Glossary
Casket
A casket is the container, traditionally rectangular with a hinged lid, in which a body is buried or sometimes cremated. Caskets are made from wood, metal, or other materials and vary widely in price depending on construction and finish.
Caskets are one of the larger costs in a traditional funeral, and prices range broadly from simple to ornate. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home must show you a casket price list before showing the caskets themselves.
You have the right to buy a casket from a third-party seller, and the funeral home must accept it without charging a handling fee. For cremation, a lower-cost cremation container or rental casket is often available instead.
Related terms
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Common questions
- Can I buy a casket somewhere other than the funeral home?
- Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you may buy a casket from a third-party seller, including online retailers, and the funeral home must accept it without charging a handling fee or requiring you to be present for the delivery.
- How much does a casket cost?
- Casket prices range broadly from a few hundred dollars for a simple model to several thousand for ornate wood or metal designs. The FTC Funeral Rule requires a funeral home to show you a casket price list before showing the caskets themselves.
- Do I need a casket for cremation?
- No. A funeral home cannot require you to buy a casket for direct cremation. A lower-cost combustible cremation container, or a rental casket for a viewing beforehand, is typically available instead.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.