If you’re planning a cremation, choosing an urn is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. It’s where the remains of a loved one will reside for the foreseeable future. It could become a family heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation. Not to mention, for some people an urn is a representation of the life that was lived.
Needless to say, most people put a fair amount of thought into the urn they select. After helping many families arrange cremations, we’ve identified seven key factors that can be used to choose the best urn.
Cost
There’s no escaping cost for many people. You can spend virtually nothing by using an unconventional receptacle that’s already owned or pay thousands for a custom made decorative urn that’s carved out of marble.
The point is you need to set a budget and use that to narrow the options if cost is a factor. That way you aren’t tempted to blow the budget with an urn that costs more than you intended to spend.
Material
The materials that are used to construct the urn are going to affect durability, longevity and aesthetics. It’s also a big influence on the cost of the urn. The best material for the urn often comes down to how you plan to use it since some materials are better for certain situations and environments.
Use
Other than cost, how the urn will be used is the most important factor simply because it impacts the other considerations.
- If you plan to bury the urn you may want to look for materials that are biodegradable to minimize the environmental impact.
- If you plan to display the urn, aesthetics are going to play the biggest role.
- If you plan to store the urn cost is often the deciding factor since durability, size and looks don’t matter as much.
Size
How big is the space where you plan to keep the urn? Will you want to possibly put the cremains of two people in one urn? These are the things to think about when you’re choosing an urn because size matters. This is especially true if you are going to store the urn in a columbarium niche. Niches are certain dimensions, which means the urn will be limited in size.
Aesthetics
When someone has to choose an urn, how it looks is usually the first thing that comes to mind, even if the person plans to bury the cremains in a cemetery plot. But the truth is aesthetics isn’t usually a top factor unless the urn is going to be on display. When aesthetics are a factor a few things that influence the choice include the preferences of the deceased, what else will be on display with the urn and where it will be displayed.
Environment
Even if the urn is going to be stored, the environment it’s going to be in makes a difference. When an urn is in a climate-controlled environment there isn’t too much concern. However, durability becomes a factor in environments that aren’t climate-controlled and are harsh part of the year. Be especially careful in areas with high humidity or extreme heat.
Transport
Last but not least, is factoring in the possibility of transport. If the cremains need to be shipped to a final destination or you know you will be moving in the near future, consider how easy it will be to transport the urn. The last thing you want is for the urn to be damaged in transport.
Choosing an urn might seem complicated, but Direct Cremate makes arranging a cremation super simple. All it takes is a quick call to get the process started.
