The coffin or casket is usually the most expensive part of a funeral. But coffin prices can be affordable if you do your homework.
Sales from links on this page result in a small commission to us, which enables us to continue to provide free content to help the grieving.
The reason they are expensive is mostly because funeral homes charge quite a large mark-up on the price, and as most people buy direct from them, they are paying a premium.
However, legally, funeral homes and directors are obliged to let you provide your own coffin or casket and have it delivered to them. In addition, you don't need a casket for a cremation.
The regulations in the USA state:
"Use an “alternative container” instead of a casket for cremation. No state or local law requires the use of a casket for cremation. A funeral home that offers cremations must tell you that alternative containers are available, and must make them available. They might be made of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard, or cardboard."
Check out the regulations for your local area by asking your funeral director.
There is a huge range to choose from on the market from simple cardboard or pine right up to luxury handmade caskets in hardwoods, metals such as steel or copper, even gold plated!
Prices will depend on the materials you choose and where you decide to buy. If you look online or go to a wholesale supplier you will find cheaper prices.
Click on the links for each type of coffin to see our recommendations for designs and where to buy.
In the USA prices range from: |
In USD: $200 - $700 $550 - $1000 $200 - $1000 $1500 - $10,000 |
In the UK prices range from: |
In GBP £300 - £900 £500 - £700 £400 - £600 £1000 - £10,000 |
Prices reviewed in September 2024.
Obviously you can go way above these prices if you get a bespoke coffin with gold plating like Michael Jackson's. But these are the basic prices available from funeral directors and online.
Understanding Different Types of Coffins
Funeral Caskets, Coffins and Urns
Making Your Own Funeral Arrangements
Get Expert and Effective Help in the Comfort of Your Own Home
The following information about online counseling is sponsored by 'Betterhelp' but all the opinions are our own. To be upfront, we do receive a commission when you sign up with 'Betterhelp', but we have total faith in their expertise and would never recommend something we didn't completely approve.
Do you feel alone and sad with no support and no idea how to move forward? It can be tough when you are stuck in grief to find the motivation to get the most out of your precious life.
Online counseling can help by giving you that support so you don't feel so alone. You can have someone to talk to anytime you like, a kind and understanding person who will help you to find meaning in life again, to treasure the memories of your loved one without being overwhelmed and to enjoy your activities, family and friends again.
Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving.
Try a gentle hypnotherapy track to relax the mind. Learn how self-hypnosis can help you cope with grief at any time of the day or night.
Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving.
Check out our lovely range of memorial jewelry for any lost loved one. Pendants, necklaces, rings or bracelets, we have them all in all kinds of styles. Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift.
Honour your loved one with their own memorial website. Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website. Free for basic plan with no ads.