When cremating a loved one, you may be wondering if a casket is necessary or not. Losing a loved one can be trying times. Amidst being surrounded by emotional upheaval, practical decisions pertaining to the last rights and cremation can be quite confusing. To decide one option over another is really difficult. Though a casket may not be a mandatory requirement, it does come with a caveat. The deceased needs to be cremated in a covered container that is leak proof, robust, combustible and metal-free. It may not necessarily be a casket, but still has to contain these characteristics. While a casket is usually the norm, a simple and eco-friendly option is a cardboard box that is biodegradable and economic as well. By using this economical option, several families utilize the saved money for purchasing several ornate options like a decorative urn for the last remains or some other value-added services.
Usually, the type of casket will depend on the kind of service you plan to have.
Traditional funeral service prior to cremation
For a traditional funeral, one can opt for a completely combustible casket to hold the remains during public viewing or when you are opting for religious service. Usually, combustible caskets are made from materials like hardwood, cloth-covered wood, wicker, teak, bamboo, etc. and has no metal parts. Another option is to choose a casket for the service and have the remains transferred to a more economical container for the actual cremation. This container is usually referred to as an ‘alternative container.’ Some funeral homes also offer rental caskets.
Direct cremation followed by a memorial service
When funeral services precede the cremation process, a memorial service mostly takes place later. The remains are placed in an urn and displayed alongside a photo of the deceased, adorned with flowers. In the case of direct cremation, you do not need a casket as there is no service that requires the presence of the body. Many families still opt for a cremation container, but that is entirely optional. You can also inquire about an alternative container if you don’t wish to purchase one.
While you definitely need to choose an appropriate container for the funeral, there is no rule that specifies that it needs to be a casket. The choice is entirely a matter of preference and your funeral budget. The passing of a loved one can sometimes leave a family amidst financial obligations. It may leave them with rather limited resources and a compulsion to consider economically viable options. In such instances, having a cremation can be a financially better option and can free families from a burden.
At Amherst Funeral and Cremation Services, we follow the cremation requirements to ensure that the last rights are carried out in a respectable, convenient, and sanitary way. Our range of plans and options can help you accommodate your needs in the best possible way without incurring a financial burden. We ensure that our services will fulfill your needs and give you the much necessary closure in the best possible way. Contact us today to learn what we can do to ensure that your loved one has a respectable last journey.