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Blue Caskets – Best Options Reviewed & Rated

Introduction

Caskets come in all different colors, but perhaps one of the most elegant forms is a blue casket.

We’ll use the word “casket” and not “coffin” in this article. While they are often used interchangeably, the have different meanings.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Blue Casket?

The best place to shop for a blue casket is online.

You don’t need to read through the lengthy catalogs of funeral homes or scour for local casket sellers anymore. Online casket retailers offer a wide selection and often more affordable prices.

We carefully selected the four best blue caskets available. They are available at the following online retailers:

  1. Titan Casket
  2. Trusted Caskets
  3. Fast Caskets
  4. Overnight Caskets

These online casket sellers offer the same quality coffins you get from funeral directors at much more affordable prices.

All caskets we recommend already have free shipping included in the price. These caskets are standard size. Read our full guide to casket sizes if you think you may need a different size.

Titan Casket’s Dark Blue Casket with Light Blue Interior

Made of 20 gauge steel, this casket features intricately sculpted hardware with a high-gloss dark blue finish. The light blue crepe interior is soft to touch and matches the outside appearance of the casket.

This casket is also customizable—a feature that isn’t available in other online retailers. If you want a different embroidery design on the head panel, you can choose from 150+ selections for an additional $100.

After you order, the casket will be ready for pick up or shipping within one business day. Overall delivery time takes 2-6 days. Titan Casket only offers ground shipping but they can expedite it for an additional fee.

This elegant casket with a sunburst head panel design costs $999.00. It is our first choice for blue caskets.

Source: Titan Casket
Pros
  • Rubber Gasket
  • Larger Sizes Available
  • Customizable Head Panel
Cons
  • No Air Freight Service
Exterior Dimensions81″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 24″
Weight180 lb.

Trusted Caskets – Metal Casket in Blue Finish with Light Blue Interior

This casket has a glossy blue finish matched with a light-blue soft interior. The details of the golden swing bar handle add elegance to the overall appearance.

If you want more detailed hardware, or generally a casket that looks high-end, this is an ideal choice.

Trusted Caskets offers standard 1-2 days ground shipping. If you need the casket immediately, they can expedite the shipping to most major cities in the US.

This blue casket with golden details costs $1,099.99.

Source: Trusted Caskets
Pros
  • 1-2 days shipping
  • Rubber Gasket
  • Locking Mechanism
  • Jewel-Toned Swing Bar Handle
Cons
  • Head Panel Not Customizable
Exterior Dimensions81″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 24″
Weight200 lb.

Fast Caskets – Sky Blue with “Going Home” Head Panel

If you’re not a fan of dark blue and you’re looking for something with a lighter shade, this sky blue casket is a good alternative.

It also has a soft blue crepe interior like the previously mentioned caskets. The head panel is embroidered with the words “Going Home”, adding a personal and sentimental touch to the coffin.

One thing that sets this option apart, is that Fast Caskets offer air shipping, making the standard delivery time take only 1-2 days.

You can get this light blue casket for only $1,195.00.

Source: Fast Caskets
Pros
  • 1-2 Days Air Shipping
  • Rubber Gasket Seal
Cons
  • Head Panel Not Customizable
Exterior Dimensions81″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 24″
Weight200 lb.

Overnight Caskets – Lincoln Spruce Blue Casket with White Velvet Interior

Another alternative to crepe interiors – this choice offers a plush throw and pillow. This completes the rich blue color with a more luxurious fabric.

Aside from the sophisticated two-toned finish, the beautiful white velvet interior in French fold design is well-appointed. It’s the priciest on the list but the cost is justified considering the well-made details of this high-quality casket.

This can arrive at your funeral home within 1-3 days. If you need it much sooner, Overnight Caskets also offer an expedited shipping service.

Get this quality casket for a price of $1,199.99.

Source: Overnight Caskets
Pros
  • 1-3 Days Shipping
  • Rubber Gasket Seal
  • Locking Mechanism
  • Swing Bar Handle
Cons
  • Priciest among the list
Exterior Dimensions81″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 23.5″
Weight200 lb.

Take note that standard delivery time can vary depending on your location. Also, check with the online shop if they can deliver to your state.

Buying Reminders

Take note that the FTC’s Funeral Rule guarantees that a funeral home must not refuse or charge you a fee for using a casket you bought elsewhere. They also cannot require you to be present upon deliver of the casket to the funeral home.

FAQ

What’s the best blue casket?

We recommend the Dark Blue Casket with Light Blue Interior by Titan Casket. It’s the least expensive from our list and offers the best value for money in terms of well-made hardware and impressive design. Plus, they have a modern website, and reliable customer service. blue casket from Titan Casket

Why are some caskets blue?

Simply because it’s an elegant color for a casket! A lot of casket manufacturers offer full selections available in all colors. Caskets choices are not limited to just brown, silver, or bronze. There are a lot of popular color choices to choose from and one most popular is blue.

Is a blue casket more expensive than other caskets?

Usually, no. Caskets made from similar material will share similar price points. Customized detail choices could add to the cost but color, in general, will not.

What type of casket is available in color blue?

Most often, metal caskets are available in blue (or any color). Wood caskets are usually finished in natural color stains.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.

Red Caskets  – Best Options Reviewed & Rated

Introduction

Red is a bold color, often used to make a statement. It can be used to represent love, passion, and strength. If this color represents your loved one, a red casket is perfect for their burial vessel.

We have curated the top three red caskets available online, in addition to everything you need to know about buying one.

We use the word “casket” in this article and not “coffin”. Though often used interchangeably the two words mean different things.

Disclaimer: in Valhalla does not guarantee the accuracy of the prices listed below. We are a visitor-supported site and may earn if you make purchases through links on our site.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Red Casket?

The easiest and cheapest way to get a red casket is to purchase one online.

Obviously, a red casket isn’t conventional. Odds are you won’t see one listed in the funeral homes’ catalog since it’s not a common choice.

Fortunately, there are online casket retailers that offer a wide range of designs and attractive colors to choose from.

It is becoming more and more common for casket retailers to cater directly to the public, as opposed to manufacturers who only sell to funeral homes. And when you buy from online retailers directly with no middle man involved, the caskets come at significantly cheaper prices.

We’ve curated the top three choices. Here they are:

  1. Titan Casket
  2. Best Price Caskets
  3. Fast Caskets

The caskets below are standard size and can fit in standard burial vaults. If you think you need a larger coffin (oversized or double oversized), read our comprehensive article.

Titan Casket’s Red Steel Casket with White Interior

This red casket is affordable and well-made. It has a glossy red finish and sculpted silver hardware that adds elegance to the overall appearance. The interior is made of soft white crepe fabric.

