All you need to know before purchasing an urn and casket

Whether you’re planning for your own funeral or a service for someone very dear, this urn and casket buying guide will help you get through it. Even thinking of funerals can feel sad, but to pay a respectful tribute to someone who has passed, you’ll need to find the strength to make necessary plans. This urn and casket buying guide will show you where to start.

In documents the deceased left behind, you may be required to follow specific requests. Even if those documents don’t exist but you knew the person well enough, feel confident that you and no one else has been entrusted to make these tough decisions. Keep that in mind as the most important thing to take away from this urn and casket buying guide.

Once you’ve made the difficult decision between an urn and coffin, or are seriously considering urns as an option, it’s time to explore the many features you can choose from:

1) Materials. Urns come in a complete range of materials. Since urns are meant to last, consider something that won’t degrade. Non-biodegradable urns will be a lasting reminder of that special person. If you plan on scattering ashes, you can choose something biodegradable, which will begin to degrade in about a year. Common urn materials are wood, aluminum, mother of pearl, marble, cast bronze, ceramic, granite and cloisonne. There are a variety of reasons to choose one material over another: Whether you have a budgetary constraint, personal preference, or you want this urn to match a companion urn, your choice is the right one.

2) Shape and design. When you’re picking out an urn, there are lots of different designs and shapes. Something that will help you decide is whether the urn will be buried, displayed, or just be a temporary container before the ashes are scattered. If the urn is going to be buried, you can choose a simpler design. Something on display can be selected to stand out, or to blend in with the rest of the décor. The decision is yours to make.

If you prefer the more common resting place of a coffin, there are lots of choices out there. Here are some features to consider:

1) Exterior material. The material used for the casket can affect cost and look. For some people, certain materials can express a level of quality or prestige. For example, bronze is more expensive than a wooden coffin. If you have a preference, go with it, but know that the cost will be affected. Even the thickness of the material can add to the cost. If the casket is going to be cremated, don’t worry about material as much. A simple casket will do just fine as many funeral homes rent a more elaborate coffin for viewings.

2) Interior. You can buy a casket that has a beautifully crafted interior. Luxurious materials like satin and velvet can be included in the casket (at a cost) but they give off a sense of elegance.