Losing a loved one is a painful experience. However, despite mourning, you must make the funeral arrangements to give your loved one a decent send-off.

If you plan for a burial ceremony, you have to decide whether you will use a casket or coffin. While people often use the terms interchangeably, some differences exist. Discover two factors you should consider when choosing between the two during a funeral home visit.

1. Costs

Caskets and coffins serve the same purpose of containing the deceased body during burial. Also, both get used to viewing the deceased body. However, a coffin has six sides while a casket has four sides.

In this case, the difference in shape leads to different costs. Coffins take on the human shape in that they are wider at the top and have a narrower bottom, saving on wood. Thus, they are a cheaper option than caskets. On the other hand, caskets are expensive as they are more elaborate and bulkier than coffins. The price also depends on the design, degree of customization, and fittings.

2. Style

Caskets and coffins may differ in material. For example, caskets are made from metal or wood, whereas coffins can incorporate eco-friendly materials such as cardboard, wool, bamboo, or wood.

The furnishing and linings also contrast. In this case, coffins have individual handles for attaching cords or decoration. On the other hand, caskets have a long handle at their sides to lift and carry lift them.

Caskets have lids with hinges, where you can view your loved one. Nonetheless, a coffin has a removable lid. Thus, in a casket, you can only view a section of the deceased, especially the face. In a coffin, the whole body can be viewed.

 Also, the casket has padded linings, which makes it more lavish. However, a coffin has silk or satin linings with pastel colors.

Thus, caskets are ideal if you prefer usability over style. On the contrary, a coffin is ideal if you prefer style and decoration over ease of use.

During the funeral home visits, your funeral director may ask you to choose between a casket and a coffin for your loved one. In this case, selecting a casket or coffin is entirely up to you and your family.

Concluding either may prove confusing as you can use coffins and caskets interchangeably. However, consider the above factors to help you select the ideal option to give your loved one a decent send-off.