Urn selection: Things to consider
One of the choices that needs to be made once you choose cremation is urn selection, the container that will hold the remains. There are several factors to consider including the bottom line – what will fit your budget? Other variables are what the urn is made of, the color and shape. Will it hold all the ashes or only some? And will it be for temporary or long-term storage?
First things first: the financial question. For some families, the price of an urn isn’t important. But for many of us, the cost is definitely a factor. Numerous styles of cremation urns are available at many different prices, so you can get an urn that is special and meaningful without breaking the bank.
Urn Sizes
The industry standard for traditional urns, created by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), is 200 cubic inches. This size will hold the remains of adults. This is normally referred to as a standard urn.
Frequently, families asked that the remains be split between loved ones so they can each keep a portion of the ashes. In these cases, the ashes are divided into several smaller-sized urns, known as keepsake urns. They are sized to hold a small portion of cremation ashes. Many times a traditional urn is selected for placing remains in a final location, and keepsake urns are used to keep a portion of the ashes close to home.
Specialty urns include unique products such as artwork that incorporates small portions of remains, plus jewelry. One example of these wearable remembrances is a locket that is a small, sealed container holding a tiny amount of ashes.
Urn Materials
Urns made of stone or metal are popular for families who want something that will last many years. There are more environmentally-friendly choices available as well. These memorial items can be made with recycled and biodegradable materials. Some popular styles incorporate the materials into water or soil burials.
In summary, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to treatment of the final remains of a loved one. The freedom to celebrate a life in a unique way that is creative is a big reason many people choose cremation. If you are having difficulty with urn selection and want to choose the perfect urn, consider having family members or friends join in the decision.
For your convenience, Best Cremation Care offers a wide urn selection of standard-size urns and keepsakes. They are all available online for you to order at your convenience. And as always, our experienced and professional staff is available to answer any questions you have.
Best Cremation Care provides affordable cremation services throughout the Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland / Alameda, and San Jose / Santa Clara) and Southern California (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County). We are a licensed funeral establishment and have an A+rating from the Better Business Bureau.
