Metal caskets – These caskets are made from solid metal and promise extreme quality and strength. They are often finished in a high gloss and feature elaborate detailing. This makes them a good choice for a luxurious ceremony. Funeral directors generally mark-up the price of coffins. If you're looking to cut costs, you could buy your own and get it delivered to a funeral director. What are the types of coffins and caskets?

Coffins usually cost hundreds of pounds, whereas caskets can be in the thousands. What's the difference between a coffin and a casket? Buying your coffin from a funeral director can be more expensive. Shopping for one independently could save you a quite a bit of money. How to carry a coffin There are many types of coffin out there. It's worth weighing up the pros and cons of each to decide which one is best for you. How about yellow to reflect your sunny personality, or green to represent a love for nature? Bespoke picture or themed coffins

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Woollen – If you'd like something more unconventional, woollen coffins are becoming a popular choice. Woollen coffins are made from cardboard, then upholstered with 100% wool. This creates a warm, cosy look which might seem more comforting than a traditional coffin, and is fully biodegradable. The funeral director will help you raise the coffin onto your shoulder when the service begins. When you walk, keep the coffin close and follow the director's movements.

There's no legal obligation to be buried or cremated in a coffin. If you wish, you could get buried in a shroud – a long piece of cloth that's wrapped around the body. A shroud can be made from materials including linen, silk, hemp, flax, and cotton. The price ranges given in this article are intended as a general guide based upon available online pricing from leading UK coffin suppliers. These prices were reviewed in May 2023. The price – Whatever your price range, coffins can be expensive. Elaborate coffins made from premium materials will cost far more than standard designs. Sometimes you can barely tell the difference between one style over the other. It's good to weigh up the costs of each to see if it's worth paying extra. A solid wood casket may be high quality, for example, but it might look almost the same as a cheaper veneer casket.

Willow – Willow coffins are great for creating a natural look that doesn't compromise on quality. Willow is known for being strong and beautiful. It's sustainably grown, making willow coffins an eco-friendly choice. They are also considered good value for money and are easy to personalise. It could be your favourite football team. A collage of your most treasured photos. Or even images of your favourite food. Most people buying a coffin are doing so for the first time. And, even if you have bought one before, all the different types and options can be overwhelming. Bamboo – Bamboo coffins are a 100% natural, eco-friendly option. They're ideal for a green funeral or a natural burial. Bamboo is extremely hard-wearing. In fact, it's used to build houses in some parts of Asia. So, you can rely on a bamboo coffin for strength and quality. The bamboo is hand-woven around a durable natural frame and is easily personalised. You could, for example, decorate the coffin with leaves or flowers for a botanical look. Solid wood coffins – Solid wood coffins are a sophisticated, popular choice for a traditional funeral. They are often made from solid oak and mahogany. Many can be engraved for a personal look.