How to Pick an Urn for a Cremated Loved One

It's always difficult when a loved one passes and those close to them need to plan for their cremation and memorial service. Choosing an urn is something that should be given much consideration but it can seem overwhelming when so many other emotions and plans need to be made. Use these guidelines to help organize your thoughts and aid in the process of choosing an urn after cremation.

Instructions

1. Decide what you want to do with the cremation ashes, or cremains. Many people want their ashes scattered, but loved ones may keep a small portion as a keepsake and hold them in an urn along with other mementos. Others want to bury the urn at a cemetery in an urn vault while some want to keep their loved one's ashes at home.

2. Narrow the choices of the urn down to a style that reflects the person who has passed. There are many different styles made from various materials. Consider if the person was practical, classic or artistic. These answers guide you towards choosing something that allows your loved one's personality to show.

3. Determine if there are any size limitations for the urn. If the urn will be placed in a vault, there are usually requirements on the size of urn that the cemetery will accept. If you want to place the urn on a mantle at home, know the width and height that will fit.

4. Pick the right size for your loved one. An urn needs to be approximately 1 cubic inch for every pound of body weight. The standard size of an urn is roughly 220 cubic inches.

5. Investigate the company from where you want to buy the urn. If the company is local, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints. If they're online, use the company address and contact the BBB in their state for information. Look for customer reviews and consider all of the charges, including shipping, when checking pricing.