At Wegnalls Willow Coffins, we have willow coffins for all types of funerals. But how do you choose a willow coffin? What are the differences in the designs your offer?
There are 3 design options for a Wegnalls Willow Coffin depending on the intended use. The main differences are in the base construction, which are as follows:
- FFMA approved design – For cremation across the UK and traditional burial
- Solid base with a plait – For traditional burial and some crematoriums
- Woven willow base – For Natural burial grounds and traditional burial
1. The FFMA accredited coffin
The accredited willow coffin (pictured above) is woven onto an integrated plywood base, has two rounded ends and three weight bearing handles on each side.
This design, in any combination of willow colours, is certified for use at all crematoriums within the UK.
It has been independently tested to 25 stone capacity and is accredited by the FFMA. (You can read more about what this means here).
2. Solid base with a plait around the base
This willow coffin design is perfect for traditional burial grounds, church yards and cemeteries.
The main difference between this and the cremation approved design is that there is a plait around the base of the coffin. (See photos above)
However, they are not suitable for most crematoriums because the plait is lower than the base and runners must be attached. Some crematoriums still allow this type of base, but not all. Therefore if you would like this design for cremation, I would need to contact them to ask if it would be accepted. (Note: Hereford Crematorium require the FFMA design without the plait).
For traditional burial, this willow coffin can be woven in different shapes with:
- Two rounded ends
- One rounded end, tapering to a square at the foot
- Traditional coffin shape (six-sided, tapered shape, wider at the shoulders and narrowing towards the head and foot)
- Tapered with a fully woven lid and no wooden centre.
- It can also have 2 or 3 handles on each side.
Please note: Both of the above designs are not suitable for green, natural burial grounds due to the glue used in plywood. However, I am currently working towards creating a coffin with an alternative, environmentally friendly solid wood base for burials.
Above: Woven base coffin at The Humber Woodland Natural Burial Ground (with wild flowers added into the weaving by the family)
3. Woven Willow base coffins
This coffin design is made by weaving willow around locally sourced timber slats, creating a strong coffin base.
All of the materials used are 100% natural and it is the most sustainable and eco-friendly option. This makes it perfect for natural, green burial sites and traditional burials alike.
Like all other designs, they can be woven in any combination of willow colours.
Finally, like the burial coffin above (ply with a plait) this design can be woven in any shape.
I hope this has helped to explain the different designs that Wegnalls Willow Coffins offer.
What next? You can read more on the ‘Coffins‘ page. If there’s something specific you would like to know about willow coffins for cremation or burial, leave a comment or get in touch.
Thank you for reading. I hope this has been helpful!
