Choosing a coffin for your loved one can be an understandably stressful experience. With so many aspects to planning a funeral, the choice of where to lay your loved one to rest often isn’t easy. This is why we’ve put together a short guide of factors to consider when choosing a coffin for your loved one:
The Departed’s Wishes
The best coffin choice for your loved one is the one they wanted.
If your loved one has planned ahead for their death and has made their wishes known to you, then that is the coffin you should go for. Their wishes may have been communicated in a will or to you in a personal conversation. Check through any legal documentation they may have left behind regarding their wishes before deciding on a coffin for their funeral.
Sadly, death can be sudden and unexpected. Not all have the opportunity to plan ahead for their deaths in such detail. When selecting a coffin without knowledge of their prior wishes, talk to your funeral director for advice on which materials would be best. Their expertise is there for your benefit during this difficult time.
The Coffin's Cost
It can feel strange, often disrespectful, to speak about price when handling a loved one’s funeral. However, it is a conversation that needs to happen. When selecting a coffin for the departed, consider the cost and the funeral budget you are working with.
Talk to your funeral planner if you are concerned with a coffin’s price. They are there to help, administering the fine details of a funeral from top to bottom. They will be happy to advise you on how to balance your funeral budget.
The Materials Used
A coffin can be made from a variety of materials. From solid wood to wicker, you have a lot of options to choose from. The best material for a loved one’s coffin should be the one they wished for before they passed. Failing this, however, we recommend talking to your funeral director about which material would be best. They will draw upon their years of experience in the industry to help you find a coffin that gives your departed the send-off they deserve.
Is The Coffin Environmentally Friendly?
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on environmentally friendly coffins. Not only do many of the older coffins require energy and generate waste, but they would also fail to contain the embalming chemicals used on the departed. These chemicals, once they have escaped the coffin, can be ruinous for the surrounding environment.
Environmentally friendly coffins, made from materials such as willow or wicker, are created to prevent such negative environmental impacts. They are made from sustainably sourced materials and are created for use with un-embalmed bodies, or to degrade more slowly than the chemicals themselves.
Coffin Style
There are many different styles of coffin on offer to suit the wishes and needs of your departed. If your loved one did not make their preferences known to you before their death, then talk to your funeral planner. They can take you through the choices that are available to you, as well as advise on style and cost where appropriate.
Contact W R Bettelley For Expertly Crafted Coffins And Compassionate Funeral Advice
If you are dealing with the death of a loved one, contact W R Bettelley for expert advice and funeral planning. We guide you through the whole funeral process with minimum friction, so that you can focus on the things that really matter. Our services include bespoke coffin supply so you find the right one for your loved one. Contact us today for more information.
