Choosing a casket is not as easy as one might think. No one is really prepared for this task and it is often done during a period of mourning, where bearings are more difficult or even not non-existent. To prepare you to make an informed choice when the time comes, the Aeterna Funeral Complex has some tips to give you on how to choose a casket for yourself or for a loved one.

The deceased’s Last Will and Testament

When it comes to death and the aftermath, no matter what your opinion is, you must know that the choice is up to the deceased. The deceased will have expressed his or her final decision in a Last Will and Testament. If there is no such document and the subject has never been discussed, you will then have to find out what options are possible (choice, price, customization, etc.). The casket often accounts for a large part of the funeral bill, which is why it is important to find out about all the options available.

Choosing a casket according to the type of funeral

A casket must be chosen for both a burial and a cremation. However, the casket will vary depending on the type of funeral. Made from a variety of materials, the choices are almost endless, so you can pay lasting tribute to your loved one's legacy according to your plans and budget.

Customization
Just as every human is unique, your loved one's casket can be as well. You can customize your loved one's final resting place with handles, emblems and ornaments on the outer surface of the casket. You can also choose the fabric on which your loved one will be laid to rest: polyester, satin or velvet, or even what type of embroidery will cover the inside. And lastly, you can choose a model that will open completely or halfway, depending on the type of ceremony desired.

Burial
For burial, there are a number of options to choose from. Although no body can be preserved intact over the long term, it is preferable to choose a casket made of solid, durable wood, such as oak, mahogany, walnut, maple, cherry, poplar, pine, etc. or steel, bronze or copper. It is important that the casket be waterproof and resistant to the effects of time and moisture, thereby preserving the body of the deceased as best as possible. However, if you prefer an environmentally-responsible solution, there are also so-called "green" caskets that are designed to decompose completely once in the ground. They are made from renewable materials and don't release any toxins into the soil.

Cremation
If cremation is desired, it is best to choose a cardboard or pine casket, which is less expensive and more suitable for this process. All ornaments, fabric and handles will also be removed before cremation.

Price range and source of materials

Lastly, as more and more people consider buying locally and responsibly, it is important to know that many caskets are made right here in Quebec, from Quebec wood. Since there are many options for caskets, the price range of these caskets also varies greatly. The average price for a mid-range casket is around $3,000. Of course, the bill can run between $1,500 and $20,000 or more, depending on your wishes or those of the deceased. Rest assured, Aeterna Complex advisors will be there when the time comes to guide you through the many options available to you, depending on your choices and budget. We always work with respect and with the mission of honouring your deceased.