Wondering how to choose the right urn, whether you’re preplanning for your own funeral or for a loved one?
If you’re asking yourself, “What type of urn should I choose?” and “What size urn do I need?” read on to learn about the most important considerations that will help make the process easier.
How will you use the urn?
When it comes to how to choose the right urn, the most important consideration is how you’ll use it. While all urns serve the same purpose (holding cremated remains), the final disposition of the urn should guide your choice. As you make your selection, consider the following typical ways a cremation urn is used:
- Displaying the urn at home: Many people choose to display a cremation urn in a prominent place in the home to pay honor and respect to a loved one. Urns for display purposes can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, wood, stone or resin, and can be as simple or as elaborately decorated as you wish.
- Scattering ashes: If your loved one has determined that their ashes should be spread at a certain location, there are special cremation urns for that express purpose. Special scattering urns feature a top opening that’s designed to release cremains easily. After the ashes are scattered, the urn can serve as a receptacle for keepsakes or a vase for flowers in memory of the loved one.
- Inurnment in a columbarium: The size of the urn is the most important consideration if your loved one has chosen inurnment in a columbarium niche. Determine the dimensions of the niche before you purchase an urn, and choose an option that will fit perfectly within the space. Keep in mind that some mausoleums have strict requirements as to the type of urn they allow in their facility, so pay close attention to the material of the urn as you make your choice.
- Traditional burial: If your loved one has chosen traditional burial, a burial container and urn vault is the ideal choice. The specially designed urn vaults protect the urn and keep the ground from sinking, preserving the urn for eternity. Be sure to take the dimensions of the urn into account as you choose a burial container.
What size urn do you need?
Once you’ve determined the type of urn you’ll need based on how you’ll use it, you need to determine the correct volume to accommodate the cremains. The volume of a cremation urn is measured in cubic inches. As a general rule, an urn should contain 1 cubic inch of space for every pound of bodyweight prior to cremation. It’s best to choose a slightly larger size if you’re unsure of the exact volume you need. When purchasing an urn for a child or pet, speak with your funeral services provider for expert guidance on sizing and other important information.
Still need assistance in determining how to choose the right urn? Reach out to Steedley Monument Works. We’ll answer any question you may have and help you select an option that honors the life and memory of your loved one.