If your deceased loved one chooses cremation, you may be tasked with choosing an urn for their remains. While this may seem like a daunting decision to make, it can be your opportunity to pick an option that perfectly suits the life and personality of your family member. Think about the following factors as you browse the options.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Funeral Urn

1. Final Placement

Urns can be for both long- and short-term storage, and deciding what your final plans are will help narrow down a style. Some people bury them in a cemetery, while others have a place in a columbarium wall niche, which has limitations on space.

Vaults and cemeteries will have regulations that you must follow. If you plan to scatter the ashes, you may consider biodegradable options for safer dispersing. If you want to display the container, consider choosing a more ornate design.

2. Material Choice

Common options are wood, metal, ceramic, and stone, and choosing one comes down to your personal preference. Sturdier materials like granite are perfect for cemetery plots, while metal or ceramic may be the right style for your mantel. Biodegradable materials include paper, salt, sand, and gelatin since they will break down safely after burning or scattering.

3. Size Options

The container must be large enough to fit the ashes. The right size also depends somewhat on where you plan to display it. A cemetery or columbarium niche might have certain rules about sizing.

If you plan to divide the remains among various family members, you can opt for smaller keepsake containers that will hold only a fraction of the ashes. If two people will be in one container, look for companion styles.

Grieving families in Rochester, NY, trust Cremation Service of Western New York for their after-life services. The full-service facility offers a compassionate team to ensure each family’s needs are met during difficult times. The location also provides funeral preplanning options and will assist you with every part of funeral arrangements. Call (585) 544-4500 to speak with a helpful representative, or visit them online for more information on their cremation urns.