You have chosen cremation as a method of disposition. Your next task is to select the permanent resting place of the cremated remains – so that you know what type of burial urn to purchase.
Some families may prefer to scatter cremains on private property, in a park, or at sea. (A sea burial needs to be three nautical miles from shore.) Scattering urns allow you to spread the remains in the wind easily.
Some of you might choose a type of urn to keep your loved one’s remains at home or divide them among close family and friends. In this case, you may be looking for a beautiful urn for display or a small keepsake urn. In this is your preference, you can purchase any urn materials, such as glass urns, wooden boxes, or a custom-made container that celebrates a unique characteristic of your loved one.
However, some families choose to bury or entomb their loved one’s cremains. What are the best urns for this scenario? That depends on where the remains will be buried. Here are some frequently asked questions (and their answers) about burial cremation urns.
3 Questions About Purchasing a Cremation Urn for Burial
Many people prefer burying their loved one’s cremains in a cemetery because the site will be marked for eternity by a grave marker or headstone. People also like having their loved one at a cemetery because it gives them a place to visit. Here’s what you need to know about buying an urn to be buried.
What can be used as a burial urn?
Most cemeteries require that the ashes are placed inside an urn vault before burial. An urn burial vault is designed to withstand the pressure of the soil and heavy equipment used by the cemetery grounds crew so that the urn does not collapse from the weight. (It’s worth noting that caskets are also placed inside a burial vault.)
Some families leave their loved one’s ashes in the plastic bag used by the cremation provider. They place the bag directly inside the cremation urn vault for burial.
Others may purchase a special urn to display during their loved one’s services. They will then place the cremation urn inside the urn burial vault that is required by the cemetery.
Do we have to buy a cremation urn vault? What about biodegradable urns?
Some cremation urns are designed to be buried directly into the ground without fear of collapsing. Check with your local cemetery before purchasing a stone urn (or one made of cultured marble or cultured granite) designed to be used without urn burial vaults.
It’s worth noting that green cemeteries are gaining in popularity. These cemeteries have precise requirements for burial, and most require the use of eco friendly biodegradable urns. These are placed directly in the ground without a burial vault.
Do cremation urns come in different sizes?
A typical cremation urn will hold 200 cubic inches of cremated ashes. Generally, plan for one cubic inch per pound of body weight when buying an urn for your loved one.
Some families purchase a larger urn called a companion urn to mix the cremated remains of two people.
Key Takeaways on Burial Urns
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Cremains can be buried in a cemetery. Some families prefer cemetery burial because they can purchase a unique memorial for their loved one that will be maintained for eternity.
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Most cemeteries require the use of a cremation urn vault or a burial urn.
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Green cemeteries allow for the use of a fully biodegradable urn.
Direct Cremation Services May Be the Right Choice for You
If you are taking the time to consider burial urns and urn vaults, you are the type of person who is carefully considering their end-of-life choices. For affordable and compassionate direct cremation services, consider contacting Smart Cremation.
Smart Cremation allows you to avoid many fees a typical funeral home charges. We simplify the process.
We will transfer your loved one’s body from the place of death to the crematorium. Once the body is cremated, we will return the ashes directly back to the family of the deceased.
Are you interested in learning more about this unique service? Contact Smart Cremation today by filling out the contact form on our website.
