Is A Casket Needed For Cremation?

When a loved one passes away, many people feel overwhelmed at all of the arrangements they need to make. Many people choose cremation to honour a friend or family member with the intention of either scattering the ashes or storing them in a special place in their home. 

Once cremation has been decided on, you must also decide whether you need a casket for the body. The answer is a bit complicated. Learn more about what you may require to cremate your loved one, here. 

Do You Need a Casket? 

When most people think about a casket, they think of a major expense and a fancy casket that will be buried with their loved one. This is one expense that you may have been hoping to avoid by opting for direct cremation. The good news is that you do not need a traditional or expensive casket for a cremation though you can certainly purchase one if you desire to do so. 

The body must be in some type of container when placed into the cremation chamber. Many companies will provide an alternative container for this purpose to help save on the costs of an expensive casket. This alternative container is usually some type of box, similar to cardboard, that is safe for use in the cremation chamber. 

It is frequently included in the cost of a direct cremation package, so be sure to inquire about the specifics at your crematorium or funeral home. 

Deciding on a Casket

If you do decide to invest in a casket for your loved one’s cremation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Namely, you need to make sure that you purchase a casket without any metal on it as this cannot go into the cremation chamber. Plan ahead for what you may need to purchase if you intend to use a traditional casket as this will limit your options. 

Some people opt to have a final viewing, memorial service, or funeral for their loved one before the cremation. This is great for giving friends and family members closure and an opportunity to say goodbye one final time. Some funeral homes will allow you to rent a casket for this purpose and then use the alternative container for the cremation. 

This is a great way to save some money on such a major expense that will not serve any real purpose once it is placed in the cremation chamber. 

Arrange for Your Loved One’s Services

Preparing for your loved one’s cremation and a funeral is an essential part of the process of handling their passing. If you are debating what you really need for their service, it is time to contact the professionals who can guide you through the process. Alterna Cremation offers direct cremation in Winnipeg and has the experience necessary to guide you through all of the concerns that you may have surrounding this process.