Caskets and Coffins: What You Need to Know Before You Choose

When planning a funeral, decisions about caskets or coffins can feel overwhelming. From choosing between a casket and a coffin to deciding whether you need one at all, there are more options – and more flexibility – than many people realize. 

Whether you're planning your own arrangements or making choices for a loved one, understanding the basics can help you make informed, cost-conscious, and meaningful decisions. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, starting with general differences and moving on to more specific questions about what you can put in a casket, rental options, and more.

What's the Difference Between a Casket and a Coffin?

The terms "casket" and "coffin" are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference, mostly in shape and sometimes in cultural context.

Casket

A casket typically has a rectangular shape with four sides, a hinged lid, and handles used by pallbearers. It’s the most common choice in the United States and is designed for display during viewings or open-casket funerals.

Coffin

A coffin has six sides – wider at the shoulders and tapered toward the feet and head – resembling the human form more closely. Coffins are more commonly used in the UK and other countries, though they’re less frequently chosen in the U.S.

While the difference is largely aesthetic, caskets often include more features and cushioning, which can impact cost.

Do You Need a Casket or Coffin to Be Buried?

Surprisingly, no. U.S. law does not require a casket for burial, although individual cemeteries may have rules about the type of container allowed. For example, most cemeteries require a burial vault or grave liner to prevent the ground from sinking over time. In green or natural burial cemeteries, shrouds or biodegradable containers may be preferred or even required.

For cremation, a casket is also not required – only a combustible, rigid container, which is often far less expensive.

Can You Rent a Casket or Coffin?

Yes, renting a casket is an option for those who want a dignified appearance for a funeral service but plan to be cremated afterward. Rental caskets are specially designed to include a removable inner container that holds the body. After the service, the body is transferred, within the inner container, for cremation or burial.

This option can significantly reduce costs, sometimes saving families hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to purchasing a casket outright.

What Is a Sealed Casket ? Do You Need One?

A sealed casket, often marketed as airtight or waterproof, features a rubber gasket and a locking mechanism designed to slow the decomposition process and keep out air and moisture. However, these benefits are often overstated. Decomposition is inevitable, and sealed caskets can sometimes cause faster breakdown due to trapped gases.

Sealed caskets are usually more expensive, and there's no legal requirement to use one. Families may choose one for emotional or symbolic reasons, but it's worth considering the added cost and whether it's necessary for your situation.

Are the Legs Covered in a Casket?

At many viewings or wakes, only the upper half of the casket is open, leading people to wonder: Are the legs even dressed? Yes, the body is typically fully clothed, but the lower half is often covered with a blanket, fabric drape, or half-couch lid.

Funeral homes often do this for practical reasons. It helps streamline the preparation process by reducing the need for full-body cosmetic restoration if only the upper half will be seen.

What Can You Put in a Casket?

Placing personal items in a casket is a common way to honor the deceased. Popular choices include letters, photos, jewelry, books, or small keepsakes. However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• For cremation: Avoid anything metal, electronic, or explosive (like batteries).
• For burial: Most items are allowed, but some cemeteries or religious traditions may have restrictions. If you’re unsure, consult with your funeral director to make sure the items are safe and permitted.

Reflecting Your Values and Needs

Choosing a casket or coffin, or deciding whether you need one at all, is a deeply personal decision shaped by cultural, religious, financial, and emotional factors. While funeral planning can be stressful, understanding your options gives you the power to make choices that reflect your values and meet your needs. Whether you choose a traditional casket, a rented one, or no casket at all, the most important thing is that the farewell honors the life it celebrates.

Want to learn more? We help debunk burial myths, compare cremation and burial options and costs, and offer personalized gift items to help remember a lost loved one.

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