Funeral Planning 101: What You Need to Know Before You Choose a Casket

Navigating funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Choosing a casket is just one piece of the larger puzzle. In this comprehensive guide, we break down what to consider before purchasing a casket—so you can feel empowered, not pressured.

Navigating funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Choosing a casket is just one piece of the larger puzzle. In this comprehensive guide, we break down what to consider before purchasing a casket—so you can feel empowered, not pressured.

1. Burial or Cremation: The First Step

Before selecting a casket, determine the type of final disposition.

• Traditional Burial: Requires a full-sized casket and often a vault or liner (check cemetery rules).
• Cremation: May use a cremation casket or rental casket; urns are selected afterward.
• Green Burial: Requires biodegradable caskets or burial shrouds.

💬 Speak with your funeral director or cemetery in advance to understand limitations and options.

2. Establish a Budget (And Stick to It)

Costs can vary widely—from $900 cardboard models to $12,000 handcrafted bronze selections.

• Average casket prices range from $2,000–$5,000.
• Federal law allows you to purchase a casket from any provider, not just the funeral home.
• Ask for a General Price List (GPL) from the funeral home—it's your legal right.

💡 At CasketGallery, we offer transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

3. Casket Features to Consider

Modern caskets come with many customizable features. Consider:

• Interior fabric: Velvet, crepe, or satin in colors like white, blue, pink, or gold.
• Gasketed vs. Non-Gasketed: Gasketed caskets provide a seal; useful but not required by law.
• Half-couch vs. Full-couch lids: Half-couch allows viewing of the upper body, commonly used for open-casket services.

🧵 Some caskets also include embroidered head panels (religious symbols, hobbies, names).

4. Understand Funeral Home Tactics

While most directors are ethical, it’s important to:

• Avoid emotional pressure to overspend.
• Ask about any markup or “handling fees” for third-party caskets.
• Clarify whether the funeral home allows outside deliveries (they must under federal law).

📜 FTC’s Funeral Rule protects your rights—review it here: consumer.ftc.gov

Conclusion:
Choosing a casket isn’t just about appearance—it’s about honoring someone in a way that fits your values, needs, and budget. Preparation, even just a little, goes a long way. CasketGallery is here to help every step of the way with honest, respectful guidance.