How to Select from the Choices of Custom Urns

Losing a loved one is always difficult. When this happens, you want to do what you can to properly respect his or her memory. If you choose cremation, then you will want to select an urn that does more than just hold the ashes. Custom urns impart a special memorial that reflects the life and character of your loved one. Click here for a selection of customized urns.

When it comes time to select an urn, you have many different choices, making it even more difficult to choose. Learning a little more about the options can help you select the right final resting place for your loved one.

Size of Urn

The first choice you have to make when selecting from the array of custom urns is the size. If you are looking for something to place all or most of the cremated remains, then you will need to look at the full size urns. You also have a choice of smaller boxes and urns that are typically used as special keepsakes and mementos for individuals close to the deceased.

When selecting the size of your full size urn, you also need to ensure that it has the capacity for the person’s ashes. Typically, you need to have one cubic inch per pound of the deceased’s weight. This means that a 165 pound person will need a 165 cubic inch urn.

Shape of Urn

In addition to the size of the urn, you also have a selection of shapes for custom urns. You can choose square or rectangle boxes, which is a very common shape today. In these shapes, you also have a choice of horizontal or vertical placement. Some funeral homes and other stores may also offer traditional urn shapes and unique shapes as well.

Design

What truly makes an urn special is the design you choose on the outside. You have a choice of colors, designs, engravings, and more. This makes it easy to create something that reflects the personality of the deceased. You can also choose what to engrave on the urn, such as the deceased name, birth and death dates, and a special quote or statement.

Sealing the Urn

When reviewing custom urns, you may also see options for sealing the urn. If you choose to place the urn in a church, mausoleum, or columbarium, then you will need to have a permanently sealed urn. You typically will also choose this if you plan to place the urn on your mantle place or other place in the home. If you plan to scatter the ashes, then you will need to have an unsealed urn that makes it easy to open when the time comes.

Keepsakes

Most places that offer custom urns also will produce smaller keepsake boxes so that close friends and family members can have some of the ashes. You can choose from just a small duplicate of the urn, or you can create a unique memento box that has a small space for the ashes and additional room to place mementos or keepsakes. You can also find other options, such as a specialized picture frame, piece of jewelry, blown glass, and more.

Although it may be difficult to try to choose the final resting place for your loved one, with such an array of custom urns, you can be sure that you find something which will accurately reflect the character of the person.

Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book.