You and your family will have a lot of decisions to make as you gather at a funeral home serving Columbia, MD families to speak with the funeral director. It can be difficult to think about planning a funeral service, graveside service, and burial right after a loved one’s death. But you and yours may very well find yourselves having to do just that. One of the decisions you’ll have to make is what casket to purchase. Here are 4 things you should do.
1. What’s Your Budget?
How much do you want to spend on a casket? This is a critical question because it can help you focus your search, which will make it easier to choose the right casket. Do you want a customized casket that is as unique as your deceased loved one was? You can definitely get something that is made to order. Of course, it will cost more to get a custom-made casket. But if you’re interested in going this route and have the budget to do so, why not? Whatever you decide to do, let the funeral director know your budget, and comb through the general price list.
2. What Type of Material Do You Want?
It’s also important to consider the material type. You can get caskets made from wood, metal, and other materials. Some people choose a material based on their deceased loved one’s style, personality, or interests. For instance, if your deceased relative was serious about reducing their carbon footprint, you might get a biodegradable casket.
3. What Size Do You Need?
You’ll obviously want to buy a casket of an appropriate size. This is where the funeral director will come in useful. They’ll be able to recommend appropriately sized caskets. You don’t want one that’s too big or that’s too small. The funeral director will help you find one that’s the right size.
4. What’s the Purpose of the Casket?
What do you plan to do with the casket? Remember that you can put the body into a casket that will be buried underground or you can put the body into a casket that will be placed into a cremation chamber. If you’re going to bury the casket, then you’ll want something constructed out of a solid material like hardwood. But if the plan is to put the casket into a cremation chamber, then you’ll want a casket made out of a cost-effective combustible material. So you’ll typically want to invest more into a casket that will be buried and less on a casket that will be put in a cremation chamber.
When you need a reputable funeral home serving Columbia, MD families, get in touch. We’re here to help you with planning for a deceased relative or with preplanning for yourself. As well, we’re a family owned and operated funeral home that has been serving the community since the early 1900s. So you can count on our long track record of helping people who need the help of a professional death care services provider. You can reach us by phone or visit our office to speak to someone in person.