Don't feel shamed! You are among friends.

Coffins and caskets are one of the most expensive items in any funeral purchase and they can vary significantly in cost.

Consumers need to make informed decisions regarding the type of coffin they wish to purchase and at a price with which they are most comfortable. For a low end model consumers can expect to pay $500 to $200o.  For a midrange model between $2,000 to $5,000 and for the top end it would cost $6,000 or more.  So it pays to shop around.

In my book 'What Kind of Funeral? - ' I talk about the MANY CHOICES available to families when planning a funeral. This post provides some useful information on coffins and caskets.

What's the difference between a coffin and casket?

A coffin has a familiar shape and widens out from the top and narrows toward the feet. The lid also comes off with a coffin. A casket is shaped with straight sides and has a hinged lid. There is a wide range available. Coffins and caskets vary in materials and costs.

• Metal
• Solid timber
• Craft wood/timber combination
• Particle board
• Plain craft wood or chipboard
• Cardboard ("Lifeart" coffins)
• Eco-coffins (e.g. wicker)

Things you should know

Burials or cremations are not permitted without a sealed coffin or casket (except where some religious institutions have obtained exemptions).

A family carpenter can make the coffin — but it will have to comply with government regulations, the funeral director’s handling and strength requirements and any crematory requirements such as coffin dimensions.

Metal liners, metal inserts, PVC or latex-based rubber materials are not permitted in or on coffins or caskets used for cremation because unacceptable emissions or residues can result.

Depending on the size of the funeral director’s business, you will be able to choose the coffin or casket from floor stock or from a catalogue. You may notice that different funeral directors ask higher or lower prices for exactly the same product.

With burials, some people like to place religious or sentimental items inside the coffin or on its lid. In most cases this will not be a problem. However, problems can arise with items placed on top of the gravesite itself. For aesthetic or safety reasons the cemetery may not allow this. It is always wise to get advice from the funeral director or cemetery beforehand.

There are also a number of items that cannot be placed inside coffins during cremation as these can cause explosions. The Australian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association publish a document relating to contents of coffins.

What about re-useable coffins?

Some companies can rent a coffin for the funeral. This comprises a normal looking coffin shell with a chipboard box inside. Only the chipboard box is cremated or buried. The outer coffin shell can be kept and hired for re-use.

Useful tips

• Don't be rushed into selecting and coffin or casket. Take your time and ask lots of questions.
• Choose a coffin or casket within your price and budget.
• Ask the funeral director to see the entire range of coffins and caskets on offer.
• Don't be swayed by the funeral director to upsize. Stand your ground.
• Purchase your own coffin or casket from a private supplier
• Don't feel shamed if you choose a coffin or casket at the lower price range. You are among friends.

IMPORTANT! - If your goal is to save money on a funeral, it's not enough to just find a cheaper coffin. You also have to shop around among funeral homes to find reasonable service fees. So, don't stop at finding a good price on a coffin, shop around and compare funeral home service prices too.

About eziFunerals

eziFunerals is Australia’s Largest Funeral Marketplace that supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. As an independent consumer advocate and planning service, we provide families with access to independent and unbiased third party advice to help execute the clients funeral needs. If you would like to learn more about eziFunerals, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au