Choosing a Container for a Cremation Service

Cremation containers are large and sturdy enough to hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Therefore, all cremation services in Sterling, IL place the body inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber.  

Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs. The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles. 

How do you choose the right kind of container for you? The kind of container that is chose depends on a few key factors including:  

• The family’s wishes 
• Size of the person  
• Whether or not there will be a viewing with the body present  
• Local laws 
• The crematory’s standards 
• Budget  

You can also choose by what you need. The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort. These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option.  

In some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.  

Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container. There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals. 

At the end of the day there is no wrong choice. However, with so many choices, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options. Then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have.  

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, located at 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081, can help answer any questions you have about Sterling IL, cremation services. Call today at (815) 626-1131.