How to Choose a Cremation Urn
One of the hardest things a person will have to do for a loved one is plan their funeral. If the final wish of the deceased was to be cremated, then the selection of a cremation urn will be necessary. This can be an emotional selection and purchase process, so follow a few guidelines to help make the very important selection of a cremation urn.
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Instructions
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Decide where the urn will be kept after the funeral or memorial service. An urn that will be displayed on a mantel is quite different from an urn that is going to be buried after the ashes are scattered.
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Select the type of style and material for your loved one's urn. Traditional urns are made of metals such as brass, bronze or pewter. Others may be made of a wood such as mahogany or maple, glass, ceramic or a stone such as granite or marble.
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Make your own urn or buy a vase, covered pot or decorative wooden box and have it customized to become the urn that you want. Using jewelry, most often custom designed, as the urn for a loved one's remains is becoming more popular. Remains of the deceased can be sealed in a pendant or locket that can be worn by family or friends. Due to the size, many pendants can be made that and distributed to several surviving family members.
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Place the remains of your loved one in a weatherproof urn if you plan to use the urn as part of your garden or yard décor. Other options for outdoor urns are those considered to be biodegradable. These are usually used when the ashes are to be scattered or the urn will be permanently buried and it is the wishes of the deceased to return to the earth. This option is considered to be environmentally friendly.
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Take time to pick an urn that may show patriotism or pay honor to the branch of the armed services that the deceased loved one was a part of. Some of these urns have flags or military insignias engraved or displayed. Use the urn to display a photo of the deceased, a poem or special remembrance. These can be engraved or attached to an urn to suit the wants of either the purchaser or wishes of the deceased.
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Remember that many people purchase urns to be used for their beloved pet. There are many styles, sizes and materials of urns that cater to the remains of pets.
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Check with your local funeral director for books and samples of urns to choose from.
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Tips & Warnings
Elaborate styles or custom styles will usually have to be ordered. Use the Internet and websites to browse for ideas and price comparisons.
Many urns are very affordable, some starting as low as $35. Ask for estimates before you commit to a custom-designed urn.
