are "anthropoidal," meaning they follow the shape of the human body—wider at the shoulders and tapered at the head and feet [16, 28, 37]. They are more common in European traditions and are often chosen for their simpler, more traditional aesthetic [16, 28]. Understanding Your Material Options

The average cost of a casket is between , though high-end models can exceed $10,000 [6, 16, 26].

For those prioritizing sustainability, biodegradable caskets made from wicker, bamboo, or even recycled paper are increasingly popular [7, 11, 12, 24]. These are designed to return to the earth naturally within 1–5 years [33]. The "Gasketed" Myth

Under federal law, funeral homes must accept a casket you purchased elsewhere and cannot charge you an extra fee for doing so [5, 11].