When selecting a casket at a funeral provider, you will notice that there’s a wide range of costs… usually a range from $1500 to $8000. Why such a huge difference?

There are two types of caskets available, metal and wood. The majority of Canadians select a wood casket, and so that’s what I’ll talk about here.

The cost of a casket depends on the type of wood used… Mahogany will be more expensive than Ash. It also depends on how much labour has gone in to making the casket. Each casket is handmade, and the two major providers of caskets in Canada are Batesville and Victoriaville. Some examples of more expensive touches would be rounded corners or decorative ornamentation.

Remember to choose a casket that fits your budget, and reflects the deceased and their values.

Embalming is the process of preserving, restoring, and disinfecting a deceased body.

It has its origins in antiquity, and was notable among the ancient Egyptians, who required it for the cycle of necessity.

In modern history it was brought back into use through the Civil War, and the desire to have those killed in battle brought home, in an acceptable form.

In modern day it’s a practice that is used primarily for visitations, as well as delays in funeral services, and transportation to other countries for burial.

The process of embalming involves replacing the blood with a preservative chemical, by means of a small incision in an artery and vein. After this, a second small incision is made above the navel, allowing the aspiration (removal of fluids) and chemical treatment of the internal organs and cavities, that would not be reached by the circulatory system.

These two incisions are there closed by means of suture cord, or glue.

In addition, the eyes and mouth of the deceased are often fixed closed, by way of eye caps (full cornea ‘contacts’, made of thin plastic), and either suturing or wiring the mouth together.

Throughout this process, the body is washed with warm water and disinfectant soap, to promote distribution, and ensure disinfection.

For burial, or cremation, you will have the choice of clothing for the deceased.

There may be religious restrictions and guidelines that dictate the type of clothing to be worn, but in the absence of those, it remains a personal family decision.

If you will be having a visitation, it is recommended to bring something with full sleeves (not sleeveless, short sleeves, capped sleeves, tank tops, etc) that extend to the wrist, and with a high neckline. Avoid sheer and transparent fabrics.

Please bring whatever the person usually wore in life… underwear, socks, etc.

Shoes are optional, but if brought, they will be put on.

Western funerals have traditionally tended towards more formal outfits to be laid out in, often dresses and suits. But in more modern traditions, there has been a move to have the person laid out in something more accurate to who they were in life… a hockey jersey, a favourite pair of jeans, and sneakers are not uncommon.

If possible, it’s best to bring the clothing with you at the time of arrangements with your funeral provider.