You can add a personal touch by customizing the head panel of this casket. Simply choose from their collection of 150+ head panels and they can custom embroider one to your taste for an additional $100.

Surprisingly, this red 20-gauge steel casket has a very affordable price of $999. It’s an example of high-quality caskets available online and the value realized by buying direct. Despite the low price, all of Titan’s units are made in the USA.

Titan Casket offers free ground shipping to the lower 48 states and the total delivery time takes 2-6 days. They don’t ship via air but they still offer expedited shipping for an additional fee.

red casket from Titan Casket
Source: Titan Casket

To upgrade to 18 gauge or full couch, go to specs in the product description.

Pros
  • Affordable Price
  • Includes Rubber Gasket
  • Available in Larger Sizes
  • Custom Head Panel Options
  • Free Ground Shipping to the Lower 48 States (2-6 Days)
  • Website Easy To Navigate (With Live Chat Support)
Cons
  • No Air Freight Service
  • Full couch is an upgrade
Exterior Dimensions83″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 24″
Weight180 lb.

Best Price Caskets – Red Casket with White Velvet & Silver Hardware

They are called Best Price Caskets for a reason. This beautiful red casket features silver column hardware and an elegant black handlebar. The white interior is made of velvet (a more expensive fabric than crepe) designed in a French Fold pattern. 

This unit by Best Price Casket has slightly more details in hardware compared to our first choice by Titan.

But their difference does not end there. This casket is made of 18-gauge steel which is about 30% thicker than the 20-gauge variant.

With these better features in terms of hardware and materials, the casket is still a good value at a price of $1,195.

Free ground shipping is available, but depends on the date of the funeral. If you need a faster delivery, they also offer expedited air shipping that takes 1 to 2 days.

red casket from Best Price Caskets
Source: Best Price Caskets
Pros
  • Includes Rubber Gasket
  • Locking Mechanism
  • Continuous Weld Construction (Completely Seals the Bottom)
  • 18-Gauge Steel Construction
Cons
  • Free Ground Shipping May Take Up To 5 to 12 Days
  • Website Is Difficult To Navigate
Exterior Dimensions81″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 24″
Weight240 lb.

Fast Caskets – Custom Painted Casket 

If you want to customize a casket to your liking, this is your optimal choice.

Fast Caskets offer an option for Custom Painted Caskets. Which means you can get any finish you want. For instance, if you want a casket in bright red for more intensity and boldness (pictured below) they can customize that for you.

Customization is not limited to color alone. You can also have your casket custom-made with any design or pattern that you can imagine. And choices are not limited to the finish – the interior can be modified as well. With Fast Caskets, you can completely personalize all options for a completely unique result.

The individual attention comes at a price. This custom painted casket below costs $3,500. This could still be a reasonable price if you have more specific considerations. And compared to what is available directly from your funeral home, this could still be a better value.

Fast Caskets offer free air shipping for the first 20 miles of delivery. Standard shipping time takes 1 to 2 days but it could stretch up to 4 days depending on weather or transit delays.

red casket from Fast Caskets
Source: Fast Caskets
Pros
  • Free Air Delivery (For the First 20 Miles)
  • Locking Mechanism
  • Continuous Weld Construction (Completely Seals the bottom of the Casket)
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Non-Gasketed
  • Made of 20-Gauge Steel Only
Exterior Dimensions83″ x 28″
Interior Dimensions79″ x 24″
Weight180 lb.

Take note that standard delivery time can vary depending on your location. Also, don’t forget to check with the online shop if they can deliver to your state address.

Best Option: Titan Casket

For the best and most cost-effective red casket, Titan Casket is our top choice. They offer a wide variety and affordable prices for high-quality caskets that are made in the USA.

One major selling point is that the website is easy to navigate. They also offer exceptional customer service with live chat support that’s readily available.

Another benefit is that their free standard shipping has a reliable time frame of 2 to 6 days. Even though they don’t offer air freight service, you can still get fast delivery via their expedited shipping – a single dedicated van and driver will deliver the casket for you.

Lastly, they have a lot of room for customization without sacrificing the cheap price. Aside from personalizing the head panel, you can also request an 18-gauge steel construction for only $150. Or better yet, you can design your own custom casket by selecting all the details that you want for your red casket.

Buying Reminders

Remember that a funeral home must not refuse or charge you a fee for using a casket you bought elsewhere. This is guaranteed by the FTC’s Funeral Rule. Funeral homes may not require you to be present for the delivery of the casket to the funeral home.

FAQ

Why are some caskets red?

Although red is an uncommon choice for a casket, it’s an attractive option especially if the color represents the personality of the deceased.

What’s the best red casket?

The best out there is the Orion Series Red Steel Casket with White Interior by Titan Casket. It is extremely cheap, well-made, and guaranteed manufactured in the USA.

Do caskets come in all colors?

Almost! A lot of caskets come in a myriad of color options (especially metal caskets). Even if you cannot find a casket with your chosen color, you can always have a casket custom-made to your liking.

Is a red casket more expensive than other colors?

Most of the time, no. A lot of caskets that are made of similar materials and designs have similar prices, regardless of their color. For instance, Titan Casket has the Orion Series where caskets are available in different colors but they all cost the same.

What kind of caskets are available in custom colors?

Usually metal caskets. Metal is much easier to make into different colors because it is more flexible than wood. Further, wooden caskets are usually finished with stain in their natural color which is brown.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.

Best Funeral Prayers for Funeral Cards & Tributes

Introduction

Funeral prayers can be a source of peace, hope, and encouragement for families and friends as they grieve the passing of a loved one. It is through prayer that mourners can express their faith and seek reassurance.

Below is a collection of prayers and verses that you might include in a funeral card or tribute.

About Funeral Cards

Three Crosses at Sunset

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Funeral card may also refer to a funeral program, which is a pamphlet containing the order of service and the details of events that will take place during the funeral service.

The funeral card is printed on decorative paper and can be designed according to a theme you prefer. They are often filled with religious references containing prayers, scriptures, and verses depending on the religion of the deceased.

There is also room for you to personalize a funeral card by adding favorite portraits of the deceased, poems, passages and other personal details of tribute.

Although a funeral card is not required, it can help those who attend the funeral service to follow along with the ceremony. It will also encourage participation during the service.

After the funeral, mourners can keep the cards as a remembrance of the person who died.

Funeral Cards vs Memorial Cards

Funeral cards are often associated with memorial cards that are available at memorial services. However, they serve slightly different purposes.

Funeral Service vs Memorial Service

First, let’s distinguish between a funeral service and a memorial service.

