Why do we use caskets? What are caskets?

	Caskets are four sided, rectangular cases used in the United States to contain the body of the deceased - Caskets are not coffins
	Caskets allow viewings to take place prior to burial or cremation
	The majority of caskets are made from metal and wood.
	Metal caskets come in varying degrees of thickness. The smaller the gauge number the thicker the metal. Wood caskets come in a variety of hardwoods and finishes

Click here to see Federal Trade Commission compliant price list.

There are caskets specially designed for cremation – see cremation and for natural burial – see natural burial.

VIEW CASKETS

VIEWINGS

When possible viewing the body of a loved one is the single most beneficial element to the funeral experience. Presence of the body at some point during the funeral commemoration enables those attending to confirm the reality of this final milestone in life. Grief Counselor, Dr. Alan Wolfelt of Fort Collins, CO says, “This pause between death and the burial or cremation serves to gradually condition survivors to the changed circumstances brought about by death.”