Coffin and Casket Choosing what feels right

As with many things today, the choice of coffins can be a bit overwhelming. You are best to consider a few basic requirements first so that you can get some idea of what you’re looking to achieve before you finally make your selection.

Would you like a coffin or casket?

A coffin is wider at the shoulders and narrower towards the feet
Caskets are rectangular and the same width at the top as it is at the bottom

Next, you need to decide the type of coffin or casket you would like, taking into consideration the style, material, and colour. Would you like it to be personalised or traditional? Have you got an eco-friendly coffin in mind? Perhaps you’d even like to design it yourself?

Many people know exactly what they would like when they see it. However, we’re here to talk you through the options in as much or as little detail as you wish – the choice is always yours.


What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?


When you are arranging a funeral for your loved, you might find yourself having to choose between a casket or coffin.

Choosing a coffin is a basic part of funeral planning, and people usually consider a range of factors to help them decide.

Our coffins and caskets the same?

No. Coffins and Caskets are not the same, although they are often used interchangeably to describe a container for cremation or burial.

What is the difference between a casket and coffin?

The main difference between a coffin and a casket is the shape. A coffin’s shape is tapered along the lines of the human body’s typical proportions – wider at the top and narrow at the bottom, like a kite with six to eight edges. The shape of a casket is rectangular – it has a lid that can be half-opened to view the person at the service or wake.

What does a casket or coffin cost?

Coffins typically cost anything upwards of a few hundred pounds, and this depends on the design, material, fittings (handles, engravings) and degree of customisation.

Usually, caskets are the most expensive option as they are bulkier and more elaborate than the standard coffin. They can cost upward of a thousand pounds depending on material, design and interiors.

A WOMAN'S UNDERSTANDING CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO THE PRECIOUS MEMORIES YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE FOREVER."

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Advance funeral wishes WITH BAY TREE

Many people choose to specify any wishes they may have for their funeral to avoid any worry for their family and friends at a difficult time.

You can include your funeral wishes in your Will or document them in more detail by drafting your Advance Funeral Wishes. This lists everything from your choice of burial or cremation to specific poems you would like to be read and by whom.

A copy of this form is sent to the email address you provide.
Are there any friends or relatives that you would particulary like to arrange the funeral? If yes, please give their details here.
Do you have a pre-paid funeral plan? If yes, please give the details of who it is with and where the paperwork is located
Would you like to donate your organs? Have you registred this request with the NHS Organ Donor Line?
Would you like to donate your body? Have you registered with a medical school? Pleae tell us which medical school. Where is the paperwork kept?
What are your feelings towards being embalmed? Please note it is only necessary in a few circumstances and is not generally needed.
Would you like to be buried or cremated?
It is possible to have a direct cremation or burial. This is where you do not require a service. Family and friends are not present and the ashes are returned to them.
If you would like to be buried, where would you like to have your grave? Is this a natural burial ground or traditional cemetry
Do you have a burial place reserved? If yes, please give details and information on where all of the paperwork is located.
What type of coffin, casket or shroud would you prefer?
Who would you like to carry your coffin?
Would you like your funeral service to take place at a church or other venue before you are taken to the crematorium or burial ground? Or perhaps somewhere else?
Do you have a preference about your funeral vehicle (there are a lot of options: black hearse, white hearse, eco-hearse, horses, VW campervan etc)
Is there anyone in particular you would like to lead the service?
What music would you like? Would you like anyone in particular to sing or play an instrument?
What readings / poems would you like. and who would you like to read them?
Would you like flowers at your funeral or would you prefer donations?
What would you like to be done with your ashes and where?
If you would like your ashes buried, do you have a burial place reserved? If yes, please give details and outline where the paperwork is located.
If you choose a headstone or bench, would you like any particular wording for the epitaph?
Do you have any other requests for the service / funeral that people should be aware of?