A cremation urn is used to hold the cremated remains of a deceased person. The ashes are either stored, scattered, or buried according to the preferences of loved ones and the wishes of the deceased. The type of urn used often depends on which of these choices are taken. Below is a guide to cremation urns.

Urn Materials

Urns come in a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and metal. The material you choose should depend on what you intend to do with the remains. If the ashes are to be buried, then something durable such as stone is a good choice. If the urn is being displayed, then attractive materials like carved wood or ceramic are nice options. 

Storage Options

If a family wishes to retain their loved one’s ashes, they commonly store them at home on a mantle or shelf in the living room, or a vanity in the bedroom. An alternative is to keep the remains in a columbarium, a location at a cemetery or religious site that can be visited for remembrance. Burying remains close to a memorial marker such as a bench is an alternative to cemetery burial.

Scattering Options

Ashes may be scattered at religious site or at a location chosen by the family. This could be a natural area, a garden, or a place the deceased person enjoyed during their life. Any kind of container can be used to transport remains, but a purpose-built urn is usually used. For scattering at sea, urns made from biodegradable materials will break down upon contact with water and keep the remains from being blown by wind.

Urn Sizes 

The size of the urn chosen depends on what will be done with the remains, but there is a good general rule to help decide what size urn is best. By using a 1:1 ratio to convert the deceased person’s weight in pounds to cubic inches, you can calculate what volume you will need for the urn. For example, for a person who was 180 pounds at death, the urn will need to be 180 cubic inches.

Keepsake Urns

Some urns are referred to as “keepsake” urns, and these are generally small and designed to hold just a portion of the ashes. This may be because most of the ashes have been scattered or buried after cremation, or if the remains are being divided between loved ones. Another option for keeping a small portion of the remains is to hold them in a tiny vial worn as jewelry.

If you’re looking for cremation and funeral services, Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT, has been caring for bereaved families since 1846. This family-owned and locally run service has built a relationship with the community. Their compassionate staff understands how difficult funeral planning can be, and they take into account family traditions, personal preferences, and religious beliefs to arrange a meaningful funeral. For more information, call 203-869-0315 or visit their website.