Articles and Advice

Is a Funeral Casket Required for Cremation?

A funeral casket is not required for cremation. Caskets are generally used to store an embalmed body through a funeral service. 

Most funeral caskets are not suitable to be used in a cremation chamber, since their mixed materials and metal hinges will not burn and may damage the interior. Instead, bodies are often stored in an alternative container when put into a cremation chamber. This container is entirely made of flammable material, like wood, fiberboard, or cardboard. 

At All California Cremation, we try to keep our services as affordable as possible, so our alternative coffins are made from rigid cardboard.

What’s the Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket?

Both caskets and coffins are designed to contain a deceased person’s embalmed body during funeral services and burials. However, they do differ slightly in function, shape, and price.

Caskets are rectangular boxes with hinged bars on all sides. The top will often open in two sections, one to reveal the deceased’s head and torso for viewing purposes, and a larger opening to show the rest of the body. 

Coffins are not rectangular. Think of the coffins classically used in old Western movies: a six-sided box that narrows at the feet. It will usually only have a single door on hinges, rather than the two that caskets have. 

Because of a coffin’s narrower design, it doesn’t take as much wood to produce. This often makes coffins cheaper than a casket.

What Are Funeral Caskets Made Of?

Most caskets come in either metal or wood. Metal caskets can range from stainless steel to bronze and copper. These caskets tend to have a rubber gasket that seals the interior to keep away dirt, debris, and other elements.

Wood caskets offer a wide range of colors, as materials like cherry, mahogany, pine, and maple can be used. The finish can also be customized, ranging from a highly polished varnish to a more natural finish. It depends entirely on personal preference.

Even in wood caskets, a lot of the ornamentation, like the pivoting handles and hinges, are made of metal. Most crematories prefer to cremate bodies in all-wood containers since metal can potentially damage the inside of cremation chambers.

Is It a Legal Requirement to Be Cremated in a Coffin?

In most states, including California, there is no law that requires a person to be cremated in a coffin or casket. The law does, however, require funeral homes and crematories to inform you that you can use an alternative container (those made of wood, cardboard, or other flammable material).

When Would Families Want to Use a Casket?

Some families plan on having a funeral service with their loved one’s body present. If this is the case, then they will need to embalm the body and purchase a casket for the ceremony. 

In this scenario, families can choose to buy a combustible casket that is suitable for public viewing and cremation. Alternatively, you can use a rental casket from a funeral home or other provider for the service, and then simply transfer the body to a more affordable, combustible container for cremation.

Do You Need a Casket for Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation involves cremating the deceased as soon as possible. Because of the fast turnover, you will not need to purchase a funeral casket or coffin. Families can still have a memorial service with, or without, the cremated remains present.

Direct cremation is the primary service that we offer at All California Cremation. You can set up the cremation process for your loved ones ahead of time. That way, when they pass, you can quickly schedule their cremation appointment.

Do What’s Most Comfortable For You

In the end, the funeral or memorial you organize comes down to personal choice. The deceased may well have laid out some preferences prior to their death, as well. So, do whatever you feel is the right thing to honor your loved one.

The passing of someone so close can leave both an emotional burden and a financial one. Cremation is an efficient and cost-effective option, which can help alleviate financial concerns so you can focus on the celebration of their life. 

If you feel that direct cremation is the right choice for your loved one and your situation, contact All California Cremation today.