  • A funeral service usually takes place with the body of the deceased present, while a memorial service takes place without the body present.
  • Funeral services may refer to the traditional burial service or the ceremony conducted in a chapel. It is usually conducted a few days after the death has occurred.
  • On the other hand, memorial services are gatherings meant to memorialize the life of the deceased and can take place any time. They often take place well after burial or interment and do not include the body.
  • A funeral service is a traditional structured ceremony and often includes a wake, visitation, prayer services, and Mass. Whereas a memorial service is more modern and can be personalized and hosted by the family.

Depending on religion, funeral cards most often need religious poems and prayers derived from the Scripture. Memorial cards, on the other hand, can include secular poems and prayers that are not directly from the Bible.

Funeral cards can be made into booklets or pamphlets depending on the extent of the content that will be included. Funeral cards also tend to be more devotional because they center around the religious rites in celebration of the deceased.

Cremation services and funerals differ from normal services because there is no body present, making memorials the more popular choice.

Funeral Cards vs Prayer Cards

The practice of giving out funeral cards to those who attend the funeral service came from the old tradition of the Catholic Church providing prayer cards. (See this article you’re interested in Catholic funeral hymns as well.)

Prayer cards usually bear images of saints or religious scenes and verses and prayers to commemorate special moments.

Prayer cards are also distributed at funerals but they do not feature the information of the person who died. It may bear a few details of the deceased such as the names and relevant dates, but its purpose is more to serve as a reminder to pray for the soul of the departed.

Funeral cards are more extensive in detail, and often feature photos of the deceased instead of other religious images. Aside from prayers and verses, it may also include poems or other relevant details relating to the deceased.

Popular Funeral Card Prayers

Here are some of the favorite prayers featured in funeral cards. Your funeral director or professional will also be a good source for inspiration.

A Prayer For The Dead

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.

Heavenly Father

Heavenly Father,
you have not made us for darkness and death,
but for life with you for ever.
Without you we have nothing to hope for;
with you we have nothing to fear.
Speak to us now your words of eternal life.
Lift us from anxiety and guilt
to the light and peace of your presence,
and set the glory of your love before us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Lord Of All We Praise You

Lord of all, we praise you
for all who have entered into their rest
and reached the promised land where you are seen face to face.
Give us grace to follow in their footsteps
as they followed in the way of your Son.
Thank you for the memory of those you have called to yourself:
by each memory, turn our hearts from things seen to things unseen,
and lead us till we come to the eternal rest
you have prepared for your people,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Psalm 121

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills
from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:
he that keepeth thee
will not slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper:
the Lord is thy shade upon thy hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil;
He shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out
and thy coming in from this time forth,
and even for evermore.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
he leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in
the house of the Lord forever.

Prayers that Name the Loved One

Some prayers are designed to mention the name of the person who died. Personalizing the prayer can be meaningful and help mourners connect as they pray for the soul of the departed.

Merciful Father And Lord Of All Life

Merciful Father and Lord of all life,
we praise you that we are made in your image
and reflect your truth and light.
We thank you for the life of your child – – – – – – – ,
for the love he/she received from you
and showed among us.
Above all, we rejoice at your gracious promise
to all your servants, living and departed,
that we shall rise again at the coming of Christ.
And we ask that in due time
we may share with our brother/sister that clearer vision,
when we shall see your face in the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Death Of Someone We Love

The death of someone we love and care about Is like the death of part of us. No one else will ever call out from within us Quite the same responses, the same feelings or actions or ideas. Their death is an ending of one part of a story. Lord as we look back over – – – – – – – -‘s life We ask what we have received, what we can appropriate

And continue on in our own lives and what must be laid to rest. Our love for his/her reminds us that our sharing In one another’s lives brings both support and pain. Our being parted from him/her reminds us of our own mortality And that your love is enduring.

We thank you that our love for – – – – – – – draws us together And gives us a new appreciation of one another And of the beauty and fragility of relationships Which mirror your grace and goodness to us.

Lord, time’s tide may wash his/her footprints from the shore But not our love for him/her nor the influence of his/her life upon our own Nor the ways in which they will ever be a sign for us Of those things which really matter-which are eternal. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.

Lord God Creator Of All

Lord God, creator of all,
you have made us creatures of this earth
but have also promised us a share in life eternal:
receive our thanks and praise
that, through the passion and death of Christ,
your child – – – – – , our brother/sister,
whom we commend into your hands today,
shares with your saints in the joy of heaven,
where there is neither sorrow nor pain
but life everlasting.
Alleluia.
Amen.

God Our Father

God our Father,
we thank you that you have made each of us
in your own image,
and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you.
We thank you for – – – – – – ,
the years we shared with him/her,
the good we saw in him/her,
the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage
to leave him/her in your care,
confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayers for Loss of Family Members and Friends

Many bereavement prayers are written specifically to a member of the family. The prayer may feature the mention of a parent, sibling, child, or a friend. Choosing a funeral prayer according to kinship can help personalize the funeral card and capture the life of the deceased in the form of a prayer.

Prayers for Loss of Father

Prayer for Father 1

May the light of Jesus and the Angels bring Peace and Salvation to my father. May he rest in peace knowing that his soul belongs to GOD and GOD only. No demon, no devil, no principality, no evil spirit has access to his light and salvation. All is well with us DAD go home and rest. We love you and one day soon we will see you in HEAVEN!

Prayer for Father 2

Dear Father, I thank You for taking care of my father during their life on Earth. I thank You for giving them the opportunity to bring me into this world and I likewise thank You for the opportunity to have this prayer. I rejoice over the life that he led while alive and for the good deeds he accomplished. Lord God, I thusly pray for the soul of my deceased father and that You take care of him on his way to Your holy Kingdom. I thank you for listening to my prayers oh Lord, Amen.

Prayers for Loss of Mother

Prayer for Mother 1

O God, Who has commanded us
to honor our father and mother,
have compassion in Thy mercy,
on the souls of my father and mother;
forgive them their sins,
and grant that I may see them
in the joy of eternal brightness.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer for Mother 2

I commend you mother to Almighty God, and entrust you to your creator. May you rest in the arms of the Lord who formed you from the dust of the earth.

Please watch over our family in these difficult times.

May Holy Mary, the angels and all the saints welcome you now that you have gone forth from this life. May Christ who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace. May Christ who died for you, admit you into his garden of paradise. May Christ, the true Shepherd embrace you as one of his flock. May he forgive all your sins, and set you among those he has chosen.

