Losing a loved one is never easy. But there are things you can do that can soften the sting of loss. For example, having a personalized funeral service for your loved one will allow others to offer support and condolences and share memories. And choosing the perfect urn for your loved one’s remains will enable you to make the best out of a horrible situation.
Here are some tips on how to select cremation urns.
How to Buy a Cremation Urn That Honors Your Loved One
Most urns are designed to hold the remains of an average-sized person. However, you can also buy urns for children or pets. If your loved one was taller or bigger than most, you might need to buy an urn specially designed to hold more ashes – or the remains of more than one person.
It’s also worth noting that crematory urns – or those you receive from a cremation provider – are often temporary containers.
Here are more tips on finding a suitable urn for your unique situation.
Consider the permanent resting place of the urn.
Some people take comfort in keeping their loved one’s cremains nearby. If so, select an urn design that reminds you of your loved one, perhaps with personalization options. While we understand this need, it’s essential to consider the urn’s ultimate resting place.
For example, do you plan to have the urn placed in a niche? Then, confirm the opening size so that you purchase an urn of the right shape and size.
Others may choose to bury the urned remains in a cemetery. If so, look at the cemetery requirements. Some cemeteries require the burial urns to be placed in a vault – unless you purchase one made of marble or natural stone.
Consider the personality, preferences, and interests of your loved one.
Once you have determined the permanent location of your loved one’s remains, narrow your choices to urns that remind you of your loved one. For example, perhaps you would choose a teddy bear cremation urn for a child. Or you might select sculpture urns in the shape of a motorcycle to honor your Harley-loving family member. (You can also choose pet urns for your specific cat, dog, horse, or other animal breeds.)
Some people are careful to select specific designs or colors for funeral urns – as they are often displayed at the service.
No matter your loved one’s interests or hobbies, there is a perfect urn available for those open to online shopping.
Some families choose to design cremation jewelry to remember their loved ones.
There are two main types of cremation jewelry. One type allows you to keep a tiny bit of cremation ash in a pendant, ring, or bracelet. The other option is to use cremation ash to grow a gem or diamond. The second option is typically more expensive and takes more time. However, both are lovely ways to memorialize the deceased.
It’s worth noting that if you use cremation ash for jewelry, you will still need an urn to hold the remaining remains.
Some families divide the cremated remains.
Consider purchasing personalized keepsake urns if you divide the cremated remains among friends and family members. These urns are smaller than most, as they only hold a limited amount of ash.
Buy a scattering urn to spread your loved one’s ashes.
Scattering urns have a specifically designed top opening that allows you to spread the remains in nature easily. There are also eco-friendly cremation urn options for those who want to bury them in nature or place them at the bottom of the ocean.
Learn More About the Perfect Urn from Smart Cremation
Smart Cremation has many options for those looking for the perfect memorials for their deceased loved ones. We offer urns of many different styles, including companion urns, sports urns, military urns, and cremation jewelry options.
Smart Cremation offers direct cremation services in California, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Arizona. However, our memorial products are available to everyone. Please take a look at our unique funeral offerings in our online store.
Key Takeaways Regarding the Purchase of Cremation Urns
- Consider where the urn will be placed for eternity when buying a cremation urn.
- If the urn will only be used as a temporary holder of the remains during the funeral, you have a wide variety of options.
- Cremation urns can be personalized to match the life interests of the deceased.
- There are two different types of cremation jewelry to consider.
- Specially-designed scattering urns make it easier to spread ashes outside.
