If your loved one asked to be cremated but did not give any guidelines regarding the urn, it is up to you and your family to decide what type to use. Urns come in a variety of options and are kept in any number of places, including the mantle or garden, with some opting to bury urns or place them in crypts. Still others use urns as temporary housing before scattering a loved one’s ashes over a beachside cliff or other beautiful location.

Decide which type of urn is best for your loved one with these tips:

Indoor or Outdoor

Consider whether an indoor or outdoor urn is ideal for holding the remains of your loved one. Outdoor urns are typically made of stainless steel, brass, pewter, and bronze. They are usually part of a memorial garden and provide a wonderful way to honor a beloved family member. Indoor urns are often made of wood and can be embellished any number of ways. Hardwoods such as oak, cherry, ash, and walnut remain the popular choices.

Style & Theme

Think of the type of urn that best suits your loved one. Was the person passionately dedicated to environmental causes and would love the idea of a biodegradable urn? Biodegradable urns are made of eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper and bamboo, and disintegrate over time without harming the soil. If the deceased family member was a veteran, perhaps a patriotic-themed option would be best. The personality of your loved one does not have to play a role in this decision, however it can still help significantly.

Other types of urns include companion options for holding two sets of ashes and keepsake models for splitting ashes among family members. Discuss the best choice for your loved one with the compassionate team at Meyer & Geiser Funeral Home, the Cincinnati, OH-based funeral home offering a full suite of helpful services. Call (513) 921-4144 to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more information. Follow the funeral home on Twitter for helpful service planning tips.