West Valley City Funeral Casket Selection Themes to Consider

There are a few specific items that play a major role in many funeral proceedings, and one of these is the casket. Caskets serve not only as a resting place for the departed, but also as a way of transporting their remains before burial or cremation takes place. 

At McDougal Funeral Home, we're proud to offer a variety of funeral planning services in West Valley City and other parts of Utah, including funeral casket options for those in need. Whether you're performing advanced planning for your own funeral or someone else's or are part of a group selecting a casket for someone who has recently passed, here are a few general tips on casket selection for any funeral need.

Casket Purpose

Caskets may take on a few different forms, but the main purpose is always to provide a resting place for the deceased. These can come in different shapes and sizes depending on your needs, such as:

• Cremation caskets (also called "alternative containers"): Because these hold an urn that's used during cremation practices rather than whole remains, they are smaller than traditional caskets.
• Traditional burial caskets: These take two forms: enclosed (traditional) and exposed. Additionally, they can be either adult or infant sized depending on the funeral need.
• Couple's caskets: For those who want to be buried together, these caskets come in the same size and shape, sharing a single design.

Casket Material Selection

Generally speaking, there are two primary materials often used for funeral caskets:

• Wood: Most caskets use wood, and there are a number of different types used, including hardwood, softwood, veneer, and plywood.
• Metal: Caskets made of metal are usually constructed from bronze or stainless steel. These are more expensive than most wooden options, but can be easier to maintain in the long run because they don't require refinishing or treating. You may also see copper caskets for sale for this reason.

Rent or Buy?

While most funeral situations, especially those involving an actual burial in the casket chosen, will involve a purchase of a casket to own, there are also some settings where renting is the better option. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Renting: These caskets are usually made out of wood and do not include features like padding or shrouds. However, they are typically cheaper than other options while still being sturdy enough for long-term use. Buying used can lower costs, plus is an environmentally conscious option.
• Purchase: Many families prefer to purchase their own caskets rather than renting for a number of reasons. The main reason is that they can often be customized to look exactly as desired, and these tend to last a long time if properly cared for.

Be aware that in some cases, cemeteries or funeral homes may not offer rental options, so be sure to ask about all your available options before you finalize any plans.

For more on selecting the proper casket for any funeral, or to learn about our funeral planning or other services in West Valley City, speak to the caring staff at McDougal Funeral Home today.