Cremation Casket

When a deceased individual is to be cremated, it makes sense that little money would be spent on a casket. Yet, if there is to be a viewing, those of us who haven't avoided all funerals know that visitors' eyes go first to the casket, whether wood or covered in brocade. Depending on the financial situation of the bereaved, the family may or may not be uncomfortable displaying an inexpensive casket.

If visitors are expecting something lavish in difficult circumstances, any judgment on their part is unseemly. On the other hand, if an affluent family purchases a cheaper casket, for whatever reason, perceptions may differ. They may range from a sense that the family is being frugal and reserving needed assets for the widow or children to a belief that miserliness or anger at the deceased is being shown.

All of these interpretations may, of course, have had nothing to do with the purchase decision. In fact, the law doesn't actually require a casket for cremation. What the law does require is that at least an alternative, rigid container must be used for any handling or transportation of the body to be cremated. An inexpensive container could cost $75, compared to a respectful pine casket of $600 or an elegant cherrywood casket of $3,000.

Cremation caskets are definitely built with as much attention to detail and beauty as caskets for traditional burials. However, one option for the survivors is to purchase the least expensive container for the cremation. They can actually rent a ceremonial casket for transport and display during the funeral service itself. The alternative container is then used for the actual cremation.