Cremation Urn

Cremation urns come in various types, shapes and sizes. Cremation urns can be made of metal, ceramic, wood, marble, stone, and biodegradable materials. These urns also come in various types such as keepsake, artistic, theme based or religious. Before you buy, make sure you understand how you plan to use the cremation urn.

The first thing you need to consider prior to purchasing a cremation urn is what you plan to do with the urn and the ashes. Several popular choices are listed below:

Bury the Cremation Urn
If you plan to bury the cremation urn, make sure that you check with the cemetery and determine two things. First, does the cemetery require biodegradable urns for environmental purposes? If so, then you will want to purchase a cremation urn that is biodegradable. These cremation urns typically degrade completely in one year if buried. Second, does the cemetery require an urn burial vault? An urn burial vault protects the urn from the elements. This is especially important if you chose a wood urn as it will degrade if buried.

Scatter the Ashes
If you plan to scatter the ashes at sea for example, you may want to consider using a biodegradable urn. These cremation urns typically will float on the water for several minutes before sinking and completely disintegrate in 2-3 days. Using this type of cremation urn prevents the ashes from flying in unintended directions, such as toward your face, due to the wind.

Keep the Cremation Urn at Home
If you plan to keep the cremation urn at home, you have more choices as to the shape and size of the urn. Keep in mind that metal cremation urns will tarnish over time. If kept indoors, the process will happen slower and you can use a tarnish remover to restore the finish. Sometimes if several family members want to hold a portion of the ashes, you can purchase keepsake urns. Keepsake urns only contain a portion of the ashes.

Place the Cremation Urn in a Niche in a Mausoleum or Columbarium
If you are placing the cremation urn in a niche, you will want to know the size and shape of the niche so that the cremation urn will fit. These cremation urns may come in a square box shape to fit a niche. Other niches may have a glass panel such that you can put the cremation urn inside for view along with other memorabilia.

As difficult as a loss of a loved one can be, it is important that you understand the various options available to you when deciding to purchase a cremation urn. There are many online stores selling cremation urns. It’s advantageous for you to do your research early and perhaps ask others for their experience with purchasing cremation urns if possible.