choosing a urn

Choosing a cremation urn can be a challenging and confusing experience.  Most often, emotions are high during a time in which a cremation urn is needed.  Here are a few tips to hopefully simplify the process.

It is very helpful if you know the size of cremation urn needed.  Your funeral home, director or crematory will be able to assist with this information.  The standard adult size cremation urn is approximately 200 cubic inches.  However, a larger urn may be required for a very large size individual and vise verse for a small person or child size cremation urn.  Some prefer to have their ashes co-mingled with a spouse or partner or family member, in which case a companion size cremation urn is advisable.

Sometimes, ashes or cremains are divided among family members into keepsake urns which can be small to miniature. 

If you are in the market for a pet cremation urn, a very small urn may be fitting, such at 50 cubic inch or less for a small pet such as a cat and obviously bigger for large breed animals, sometimes requiring the same size as for a human.

Something to consider is… will the cremation urn be a burial urn, placed in a niche or in a home or will the remains be spread?  This will help you decide if you want a more basic less expensive variety perhaps, or a more ornate, decorative cremation urn to be displayed.