Funeral and Casket – Selection and Practices

Casket selection affects the appearance and cost of the funeral — basic caskets cost approximately EUR 300–700, mid-range caskets EUR 700–1,500, and premium caskets over EUR 1,500, with pine, birch, and oak being the most common materials.

6/1/2025 · 2 min read

Summary

Casket selection affects the appearance, cost, and schedule of the funeral. Typical materials are wood and veneered materials. Request an itemised quote: casket, transport, any storage, and ceremony-related costs.

Who and when

A casket is needed for casket burial and often also for the blessing ceremony before cremation.
For cremation, the urn is chosen separately; ensure compatibility with the cemetery's requirements.
An ecological option is suitable if the wish is for low-metal and biodegradable materials.

Step-by-step guide

Confirm the burial method (casket burial or cremation) and the ceremony venue.
Check any doorways and lifting points according to the venue's guidelines.
Choose material and colour; check availability and delivery time.
Request an itemised quote: casket, transport, storage, pall-bearing service.
Confirm delivery and coordinate schedules with the blessing/farewell ceremony.

What to consider

Dimensions and requirements according to the cemetery/crematorium guidelines.
Material and finish: durability and appearance.
Delivery time and logistics: confirmation in time for the ceremony.

Materials and ecology

Wood (pine, birch, oak): most common; finish affects price.
Ecological options: low-metal, biodegradable materials.
Crematorium requirements limit hardware and materials.

Logistics and timeline

Delivery times 1–7 days depending on model; order in good time.
Transport and storage: confirm costs and responsibilities in the quote.
Coordination with chapel/church schedules and any cremation timing.

Costs

Basic caskets: ~EUR 300–700; mid-range: ~EUR 700–1,500; premium: EUR 1,500+.
Additional costs: transport EUR 100–400, storage EUR 0–200, pall-bearing service EUR 100–300.
Urn (cremation): ~EUR 100–600 depending on material.

Requesting and comparing quotes

Request an itemisation for each line (casket, transport, storage, services).
Check delivery time and cancellation terms; confirm compatibility with the venue.
Select 1–2 key criteria (ecology, colour, price) to support the decision.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a casket usually cost?

Casket prices vary significantly depending on material, finish, and manufacturer. Basic models typically cost under EUR 500 and are often pine or veneered wood. Mid-range caskets are in the EUR 500–1,500 range and may be birch or oak with a better finish. Premium caskets cost over EUR 1,500 and may include handcrafted details, fine woods, or special upholstery. Always request an itemised quote from the funeral home so you know exactly what the price includes.

Can you buy a casket yourself?

In Finland, there is no legal obstacle to purchasing a casket independently, for example from an online store or a carpenter. However, it is important to ensure the casket meets the technical requirements of the cemetery and crematorium — such as dimensions, materials, and metal hardware restrictions for cremation. In practice, most families purchase the casket through the funeral home, as this includes transport, storage, and coordination with the ceremony logistics. It is worth asking the funeral home whether you can bring your own casket.

What about an urn for cremation?

Urn prices for cremation range from approximately EUR 100 to 600 depending on material and finish. Simple ceramic or wooden urns are the most affordable, while metal, natural stone, or hand-painted urns are more expensive. Biodegradable urns are available for memorial grove placement. When choosing an urn, consider the requirements of the cemetery or memorial grove and any plans for ash scattering. The funeral home helps with selecting a suitable urn.

Can you rent a casket?

Some funeral homes offer a so-called ceremony casket, which is used during the service, after which the deceased is transferred to a simpler transport casket for cremation or burial. This can be a cost-effective option if you want an elegant casket for the ceremony but a basic model for cremation. The practice varies by region and funeral home, so ask your local funeral home directly whether the option is available and what it costs.