How to Choose Caskets and Coffins in the Philippines

When deciding about prepaying funerals plans, caskets and coffin shopping is part of the plan. This decision is the most difficult but very important one when prepaying. Lucky that the Philippines has a variety of choices given the number of hardwood trees and metal available in the country, but first a casket or a coffin?

Funerals360 says: the terms “coffin” and “casket” are often used interchangeably. However, contrary to popular belief, a coffin and a casket are not the same things. While both a casket and a coffin serve the same general purpose, the difference between the two is found in the design.

Grammarly explains the difference of the design so well: A coffin is generally rectangular but has six sides, while caskets have four sides.

Why six sides for coffins? The widest part contains the head and torso and the narrow part contains the legs.

According to Grammarist, “The word casket originally signified a small box in which jewelry was stored. Some time around the middle of the nineteenth century, the funeral industry began to use the word casket euphemistically to describe a burial box.”

Read more about the Cost of Dying in the Philippines here.

So either way, using the words coffin and/or casket is fine when deciding on which container to buy.

Next decision would be: wood compared to metal.

How to Choose Caskets and Coffins in the Philippines:

• Durability – While it is a known that metal is more durable than wood, metal caskets can be constructed from basic steel in different gauge thicknesses, that is, gauge level goes up as thickness increases. The durability of the wood coffin, however, depends on the kind of wood. If there is long distance transport involved through the course of the funeral, metal is the best choice as the wooden ones could be quite heavy.
• Appearance – Wooden caskets are the choice of those who appreciate the beauty of natural wood. Mahogany is the most popular. Every coffin is a work of art for the maker. Metal caskets made of precious metals like bronze, gold, and copper offers timeless beauty. In addition, like fine bed and linens, the interior design of every casket, both wood and metal, is also for consideration. The elegance and softness of the interior should match the finish of the outside.
• Price – Funerallink Philippines offers a wide range of choices for both wood and metal caskets. It is important not to shop and make this decision alone as it can be overwhelming. Hardwood coffins are priced like the elegant intricately made hardwood furniture, although they are comparatively cheaper than the metal ones. While it is better to purchase and prepay a plan for everything including the flowers, and hearse, some families would prefer to do the arrangements themselves and purchase just the coffin from a particular funeral home. For more pricing details on every location in the Philippines please refer to the list Funerallink has for you. 

Coffin shopping is a decision and a choice no ten-minute conversation can hold. Some even prefer to see the actual caskets in showrooms before signing the dotted lines.

Caskets hold our body for a more dignified last look and memory of our last days on earth. So ask questions. A reputable provider like the ones listed in Funerallink, will give you the time to answer all your needs and not pressure to make that decision.

Do you know that you can now book a funeral service in the Philippines online? Learn more here.

Photo source: Pixabay, FreePik

Related posts

Do Arts Help Us With Grief?

The onset of the pandemic shifted the world’s entire view…

READ MORE

Date: May 31, 2021POSTED By: Funerallinks

Mourning After Miscarriage And How To Handle It

Miscarriage is common, but this knowledge can make you feel…

READ MORE

Date: March 24, 2022POSTED By: Funerallinks

Easter Sunday: Traditions and Its Celebrations

It was on a Friday that the world had to…

READ MORE

Date: April 13, 2020POSTED By: Funerallinks