Caskets and Urns

Caskets or Coffins? What is the difference?

Coffin is the term that has traditionally been used in England and refers to a shaped casket that is wider at the shoulders and more pointed at the feet. A casket is an oblong (rectangle) shape and commonly seen in the United States of America.

In New Zealand we use casket to describe both shapes as it is seen as a more modern and less oppressive word.

Children’s caskets are either oblong or shaped. They may be supplied as natural radiata pine or painted in the traditional white; however we can arrange for them to be painted in any colour you wish.

We provide a variety of caskets including solid timber or particleboard/MDF. There are many designs, styles, colours, finishes and timbers in the range – they can be seen in our display room, booklets and on our website.

Eco Caskets

Untreated radiata pine caskets are available from a renewable resource that supports our local economy. We stock a range of eco caskets that have also been produced based on environmentally friendly principles.

Urns

AFTER THE FUNERAL – THE ASHES

As part of the process of planning a cremation with you, Whitestone Funerals will discuss the options available for the scattering or burial of ashes. Attendance at the burial of ashes is welcomed and encouraged. We can also assist with the scattering of ashes or with returning them to another centre or overseas.

Following a cremation, the cremated remains (commonly referred to as ashes) are returned to the funeral home in a temporary urn. It is suitable for storage if you are choosing to scatter the ashes at a later date.

If you wish to keep the ashes at home or if you wish to bury them, you may choose to have them placed in a decorative urn. Our urns are similar to the casket range. An urn can be made of solid wood or particle board/MDF or painted the same colour as the casket. There are many other designs and materials that you can see at our offices.

You may also choose to supply your own container into which we will transfer the ashes.