A casket assembly includes side panels, head and foot end panels, a bottom panel and at least a first corner element fixedly coupled to a foot end panel. The side panels are arranged opposite and parallel to each other. The head end panel is coupled between the first side panel and the second side panel. The bottom panel is coupled to the side panels and head end panel. The foot end panel is hingedly coupled to the bottom panel opposite the head end panel such that the foot end panel has open and closed positions. The first corner element defines first and second inner surfaces. The first inner surface extends along the foot end panel. The second inner surface abuts an outer surface of the side panel when the foot end panel is closed, and is spaced apart from the side panel when the foot end panel is open.
