If your loved one has chosen cremation, you'll need to choose an urn for the cremains. There are many different types of urns to choose from, and you might not be sure of which one to select. Use this guide, along with the help of your funeral home director, to select the right urn for your loved one.
Decorative Urns
If you are going to place the urn on a shelf or mantel, you'll likely want a decorative design. You can opt for a simple design in silver or gold, or you can pick out a custom urn with your loved one's name engraved on it. Decorative urns also come in box designs, which sometimes include picture frames you can use to display an image of your loved one.
Keepsake Urns
Keepsake urns are ideal if you will be dividing the cremains among several loved ones. This is an option if you have lost a parent and all of the siblings want an urn. Keepsake designs are typically smaller than traditional urns, as they hold a smaller portion of the cremains. They come in many shapes and sizes, and the small design fits neatly on a shelf. Some also come in keepsake boxes made of velvet for a more elegant look.
Biodegradable Urns
If your loved one wanted to have his or her cremains interred in a burial plot, biodegradable urns offer the perfect solution. These urns break down over time, providing an Eco-friendly burial option. You can select from a range of styles, from simple solid colors to urns in unique shapes, such as acorns. Biodegradable urns are also available for burials at sea, and they come in fitting designs such as seashells or sea turtles.
Candle holder Urns
Candle holder urns offer a wonderful way to light a candle for your loved one while also keeping his or her ashes close. These urns have a storage compartment in the bottom and a place to hold a candle at the top. These are also a good choice if you don't want to have the look of a traditional urn on your mantle or shelf but still want to keep your loved one close. If you are dividing cremains between family members, you can choose smaller designs similar to keepsake urns so everyone has a beautiful candle holder to honor your dearly departed.
Your funeral home director can help you find any of these options, so be sure to discuss urns as part of the funeral and cremation plans.
