Things To Consider When Choosing An Urn
Almost 2.6 million people die in the United States each year, so chances are you might have a loved one that you have to make final preparations for. With more than 175 million Americans without a will, the details involved in this process might be left entirely on your shoulders. In keeping with almost 50 percent of Americans, you may have decided on cremation services as the way to dispose of the remains of your loved one. Now you are left with the final decision of what to do with the cremains. Whatever your decision, the urn you choose is likely to play a big part.
With the quandary before you of choosing from the many different urn options available, here are a few things to consider to helping you make that additional decision.
Basic properties
While an average urn is about 200 to 230 cubic inches and is expected to hold between 4 and 7 pounds of cremains, there are other properties of the urn that may need to be taken into consideration before purchase. These depend on your final plans for disposition. Important factors in the properties include the size and shape in relation to where it will be stored. This is especially important if the urn is to be kept in a cemetery or mausoleum where a specific space is being provided for it. The same is true for fitting into a designated space in your home.
Other considerations include the material with which it is made. An urn for the purpose of burial, at land or sea, can be made with biodegradable material so that it does not have any long-term effect on the environment. Metal based or metal-lined urns are also not recommended for traveling purposes if you intend to transport your loved one's cremains by air transportation.
Personal considerations
The urn of your choice can also be influenced by your personal preferences or the preferences of the loved one that you are commemorating. As a result, there are decorative elements that can be added to the urn to reflect that personal taste. The color choice can be done to complement the decor of the final resting place if you plan to give it a special spot in a room in your home. You can also add engravings such as a picture of your loved one or poems, verses or quotes that help you and your family remember the deceased.
Personal considerations also include the money that you have available for spending on an urn. Just like caskets, urns can vary in cost. However, depending on your budget and the additional things you may want on the urn, your cost can be as low as $20. Remember though, that you do not have to get your urn from the funeral home or crematory and you can decide to keep the cremains in the container in which they were delivered, especially if you plan to scatter the ashes.
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