Prayers for Loss of a Child

Prayer for a Child 1

God of all mystery, whose ways are beyond understanding,
lead us, who grieve at this untimely death,
to a new and deeper faith in your love,
which brought your only Son Jesus
through death into resurrection life.
We make our prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Prayer for a Child 2

Lord God,
ever caring and gentle
we commit to your love this little one,
quickened to life for so short a time.
Enfold him/her in eternal life.
We pray for his/her parents
who are saddened by the loss of their child.
Give them courage
and help them in their pain and grief.
May they all meet one day
in the joy and peace of your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Prayer for Loss of Sister/Brother

Prayer for a Brother or Sister 1

As far as I remember, my brother/sister has been with me through all the ups and downs of life. We ate and played together, gave advice to each other and kept no secret from one another. Now, seeing as he/she is gone, I pray that he/she finds everlasting life and eternal happiness in Your powerful embrace. I pray You watch over his/her wife/husband/children/investments on Earth and let Your gaze shift not oh Lord. I thank You for this prayer session and in Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer for a Brother or Sister 2

Lord God above, we, Your humble children kneel before you today in reverence. We know You’re the greatest and You’re the king of all kings. So, we pray You uplift our heart and soul so that we may cast away our sorrows oh Lord. Give us the strength to surpass this situation. No one dies without Your say-so and thus, we rejoice over this triumph and we pray You be with our deceased brother/sister. We thank you for the answered prayer and in Jesus name, Amen.

Prayers for Loss of Friend

Prayer for a Friend 1

Dearest Jesus, who wept at the death of your friend
and taught that they who mourn shall be comforted,
grant us the comfort of your presence in our loss.
Send Your Holy Spirit to direct us
lest we make hasty or foolish decisions.
Send Your Spirit to give us courage
lest through fear we recoil from living.
Send Your Spirit to bring us your peace
lest bitterness, false guilt, or regret take root in our hearts.
The Lord has given.
The Lord has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Amen.

Prayer for a Friend 2

I commend you, my dear [name] to almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator. May you rest in the arms of the Lord who formed you from the dust of the earth. May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints welcome you now that you have gone forth from this life. May Christ who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace. May Christ who died for you admit you into his garden of paradise. May Christ, the true Shepherd, embrace you as one of his flock. May he forgive all your sins and set you among those he has chosen. May you see your Redeemer face to face and enjoy the vision of God, forever. Amen.

Funeral Prayers of Emotion

Hands clasped in prayer

Many prayers vary according to theme, feelings, and emotions. Some prayers express sorrow and ask for peace for the soul of the deceased. Some prayers ask for the guidance of God in accepting the death of the person and hope for the grieving families to heal from the loss.

This list will help you if you want to express a particular theme in your funeral card.

Funeral Prayers for Acceptance

Prayer 1

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.

Prayer 2

Lord God,
you are attentive to the voice
of our pleading.
Let us find in your Son
comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt,
and courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer 3

Lord God above, we, Your humble children kneel before you today in reverence. We know You’re the greatest and You’re the king of all kings. So, we pray You uplift our heart and soul so that we may cast away our sorrows oh Lord. Give us the strength to surpass this situation. No one dies without Your say-so and thus, we rejoice over this triumph and we pray You be with our deceased brother/sister. We thank you for the answered prayer and in Jesus name, Amen.

Prayers for Grieving

Prayer 1

Father,
you know our hearts and share our sorrows.
We are hurt by our parting from those whom we loved:
when we are angry at the loss we have sustained,
when we long for words of comfort,
yet find them hard to hear,
turn our grief to truer living,
our affliction to firmer hope
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer 2

Our eyes, Lord, are wasted with grief;
you know we are weary with groaning.
As we remember our death
in the dark emptiness of the night,
have mercy on us and heal us;
forgive us and take away our fear
through the dying and rising of Jesus your Son.
Amen.

Prayer 3

Lord, have mercy
on those who mourn
who feel numb and crushed
and are filled with the pain of grief,
whose strength has given up
You know all our sighing and longings:
be near to us and teach us to fix our hope on you
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Funeral Prayers for Peace

Prayer 1

We thank You Lord for the passing of our brother/sister. We exalt Your name for the good life he/she lived. We pray oh Lord, that everlasting life be given unto him or her. And as he or she abides in Your garden, let Your angels touch what he/she cannot touch again. Father, be with his/her soul and may he/she rest in perfect eternal peace. Amen.

Prayer 2

Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the almighty Father,
who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who was poured out upon you,
go forth, faithful Christian,
May you live in peace this day,
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with Joseph, and all the angels and saints.

Prayer 3

All praise and glory are yours, Lord our God,
for you have called us to serve you in love.
Bless all who have grown old in your service
and give N. strength and courage
to continue to follow Jesus your Son.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers from the Bible

Bible passages can serve as meaningful prayers for the soul of the deceased. Many Bible verses highlight death, resurrection, and God’s mercy for the departed. Scriptures help in bringing peace, comfort, and hope to families and friends as they mourn the death of a loved one.

Here are some common Bible passages that can be used as prayer and included in your funeral card.

John 14:27

Holy God, Your Word says peace You leave with me and Your peace You give to me. You do not give to me as the world gives, but what You give us is eternal and never fades. So during this funeral, I pray that I do not become troubled and I pray that I do not become afraid. I ask You to surround me with an overwhelming peace as I mourn my loss. I pray that I do not become crippled by the pain, but let my heart not be troubled, Amen.

Isaiah 41:10

Awesome God, I will not fear for You are with me! I will not be dismayed because You are my God! I know that You will strengthen me, because Your word tells me that in my weakness I am made strong. I know that my help comes from You. Lord, uphold me with Your righteous hand, I thank You for never letting me go. During this funeral, I thank You that I am not alone in my pain and sadness. I have You by my side, Amen.

Psalm 46:1-10

God of heaven, You are my refuge and my strength; You are my ever-present help in this difficult time. During this funeral, I will not be afraid even though it feels like my world is falling apart. Despite the way I am feeling, I must be still and know that You are my God. You are with me Father, and I know that You are my fortress. I will not be shaken by what I experience. You will be exalted among the nations and You will be exalted in the earth, Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:50-52

Oh Lord, I thank You because I can place my hope in You. Flesh and blood cannot inherit Your kingdom, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Father, we will not all sleep but we will be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. The trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed! Lord, during this funeral, I thank You because I know that at the sounding of the trumpet, I will see my loved one again in Your glory, Amen.

Philippians 4:7

King of Glory, I declare that the peace that comes from You transcends all understanding and will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus! Lord, during this funeral, I need You in this difficult time Lord and I need You for divine strength and comfort. It is only by Your grace and mercy that I will find peace in my pain, so help me Father. Help me to feel Your presence even as I grieve. King of healing, fill my heart Amen.

