If one of your loved ones has suddenly passed away, then you may be in shock. Unfortunately, you may have quite a few decisions that you need to make. One of these is picking out the casket. While the decision seems as though it is quite straightforward, there are some things that you need to think about when choosing the coffin. Keep reading to learn about a few.

Casket Size

Most people do not realize that coffins come in different sizes. These sizes are infant, child, youth, adult, and oversized. Adult is the average sized casket and is typically about 84 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should consider these dimensions and the height of your loved one. For example, the average height of the casket is seven feet, but you may want to consider an oversized variety of your loved one was extremely tall or if they enjoyed an oversized hairdo. Oversized caskets are also ideal for individuals who are on the heavier side. However, some casket companies make extra wide varieties for this purpose.

If your loved one was quite petite, then a youth casket may be ideal as well. Some individuals do not like to purchase caskets that are too large for their loved ones, so if your family member was about five feet tall or less, then a youth version may be the best choice. Also, since it is smaller and made with fewer materials, youth caskets are often cheaper than full-sized options.

Buy Vs. Rent

You should understand that you do not always need to buy a casket. While it may seem odd, you can actually rent one for the duration of the viewing and funeral. This is a good choice in several different situations. If you are on a tight budget, then you can display a more costly and ornate casket for the viewing and purchase a much simpler pine one for the actual burial. This is also ideal if your loved one wanted a viewing, but asked for a cremation afterward. 

Caskets are not simply used over and over again. You will need to purchase the interior liner that fits into the ornate casket. This is the part that will come into contact with your loved one's body. This same liner can then be removed and placed in the new casket or it can be thrown out afterward. Only the outer shell of the casket will be rented and reused. Not only does this help to retain your family member's dignity, but it allows the funeral home to meet all funeral home health and safety standards and guidelines. To learn more, contact a funeral home like Ryan-Parke Funeral Home.