How to Select the Right Urn

Choosing the right urn for your loved one’s remains can be a challenging decision. There are so many styles, colors, designs, and types that understanding your options can be overwhelming. Directors of funeral homes in Dickson, TN have these tips to keep in mind when making this meaningful decision.

Determine the Type

The first thing you want to conder is what type of urn you will need. This will be based on what you intend to do with the remains. For example, if you plan to scatter the remains, you will need an urn for this activity. These types of urns typically consist of a top that makes the release of the ashes easy.

If you plan to keep the urn in a columbarium, you must ensure it is in the right dimensions. You will also need to check to see if the cemetery has policies on what type of urn is (or isn’t) allowed. The same goes true for having the urn placed in an in-ground burial plot.

Select the Appropriate Material

Urns can be found in various materials such as metal, wood, glass, and ceramic. Each of these materials has its own characteristics that may make it more suitable than others for specific environments and situations.

For example, wooden urns can be a durable option with a timeless look that may do well in many homes. However, since they can warp over time if placed in direct sunlight, they wouldn’t be a good choice for a room in the home that has the hot afternoon sun beaming in.

Choose the Right Size

While shopping for your urn, paying attention to the size is essential. Many people may think all urns can accommodate all remains, but the truth is urns come in different sizes. To determine what size you need, you can go by how much your loved one weighed, as each pound weighed represents one cubic inch. So, if your loved one weighs 145, you will need an urn size with at least a 145 cubic inch capacity.

Set a Budget

When selecting an urn for your loved one, you will come across urns that range in price all along the spectrum. While grieving, you will most likely be making decisions based on emotion and not logic. While this is normal, it can set you up for making a more expensive purchase than you intended. To ensure you choose an urn that you are happy with and don’t regret purchasing later, set a strict budget before you even begin looking.

Final Thoughts

While selecting the urn for your loved one’s remains can be daunting, if you keep these things in mind, the process can be a little less daunting. Also, don’t be afraid to enlist the help and opinion of others. Having family members and directors of funeral homes in Dickson, TN. offer their input can be very in this difficult time.