A funeral urn houses the remains of a deceased person and is typically displayed in a place of honor, serving as a reminder of fond memories and a full life. Such a vessel is the centerpiece of cremation services, as well. An urn serves a meaningful role, so choose one that befits your loved one’s legacy. Here are a few tips to help you decide on a design.

A Guide to Selecting an Urn

1. Size

First, consider the capacity of the urn. Adult-sized urns can usually contain the remains of those who were around 220 pounds or less in life. If the deceased was larger, a bigger urn would be more appropriate; it's better to have too much room than not enough. If you plan to divide the ashes among family members after the cremation service, consider several smaller urns.

2. Style & Material

Urns come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles and can be made from an array of different materials. Explore the options available through the funeral home. To narrow them down, think about your loved one’s personality, unique style, and potential preferences. For instance, a quiet, conservative personality would fit well with an elegant, understated marble urn. An artistic personality with a flair for the bohemian would fit better with something bolder, like a colored glass urn.

3. Customization

Commemorate your loved one by engraving their name on the urn. There are two ways to do this: etching directly onto the urn itself or engraving a nameplate that accompanies the vessel. In addition to names, consider adding birth and death dates, as well as favorite quotations, Bible verses, and — depending on the urn material — images and photos.

Lawlor Funeral Home offers cremation services and a full selection of urns. Since 1896, they have been providing Monroe County, IL, and the St. Louis metropolitan area with funeral, burial, and cremation services, as well as funeral preplanning guidance. They understand the gravity of loss and how important it is to say goodbye; let them help you at every step of this process. Call (618) 281-4123 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.