If you’re organizing a funeral, you’ve probably come across the terms “coffin” and “casket” simultaneously. However, there is a slight difference between the two which lies in their shape and design.
As a general rule, the difference between a casket and a coffin is that caskets are typically better made. This means their designs are more intricate and the material used to build them is much better quality. Coffins have a simpler shape and are easier to make. Although they are made with less. Let’s go into a bit more detail.
What is a coffin?
A coffin is a container used to hold the remains of a loved one. In this way, it performs the same function as a casket. The shape of a coffin is hexagonal. The bottom half of the coffin is elongated to accommodate the legs of the body. Their designs are simple and the material they’re made from is typically wood. However, there are more eco-friendly options made from cardboard that degrade over time.
What is a casket?
A casket is also a container for the deceased’s remains, usually intricately made out of good-quality wood. A casket is lined with fabric to ensure that the deceased are comfortable on their journey during their passing. Another unique characteristic of a casket is that there are handles which allow it to be transported by selected members of the funeral party.
Coffin vs casket: How do they differ?
Coffins have a different shape from caskets which is their main difference. The Caskets are rectangular whereas coffins have six sizes with a longer bottom half that leaves room for the deceased’s legs. While caskets are also designed to be long enough for a human body, they do not have narrowed lower sections.
Another difference between coffins vs caskets is that a coffin has a completely removable lid. Coffin lids are usually permanently closed before a burial service takes place. A casket lid, however, is on hinges and is often used in open-casket funeral ceremonies.
How much do they cost?
Several factors affect the cost of a coffin or a casket. Typically coffins are cheaper than caskets owing to the simpler design, however, this largely depends on the types of materials used to make the coffin or the casket.
Hardwood caskets are more expensive, however, if a particular material meant something sentimental to a loved one, family members tend to spend a bit more. Less expensive options include softwoods and plywood, which both coffins and caskets can be made from.
Should I choose a coffin or a casket?
Choosing a coffin or a casket depends on the type of burial ceremony you want to have for your deceased loved one. If you want to have a ceremony where you want to see the body to say a final goodbye a casket would be best.
However, for a standard burial service, coffins tend to be the more popular choice. Funeral guests are still able to lay flowers and gifts on the coffin before the burial takes place. These are also the less expensive options for anyone wanting to save some money on funeral expenses.