Short Bible Verses

Adding short Bible verses can help inspire faith and hope in eternal life. Short Biblical passages can encourage mourners in accepting the death of their loved one and remind them that they are now united with God.

You can add these short Bible verses to your selected prayers, or use them by themselves.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Proverbs 12:28

In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

For further selections from the Bible, continue reading here.

Other Types of Prayers

Prayers can also vary depending on use (such as obituaries and eulogies), as well as the final disposition of the person who died.

Obituary Prayers

When you prepare an obituary for your loved one, it can be fitting to include a prayer. The length of the prayer will depend on where you publish the obituary.

For instance, for a local paper, you may want to include a short prayer as the price will vary according to length. A longer prayer can be used if the obituary will be posted on a website or sent out as emails.

Prayer 1

Oh Father of mercies, and God of all comfort,
Thou hast often invited us to thyself in kindness.
It manifests our depravity that we think of Thee so little
In our hour of ease and prosperity!
But we are now before Thee in affliction and distress.
Yet we rejoice to know that
Thou art a very present and an
All-sufficient help in trouble.

Prayer 2

Our heavenly father, our family prays that You will find mercy on the soul of our brother and friend. We pray that with his unexpected death, his soul may find peace that he has lived a good life and did his best serving his family, workplace and loved ones while he was on earth. We also earnestly seek for the forgiveness of all his sins and all of his shortcomings. May he find assurance that his family will remain strong and steadfast in serving the Lord as he moves forward in his journey to eternal life with Christ, his Lord and Savior. Dear Father, take His soul into Your kingdom and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace. Amen.

Cremation Prayers

Some prayers are appropriate for cremation ceremonies. If there is a committal service where you bury the ashes of the person who died, you can include a cremation prayer in your funeral card. This will allow other mourners to join you in praying upon the interring of the ashes.

Listed below are some of the prayers appropriate for cremation.

Prayer 1

Eternal God, you have shared with us the life of ______________ Before she was ours, she was yours. For all that ________________ has given us to make us what we are, for that of her which lives and grows in each of us, and for her life that in your love will never end, we give you thanks.

As now we offer _________________ back into your arms, comfort us in our loneliness, strengthen us in our weakness, and give us courage to face the future unafraid. Draw those of us who remain in this life closer to one another, make us faithful to serve one another, and give us to know that peace and joy which is eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer 2

O God, in whom we live and move and have our being, we thank you for the life of ________________. We are grateful for all the ways (s)he has touched the lives of those around /herhim. Her/His death brings sorrow and grief to us who love her/him. Grant us your blessing in this hour, and enable us so to put our trust in you that our spirits may grow calm and our hearts be comforted. Lift our eyes beyond the shadows of earth, and help us to see the light of eternity. So may we find grace and strength for this and every time of need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer 3

God, we commend to You the spirit of _______ and commit his/her earthly remains to their final resting place – earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. May You bless him/her. May You keep him/her. And may Your countenance shine upon him/her and bring him/her everlasting peace. Amen.

FAQ

What do you write on a funeral card?

A funeral card usually includes a photo of the deceased, name, birthdate date of death, and the funeral program title. It may also include poems, quotes, and other readings that are often religious in nature. Other common details are the date and location of the service, the order of the service, names of those who will participate in the service, selections of music, obituary or biography, interment details, and information about the funeral reception.

Where can I make funeral cards?

You can make your own funeral card or have it done by a professional or a printing service company.

What is the difference between a funeral card and a memorial card?

Funeral cards are often religious in nature with poems and prayers that are God-centered and derived from the scripture. Funeral cards are also lengthier and may provide the order of service for the funeral.
Memorial cards can be personalized more and include secular poems and prayers that are not directly from the Bible. Memorial cards are generally smaller and contain fewer details about the deceased and the service.

What is the difference between a funeral card and a prayer card?

Prayer cards came from an old Catholic tradition of giving small cards that feature images of saints or religious scenes and prayers to celebrate special moments. They do not always feature information about the deceased (or it may be limited to name and dates.)
Funeral cards are also religious, but they focus more on the person who died. Aside from prayers and verses, funeral cards also contain poems and other personal details about the deceased.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.

Casket Sizes – Complete Guide to Interior and Exterior Dimensions

Introduction

Before the mass production of caskets, caskets were usually custom-built to the dimensions of the deceased. Now, almost all traditional caskets come in three main sizes: standard, oversized, and child casket.

Note: Though the words “casket” and “coffin” are often used interchangeably, they actually mean two different things. We will will not use the word coffin in this article.

Table: Average Interior Dimensions for All Caskets

Type of CasketAverage Interior Dimensions
Standard Metal CasketLength: 78 inches
Width: 23 inches
Standard Wood CasketLength: 75 inches
Width: 22 inches
Oversized CasketLength: 83 inches
Width: 28 inches
Double Oversized CasketLength: 85 inches
Width: 38 inches
Children’s CasketLength: 60 inches
Width: 11 inches
Disclaimer: Different manufactures use slightly different dimensions and construction processes. in Valhalla does not guarantee these dimensions are accurate. This just means we should not be held responsible if, for example, a metal casket that’s labeled standard is not 78 by 23 inches.

Standard Casket Dimensions

Adult-size caskets use the same standard exterior measurements for both metal and wood caskets. 

As the “standard”, these dimensions will fit most adult bodies. (However, there will be minor variations depending on the casket manufacturer.)

The dimensions provided are averaged according to the sizes of metal and wood caskets because they are most common. These average measurements usually hold true to other alternative materials such as wicker caskets. 

Exterior Dimensions

coffin being carried by people

All adult caskets in the standard category must be able to fit in a burial vault. The average size burial vault is 86 by 30 inches.

Therefore both standard metal and wood caskets adhere to the same outside dimensions. The standard exterior measurements for both is 84 by 29 inches.

A burial vault is also known as an outside burial container. It encloses a caskets to prevent a grave from sinking⁠. You can think of a burial vault as a casket for your casket.

TypeAverage Exterior Dimensions
Standard Adult Caskets
(Metal and Wood)
Length: 84 inches
Width: 29 inches
Standard Burial VaultsLength: 86 inches
Width: 30 inches
Average Exterior Dimensions of Standard Caskets and Burial Vaults

Interior Dimensions

Although wood and metal caskets measure the same on the outside, they vary in interior dimensions. (see why below)

The average interior size for a standard metal caskets is 78 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 16 to 24 inches tall.

On the other hand, a standard wood casket averages an interior size of 75 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 16 to 22 inches tall.

