For many people, choosing a funeral coffin or casket will be an important part of the grieving process. Choosing your loved one’s final place of rest can be an emotional experience for friends and family, and is an important aspect of arranging a funeral. 

Whether you’re opting for a traditional choice or a personalised coffin, there is something perfect for your loved one’s final resting place. 

With the number of coffins and caskets to choose from these days, this decision-making process can feel slightly daunting. There are plenty of considerations to keep in mind, from size to material to design. 

Funeral Coffin & Casket Materials 

We offer coffins and caskets in a variety of materials. The material you choose for the funeral coffin will depend on several factors, including the nature of your funeral service. 

If you opt for a cremation service, for instance, not every single material will be suitable. If having this kind of service is in your plans, we will be able to advise you on whether your coffin is suitable for cremation (essentially with little metal element).

Coffin and casket material can also be an important decision if you are planning a green or eco-friendly burial. Thanks to increasing awareness of environmental issues, there are now plenty of environmentally friendly materials you can choose from. 

Common funeral coffin and casket materials include:

• Wood
• Bamboo
• Wool
• Wicker
• Cardboard 
• Willow

Funeral Coffin and Casket Sizes

Having an awareness of the approximate height and weight of your departed loved one will make choosing the right sized coffin that much easier when you arrange your funeral with us. These details will help us to advise you on the most suitable coffin choice for your loved one, and avoid any unwelcome delays. 

Personalising Your Funeral Coffin

Personalising your funeral coffin is an important part of the funeral arranging process for many people. There are many options available to you that will ensure your coffin is special, memorable and evokes positive memories of your loved one. 

Some possible methods of personalisation include:

• Name plate engravings (whether this be someone’s name or another word or phrase)
• Different colour, shape and picture coffins
• Floristry and garlands 

Whatever your preferences, we’re able to advise you on creating the perfect personalised coffin for your loved one. 

Putting Objects of Value in a Funeral Coffin or Casket

Placing items of sentimental or emotional value can be a poignant and important part of the funeral service for many people. This tradition dates back thousands of years across numerous cultures, and can have a deep, personal meaning to mourners and family members. 

Whether it is born out of sentimentality or cultural tradition, a member of our team will be more than happy to arrange for personal items to be placed inside the coffin in tribute to your loved one. 

Items that are commonly placed in funeral coffins and caskets include:

• Photographs
• Letters
• Jewellery 
• Flowers
• Money 
• Religious tokens
• Toys

Please note that certain items may need to be removed in the case of cremation or green burial, but may be permitted during the funeral service itself. We suggest that you share your ideas with us beforehand so we are able to best advise you on what items may be prohibited from being buried or cremated, in case this affects your choices. 

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We are a family-led business offering funeral services in Essex since 1958.

Please contact us at any of our four funeral homes, Harold Hill, Hainault, Harold Wood, Collier Row, for any queries, support or advice regarding the funeral planning process.