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Coffin keepsakes
There are many parts to organising a funeral, from choosing the flowers and music, to deciding on a coffin, but one of the more deeply personal things you can do to help make your loved one's funeral perfect is to choose a coffin keepsake.
What is a coffin keepsake?
A coffin keepsake is essentially an item of significance to your loved one that can be placed in the coffin with them.
Photographs have always been popular coffin keepsakes, with nearly half of us (49%) saying we would want a special picture to be placed with us. Other favourites include jewellery, letters and teddy bears, all items that can have a massive special significance to us, so much so that we can’t stand to be parted from them even in death.
But like with most aspects of a funeral, what you take with you in your coffin is not bound by any rules (well not many), and so you don’t have to stick to more conventional customs. This was highlighted in our 2019 Funeral Trends report where we revealed the most unusual items our Funeral Directors have been asked to place inside coffins.
Top 10 most unique requests
- Chinese Takeaway
- A false leg
- A mobile phone
- Wizard of Oz costume
- A violin
- A pair of clown shoes
- A set of skis
- Argos catalogue
- A guitar
- A pork pie
We’re fascinated by the way funerals are changing, and while placing items inside a coffin is not a new trend, the things people are choosing to take with them are definitely becoming more personal and unique to them, making them a real talking point for those left behind.
Burial coffin keepsakes
What you decide to choose as a coffin keepsake for your loved one can be as unique as they were. Remember what they enjoyed during their life. Did they have a favourite hobby, football team or a holiday destination? Thinking along these lines could lead to a perfect coffin keepsake.
You could choose a letter or a unique sentimental item or even something that still belongs to you such as a ring or a photograph.
Cremation coffin keepsakes
What you can put in a coffin when someone is being cremated is slightly more limited. The main rule is that whatever you put in the coffin should not be combustible. This includes clothes that can create fumes when set alight such as latex and leather. A bottle of spirits will also be rejected.
However, wooden items are okay as are many soft toys. You can also include jewellery but be mindful that these won't be able to be returned after the cremation.