TypeAverage Interior Dimensions
Standard Metal CasketsLength: 78 inches
Width: 23 inches
Height: 16 to 24 inches
Standard Wood Caskets
(smaller)
Length: 75 inches
Width: 22 inches
Height: 16 to 22 inches
Average Interior Dimensions of Metal and Wood Caskets

As you can see, the interior space of a wood casket is slightly smaller than a metal casket. Why?

In building caskets, wood panels are typically thicker than metal. So even though wood and metal caskets have the same exterior dimensions, you can expect that metal caskets will have more room inside.

Most adults with a height of up to 6’3″ can fit comfortably in any standard casket. If the deceased is taller, the adjustable interior bedding can fix this.

You can simply slant the bed or pose the body in a slight spread-eagle to make the deceased look comfortable in an open casket. A blanket or a lid will likely cover the bottom half of the caskets anyway.

Oversized Caskets Dimensions

wooden casket

Oversized caskets are designed, logically, for larger bodies that can’t fit in standard size caskets. The average interior dimensions of oversized caskets are 83 inches long and 28 inches wide. An oversized casket with this size will still fit in a standard-sized burial vault.

In constructing and discussing oversized caskets, the standard casket dimensions will increase by 2-inch increments in width and 3-inch increments in length. 

Each step up in size increment will be in terms of X.

For example, a casket that is 3X in length is 9 inches longer than a normal casket. Meanwhile, a casket that is 3X in width is 6 inches wider than a normal casket.

Disclaimer: some manufacturers do not follow this formula. Instead, they build a wide range of oversized caskets of sizes that will be ready-made for customers.

For example, this oversized casket Titan Atlas XL is available in 28″, 29″, 33″, 36″, 40″, 44″ and larger sizes. Similar manufacturers will likely have oversized caskets on-hand. 

oversized casket
Source: Titan Casket

Reminder: The funeral director must view the deceased first before you select a casket (if buying from the funeral home). This is necessary so they can assess the approximate size needed for your loved one’s casket. For cost savings, we recommend buying caskets online; you can still ask the funeral home team to help determine what size you’ll need.

Double Oversized Casket

If the deceased needs an even larger casket than an oversized casket, there is an option for a double oversized casket.

Its interior measures 85 inches long and 38 inches wide. To give you an idea of how big a double oversized casket is, a twin bed mattress measures 75 inches long and 39 inches wide.

Reminder: A double oversized casket will need a larger burial vault and will likely require an additional grave space.

Overall, you can expect that oversized caskets will be more expensive than a standard casket. Although all caskets are made of the same materials and designs, you have to consider that oversized caskets need additional materials, labor, and even custom work to build them.

Children’s Casket Dimensions

infant coffin

Smaller casket sizes are made for infants and children. The average interior dimensions for children’s caskets are 60 inches long and 11 inches wide. 

This image is a coffin, not a casket, because of the hexagonal shape.

For shorter or taller bodies, the range of length for children’s caskets starts at 12 inches and goes up to 5 feet 6 inches. Typically it will just increase lengthwise by 6-inch increments. The width, on the other hand, will just vary in proportion to the casket’s length.

As with oversized caskets, the materials, styles, and other hardware used for children’s caskets are similar to the ones used for standard sizes. The only difference is the dimensions.  

Standard Cremation Box Size

The maximum dimensions for a cremation casket or container will depend upon the crematorium. Make sure to check with them first, especially if your cremation container is larger than the standard size. Some crematoriums require a maximum external coffin size of 82 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 25 inches tall.

If your local crematorium’s restrictions conflicts with the casket you intend to use, consider looking into renting a casket.

FAQ

What is the size of a casket in feet?

The average dimensions of a standard adult-size coffin are 7.17 ft by 2.5 ft.

Do coffins come in different sizes?

Yes. Usually, a casket comes in standard, oversized, or children sizes. Most adults can fit in a standard coffin.

What are the exterior dimensions of a coffin?

The average exterior dimensions of an adult-sized coffin is 84 by 29 inches.

What are the interior dimensions of a coffin?

Wood and metal caskets typically have different interior dimensions since metal is thinner. The average interior size for a standard metal coffin is 78 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 16-24 inches tall. Meanwhile, a standard wood coffin has an average interior size of 75 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 16-22 inches tall.

How is the body of the deceased person measured?

Aside from considering the height, the body must be measured in width from elbow to elbow to determine the appropriate coffin size.

Do metal and wood caskets measure the same?

The exterior dimensions of standard metal and wood coffins measure the same. However, the interior dimensions of wood coffins are slightly smaller.

Why do metal and wood caskets have different interior measurements?

This is because wood panels are thicker than metal in constructing coffins.

What if I can’t fit in a standard coffin?

Some coffin suppliers can have your casket custom-built in case you need a different size. Simply check with a casket manufacturer to see if they can customize one for you.

Can a tall person fit in a standard coffin?

If the body is taller than a standard coffin, you can slightly adjust the interior bedding or pose the body in a slight spread-eagle position to make them look comfortable in an open casket.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.

Rental Caskets – Complete Guide + Pricing

Introduction

Did you know you could rent a casket? You can. If you are planning a funeral service for your loved one but cannot afford to purchase a traditional casket (or just want to consider a more affordable option), rental caskets are a great option.

Rental caskets have become more popular in the past decade because of their cost-saving benefits. Besides being inexpensive, caskets for rent are safe, sanitary, and even eco-friendly.

Note: In this article, we use the word “casket” and not “coffin”. Though often used interchangeably, the two words have distinct meanings.

What Is A Rental Casket?

open wooden casket

A rental casket is simply a casket that you can temporarily rent for viewings and ceremonial purposes. They look just like traditional caskets but use a replaceable insert (typically made of cardboard or wood) that sits inside. The insert holds the body and will be removed after the service, leaving the casket to be reused.

Purchasing traditional caskets with elaborate designs and finishes can cost thousands of dollars. With rental caskets, you get to use expensive, elaborate caskets for the funeral service without buying a new one. Rental caskets are suitable for both burials and cremations. (Though, of course, the casket itself will not be buried or cremated.)

How It Works

After the body is embalmed and dressed, it will be placed in a removable insert. The insert can be a simple wooden box—like a pine casket—or a plain cardboard container. Next, the insert will slide in from the bottom end of the rental casket (resembling a drop-down door).

When the funeral service is over, the removable insert will slide out and then be transported to the crematory or burial site.

Rental caskets will be used many times, but eventually they get damaged or just wear out and are retired at the funeral home’s discretion.

How Much Is A Rental Casket?

