When you are arranging a funeral service for someone you love, every decision can feel enormously significant. Choosing a coffin is one of those decisions, and whilst it may feel daunting at first, it need not be. There is no right or wrong answer, only what feels right for your family and for the person you are saying goodbye to.
We hope this guide helps to explain the options available, so that when the time comes to make this choice, you feel a little more informed and a little less overwhelmed. As always, we are here to talk things through with you at whatever pace feels comfortable.
Traditional Wooden Coffins
The wooden coffin is what most people picture, and it remains the most commonly chosen option in the United Kingdom. Traditional coffins are typically made from solid wood or a wood veneer, and they come in a range of finishes from light natural oak through to deeper, richer mahogany tones.
They have a timeless, dignified quality that many families find reassuring. If your loved one was a private person who appreciated simplicity, or someone who simply wanted a classic, unassuming farewell, a traditional wooden coffin is a beautiful and entirely appropriate choice.
Common wood types and finishes include:
- Oak, which has a warm, natural tone and is a popular choice across all services
- Mahogany, which has a deeper, more formal appearance
- Pine, which is often a simpler and more affordable option
- Veneered finishes, which offer the look of solid wood at a reduced cost
We can show you samples and help you find a finish that feels right. You do not need to know what you are looking for before you come to us.
Eco-Friendly and Natural Coffins
More and more families are choosing a coffin that reflects a commitment to the environment, and there are now some genuinely beautiful options available. Eco-friendly coffins are made from natural, sustainable, or biodegradable materials, and they are particularly well suited to green or woodland burials, though they can be used for cremations too.
Options in this category include:
- Wicker or willow coffins, which are handwoven and have a gentle, natural quality
- Bamboo coffins, which are sustainably grown and have a smooth, contemporary appearance
- Seagrass coffins, which are lightweight and fully biodegradable
- Cardboard coffins, which are plain and simple, and can be personalised with artwork or photographs
- Wool coffins, which are soft in appearance and made from British fleece
If your loved one cared deeply about the natural world, or if you yourself feel strongly about choosing something kind to the earth, please do mention it to us. We will do our very best to help you find an option that feels meaningful.
Personalised Coffins
A coffin does not have to be plain or conventional if that does not suit the person you are remembering. Many families now choose to personalise the coffin as a way of celebrating a life and expressing something of who that person was.
Personalisation can take many forms. Some families choose a coffin that is painted or printed with a design, perhaps a favourite landscape, a pattern, or an image that held special meaning. Others add a simple nameplate or a posy of flowers. Some choose a colour rather than a wood finish, which can be a quietly powerful statement of personality.
If your loved one had a particular passion, a sense of humour, or a love of the outdoors, of music, of sport or of nature, we would be happy to talk through ways in which the coffin might reflect something of that. It is a very personal decision, and there is truly no wrong approach.
Caskets
A casket differs from a coffin in its shape. Where a traditional coffin tapers at the head and foot, a casket is rectangular with a split lid that can be opened at the top half during a service. Caskets are more commonly associated with American funeral traditions, but they are available here and some families do choose them.
They are typically made from wood or metal, and tend to have a more formal, structured appearance. If this is something your family is interested in, we are happy to discuss the options available to you.
Scatter Tubes and Urns for Ashes
If your loved one has been cremated, or if you are planning a cremation, you will also need to think about how you would like the ashes to be kept or dispersed. We offer a range of scatter tubes and ashes keepsakes that are designed to hold the ashes respectfully, whether you intend to scatter them in a meaningful place, bury them, or keep them at home.
Scatter tubes come in a variety of designs, from simple and understated to beautifully illustrated, and they can be a lovely way of marking the moment of scattering with something that feels considered rather than makeshift.
We also offer a range of memorial keepsakes if different members of the family would like to keep a small portion of the ashes. These are delicate, personal items, and we treat them with the same care and respect as everything else we do.
Please Do Not Feel Pressured
We want you to know that there is no obligation to choose the most expensive option, and we will never make you feel that way. A simple, respectful coffin chosen with love and care is every bit as fitting as a more elaborate one. What matters is that it feels right to you.
We will always present you with a range of options and give you the time and space to consider them. If you would like to see photographs or samples, we can arrange that. If you would prefer to discuss things by telephone first, that is perfectly fine too.
We Are Here to Help
Choosing a coffin is just one part of arranging a funeral, and it is a part that we will guide you through with care and patience. Our role is to take as much of the burden from your shoulders as we possibly can, so that you can focus on being together as a family during this difficult time.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You can call us on 01492 544797 or 07940 230664, and we will always be happy to talk.
Dewi Glyn Jones Funeral Directors. Serving families across Rhyl, Llandudno, Conwy, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Deganwy, Penrhyn Bay and the surrounding areas of North Wales.