Do I need to buy a casket for cremation?
This is one of those questions you never thought you'd have to think about, but here you are. Maybe the funeral home or crematorium is giving you some options, and you're not sure what you should choose.
Is a casket required for cremation? Do you have to buy one, and if so, which one?
Caskets for Cremation
Here's what you need to know about caskets before and during the cremation.
Is a casket required for cremation?
No. And yes. No, you do not need a traditional (expensive) casket. But yes, you do need an "alternative container" for the body to be in when placed into the cremation chamber.
The "alternative container" is essentially a sturdy cardboard box that will be completely incinerated during cremation. This is typically included in most cremation packages.
Can I use a traditional casket for cremation?
Generally speaking, yes, you can purchase a traditional style casket in which your loved one will be cremated. Due to the high temperatures of the cremation process, it cannot contain any metal. So you can't just use any old casket, you will need to plan your casket purchase with the cremation in mind.
Most funeral homes offer a wide selection of caskets that are designed to be cremated.
Can I rent a traditional casket for the service, then use the "alternative container" for cremation?
Why yes you can! This is a very common arrangement.
You can rent a casket, a cremation urn, and other items for the funeral as well. You don't have to purchase everything. Ask your funeral director about what they have available. Learn more about funeral rentals here.
So, do I need to buy a casket for cremation?
Ultimately, the answer is no. You do not need to purchase a traditional casket for the cremation; the alternative container will work just fine.
Of course, you will still pay for the cost of that container, whether it is a separate line item or rolled into the cost of your cremation package. The crematorium needs to buy and store them, so that is part of the cost of cremation.
If your loved one is being cremated, here at Urns Northwest we have a wide selection of premium cremation urns. For over twenty years, our specialty has been cremation urns made in the USA, with affordable prices, and the best possible customer service.
You can browse our extensive collection of urns, or start with a curated list of our all-time best selling cremation urns. Those have been well received and highly reviewed.
If you need to learn and research a bit more first, we have tons of resources. Our 5-Minute Guide to Choosing an Urn covers all the basics, and then you can find answers to just about any question in our database of articles.
Or just contact us by phone or email, we're here to help!