According to the NFDA, the average cost of a rental casket in 2019 was $995. The price will still vary depending on the style and material of the casket you prefer.

To give you an example, we selected two funeral homes offering caskets for rent at different price points. Both of these caskets are available online.

rental casket

The Sonoran Skies Mortuary offers its Amherst Rental Oak Casket at $695. This rental casket is made of oak and it has a white crepe interior.

rental casket

On the other hand, Rose Mortuary has its Barrett Rental Casket made of solid cherry and ivory velvet interiors. This rental casket costs $1,195.

Note though that aside from renting the casket, you may also have to purchase the removable insert fitted inside the casket. Most rental casket prices include this fee—especially at funeral homes—but if not, a cardboard container normally costs less than $100. Wooden boxes may cost several hundred dollars more. Any additional items, like pillows and other decorations, will cost an extra fee.

Trivia: According to the FTC, the average cost of a standard casket is slightly more than $2,000, which may still increase for up to $10,000 depending on the material and design. The takeaway? Renting a casket can save you a lot of money.

Renting Caskets From Funeral Homes

Many funeral providers offer the option of renting a casket. If your funeral home does offer rentals, their available choices should be stated on the General Price List. Simply ask your funeral director about this option and they will happily assist you with a rental.

In almost every case, renting directly from your funeral home is the most affordable option.

Benefits of Rental Caskets

Rental caskets can offer the following advantages:

  • More affordable.
  • Suitable for viewings and ceremonies.
  • Environmentally friendly.

Affordable

You can save thousands of dollars by choosing to rent a casket instead of buying a regular casket.

The casket is one of the most expensive items to purchase (or rent) for a funeral service.

As an option for those who cannot afford to purchase a brand new casket, rental caskets became popular to avoid spending a huge amount of money. Families simply use the insert for burial or cremation.

Suitable for Viewings and Ceremonies

man holding flowers

A rental casket looks just like a standard casket with fine linings, luxurious finishes, and expensive materials.

Also, the removable insert of a rental casket is hidden inside the casket. No one will know if you are using a rental casket.

Environmentally Friendly

cemetery

Because you avoid buying a casket that could take decades or centuries to fully biodegrade, your choice of opting for a rental casket is actually eco-friendly. As you use fewer resources, you both save money and the environment.

Regulations on Rental Caskets

A rental casket is permitted by law as long as it meets the following provisions:

  • Must be manufactured specifically for multi-use and must be fitted with a new removable insert after each use.
  • Cannot be reused if a non-removable portion has been soiled, stained, or contaminated by the body placed in the removable insert.
  • The customer who rents the casket must be informed in writing that the casket may have been used already and that it will be reclaimed by the funeral establishment renting it.

FAQ

Can I rent a casket (or coffin)?

Yes. Renting caskets is a popular option for those who cannot afford to buy a standard casket. Also, a rental casket is cost-saving especially if you want a funeral service prior to burial or cremation.

What is a rental casket (of coffin)?

A rental casket is simply a casket for rent. It looks just like a traditional casket but it has a removable container fitted in the interior bedding, which is where the body is placed. After the service or viewing, the removable container carrying the body will slide out and then be transferred for cremation or burial.

How much is a rental casket?

According to the NFDA, the average price of a rental casket in 2019 was $995. The price will vary depending on your preferred style, material, and design of the casket. A rental casket is still a lot cheaper than purchasing a brand new one, which has an average cost of $2,000 and can go up to $10,000.

Is a rental casket sanitary?

Yes. After each use, a rental casket is sanitized and replaced with a new removable insert. The inserts are also fitted in such a way that the body will not touch the outer casket at any time. If any part of the rental casket has been soiled or stained, it will be disposed of and not used anymore (this is a legal requirement). 

Is renting a casket legal? 

Renting caskets is legal and not prohibited as long as certain sanitary provisions are followed: replacing the inner container after each use, disposing of a rental casket that has been soiled or stained, and informing the family in writing that a rental casket may have been used previously.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.

Cardboard Caskets – Complete Guide + Pricing

Introduction

If you are looking for a modest casket option for a simple funeral or cremation, you should consider buying a cardboard casket. They are a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to traditional caskets. Although they are made of a simple material, cardboard caskets have a lot to offer in terms of durability, style, sustainability, and value for the price.

Read more and find out everything you need to know about cardboard casket options.

Note: In this article, we use the word “casket” and not “coffin”. Though often used interchangeably, they mean different things.

What Is A Cardboard Casket?

A cardboard casket is a burial container usually made of corrugated or honeycombed cardboard—a common material that is widely produced. They usually contain a base made of thicker cardboard or plywood to maintain stability and prevent leaks.

cardboard

Cardboard caskets require few resources to build. Like paper, it is easy to burn, making it a good option for eco-friendly cremations.

How Much Is A Cardboard Casket?

To give you a ballpark figure of cardboard caskets according to various styles, we selected a few examples that are available online in the UK.

England is way ahead of the United States in terms of green burials. Your local crematorium will likely have cardboard options available at prices less than or equal to the following.

Almost every funeral home and crematorium will offer a simple cardboard casket for less than $100 USD.

The cheapest cardboard casket you’ll find is in plain white or brown. It is a good option if you want a straightforward and simple casket for burial or cremation. The Cardboard Coffin Company sells its Manila Cardboard Coffin for £192 ($226.33 USD). 

A cardboard casket can get more expensive if you want it in a more luxurious style. It can be made in a wood-like finish such as Compare The Coffin’s Light Woodgrain Cardboard Coffin that costs £299 ($352.49 USD).

cardboard casket with wooden finish
Source: Compare The Coffin

If you want to have your cardboard casket customized with a design of your choosing, it’ll cost you about one hundred more pounds. This picture cardboard casket with bluebells and cloud design by Earth to Heaven costs £485 ($571.77 USD).

picture casket
Source: Earth To Heaven

These are just a few examples of consumer retail prices. The price will likely be cheaper at your local crematorium.

Benefits of Cardboard Caskets

Cardboard caskets have the benefit of being

  • Durable
  • Customizable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Low-cost
  • Lightweight

Lightweight Yet Durable

Although it may seem that cardboard is a simple material, cardboard caskets are built to be sturdy enough to handle hundreds of pounds of weight. In fact—though a casket can weigh as little as 26 pounds—they are strong enough to handle a 300-pound body.

If one needs to support something heavier, a plywood tray can be inserted into the coffin for reinforcement. Regardless of the expected load, a cardboard casket is fashioned with a bottom liner (still made of cardboard) to prevent leaks.

Another benefit unique to cardboard caskets is that they are collapsible and easy to ship.

