket choosing from fabrics such as velvet, taffeta, pebble, crepe, chalet, chiffon, organic cotton, and more.
- Hidden Compartments – Some caskets have been designed with hidden niches where you can add items inside.
- Carvings/Embellishments – Wood carvings and embellishments can be found on many artisan caskets. You can get these already made or customized.
With all of the options, you may feel overwhelmed when talking with funeral homes in Belvidere, IL. We understand as this can be a difficult decision. Let us help guide you so that you can feel confident you are making the right choice for your loved one.
