Caskets and Urns
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Caskets and urns are part of the funeral process. For example, a deceased person is buried in a casket. Similarly, a cremated body is placed in an urn. Both a casket and urn can be buried in a cemetery plot.
Caskets Versus Coffins
There are differences between caskets and coffins. The easiest way to tell the difference is through appearance. Coffins not only have a different shape from a casket. but also have more sides. Unlike caskets, coffins have six sides versus four for caskets. In addition, the top of the coffin is wider than its bottom. Coffins are also tapered to conform to the shape of a human form. A coffin also has a removable lid, while caskets have lids with hinges.
Coffins
Coffins are generally lined with cloth interiors and made of wood. However, they can be made of all types of materials. Some of these are:
They often don’t have rails. However, they can be ordered with hinges for easier transport. Often time coffins are used to show the wealth of the deceased. They can cost thousands of dollars. It’s not uncommon for a fancy coffin to cost more than $10,000.
Caskets
Caskets are four-sided and have rails. They are easier to transport. Most caskets are made of wood. However, they can be made of all types of materials. Some of these are:
LIke coffins, caskets can also cost thousands of dollars.
Urns
Urns are vases. They often have a cover and are tapered with a rounded body and a footed pedestal. The difference in the name stems from their use. We call them urns because they’re used for the cremated ashes of people and pets.
Today, urns come in almost any shape imaginable. Traditionally, urns were made of ceramics or porcelain. However, today they’re made out of many materials, including those below.
Where To Buy
Traditionally, a funeral home sold caskets and urns. In other words, they were part of the funeral services. Today, however, caskets and urns can be purchased from various sources. Funeral homes and entities providing funeral and memorial services still sell caskets and urns. But caskets and urns are also sold online, from local craftsmen, and even in do-it-yourself kits.
TIP: Funeral homes and those selling most funeral and memorial services must follow the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. For example, these include allowing people to purchase caskets and urns from any vendor.
Online sellers include:
Other Resources On Caskets & Urns
Interesting article here.
Also, good government information can be found here.
CarePlanIt covers the entire funeral planning process here.