Cardboard Caskets Can Be Customized

A cardboard casket does not have to be plain. A white or brown cardboard casket can serve as a canvas for your imagination. They can be painted with a wide range of colors. Another option is to create a wood-like appearance by using a painted treatment of faux cherry or pine finish.

Cardboard coffins can also be decorated with any scene, pattern, or picture of your choice. Casket retailers can print pictures and apply them using a biodegradable material wrap. The end result is a container commonly called a picture casket. This allows you to personalize the tribute on the box specifically to the person or pet.

Custom caskets designs are a growing trend that allows for personal expression, whether it be religious, cultural, family, or individual interest. You can learn more about the possibilities at Casketwraps.

Decoration As Grieving

If you want to personalize a coffin for your loved one, you can also write messages or put drawings on a cardboard casket. This process can serve as effective grieving as you artistically express your feelings on your loved one’s coffin. This can also be a cathartic activity for a small group. Families and friends can be asked to actively participate in the casket decorating and share the experience.

Lastly, you can decorate a cardboard casket with pictures, flowers, and other symbols reminiscent of your deceased loved one. This type of personalization is a good way to make a funeral intimate and touching.

Cardboard Caskets Are Eco-Friendly

Cardboard caskets offer another important benefit by being 100% biodegradable. They do not contain any metal parts. Therefore a cardboard casket decomposes easily into the soil—in contrast to most traditional caskets.

Cardboard caskets are made from recyclable materials. They also produce 90% less carbon emissions when cremated compared to hardwood options.

These features make cardboard caskets friendly to the environment. Other eco-friendly casket options are pine box caskets and wicker caskets.

Cardboard Caskets Are Low-Cost

A cardboard casket is a lot cheaper than a standard casket because of raw material cost. Cardboard is widely available, easily produced and it still strong enough to serve its purpose as a casket. Conventional caskets, on the other hand, are generally made from expensive and chemically-treated woods or metals—materials that will not easily biodegrade.

Traditional caskets cost thousands of dollars. It is completely reasonable to avoid this cost and consider the cardboard alternative. In fact, the growing Green funeral movement encourages this as a way to avoid wasting money on something that will only serve its purpose for a few hours—a casket that will only be seen for a short time during ceremonies and viewings.  

There are many ways to honor those that have gone. Spending money on a casket is an individual’s choice.

Cardboard Cremation Caskets

A container of some kind is required for all cremations. As a standard, the cremation container must be enclosed, rigid, leak-proof, and combustible. (Some crematories allow for burial shrouds.)

The cheapest option for this is a cardboard container, (also known as an alternative container). Because of this fact, cardboard containers are primarily used for cremations. Read our post about all your options for cremation caskets to learn about the alternatives.

Trivia: According to the book Grave Matters by Mark Harris, 80% of cremations nationwide use cardboard containers.

As opposed to traditional caskets, a crematory will consume less fuel and release fewer pollutants while cremating cardboard cremation caskets—just another reason why cardboard caskets are great for the environment.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Cardboard Caskets

If you want to build your own cardboard coffin, DIYing Free offers a free step-by-step guide to building a cardboard coffin.

(This is a coffin, not a casket—it has six sides and not four.)

  1. Download the file for the cardboard coffin design
  2. Gather your cardboard,
  3. Laser cut it using the file
  4. Assemble your casket using the instructions provided

The cardboard you gather must match the surface area of 21 sheets measuring 61 x 96 cm (24.02 by 37.80 inches). You can source cardboard for free from bike shops, grocery stores and appliances stores.

For the laser cut step, DIYing Free offers a list of FabLabs where you can have the file cut.

The rest of the steps are available in this instructional guide.

Cardboard is the perfect material to make a coffin out of: it is often free because it’s a waste product, it is very strong in relation to its weight and it biodegrades quickly.

Justin Tyler Tate of DIYing Free

Where To Buy Cardboard Caskets

Your local crematory or funeral home may have an available cardboard casket. You’ll probably have to ask for it specifically, as cardboard caskets rarely make it to the showroom.

You can also buy from any local casket retailer, although they may not offer personalization.

Best Option: Purchase Online

keyboard with cart button

As a great way to choose from a wide range of options and to ensure that you save money, your best option is to purchase a cardboard casket online (if you’re in the UK).

A lot of online coffin sellers offer high-quality cardboard caskets with unique and beautiful styles. Simply search for cardboard caskets on Google and browse from shops that cater directly to the general public. From there, you can have it shipped directly to your address or to your funeral home.

Unfortunately, we haven’t been to find an online cardboard casket manufacturer that sells direct to consumers. If you find one in the US, please let us know.

Tip: According to the FTC, every funeral home is required to accept any casket bought elsewhere. Moreover, they cannot charge you any fee if you purchase from another retailer. Lastly, your funeral home cannot require you to be there when the casket is delivered to them.

FAQ

What is a cardboard casket?

A cardboard casket is simply a low-cost coffin made of cardboard. It is often used for cremations as an alternative container because it is easily combustible. However, it can also be used for burials—particularly green and natural burials—because of its eco-friendly feature.

How much is cardboard coffin?

In the UK, they can range from £165 up to £499 ($195 to $588 USD) depending on the style and design. A plain brown cardboard coffin is usually the cheapest, while a picture casket printed with colorful designs are the most expensive.

What are the advantages of using a cardboard casket?

Cardboard caskets are durable, environmentally friendly, customizable, and cheap. Although they are made of simple and common material, cardboard caskets are still strong and sturdy enough to handle a 300-pound body. A cardboard coffin is also 100% biodegradable and made of recyclable materials, making it friendly to the environment. Lastly, it can be personalized and decorated with various designs while still being less expensive than a traditional coffin.

Can I be buried in cardboard casket?

Absolutely. Cardboard caskets are one of the best options if you are opting for a green and natural burial because it is biodegradable. Other eco-friendly casket options are pine caskets and wicker coffins. However, before using a cardboard casket for burial, it is best to contact the cemetery operators first regarding their policies.

Are cardboard caskets biodegradable?

Yes. Cardboard caskets are biodegradable. They usually do not contain any metal components such as screws or other fittings that are not natural.

Are cardboard caskets strong?

Yes. A cardboard casket is engineered and tested to carry a body weighing 300 pounds or more.

Can I decorate a cardboard casket?

Yes. You may write messages, draw, or paint on a cardboard casket. You may also put pictures, flowers, or other decorations that you want in order to personalize your loved one’s cardboard casket.

Can you carry a body in a cardboard casket?

Of course! It wouldn’t be a very good casket if you couldn’t move it. Cardboard is a surprisingly strong and durable material.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.