Choosing an urn is challenging, especially after the passing of a loved one. On the one hand, you want something that’s appealing. However, you also want an urn that appropriately reflects the personality of the deceased.
Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips that’ll help you choose the right urn for your loved one.
1. Size: Urns come in various sizes; select one that’s appropriate for the amount of remains that will be stored.
2. Material: Decide if you’d rather have wood, metal, glass, or ceramic. Think about what the deceased would select, too.
3. Design: Do you want something more traditional or modern?
4. Placement: Where will the urn be placed? Will it be displayed in a prominent location in your home, or will it be kept in a more private area?
5. Cost: Prices, of course, vary. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend between $70 up to $2,000-plus for a full-sized, permanent urn and up to $350 for green burial containers. When you’re looking for affordable cremation in Lafayette and the surrounding area, finding out what kind of urn options they have should be one of your first steps. Remember, just because one urn costs more than others doesn’t necessarily mean it’s higher quality.
6. Customization: Some urns can be customized with engravings, photos, or other personalized touches. Consider whether this would have been important to the deceased.
7. Purpose?: Will it be used for display purposes? Or will it be buried or scattered? This, of course, impacts which one you will ultimately choose.
8. Deceased’s wishes: Did your loved one have specific wishes for their urn? It’s important to honor those wishes, if possible. If not? Talk to your funeral home director to figure out your options.
9. Consult family: Family and close friends might have valuable insights or preferences that can help your decision.
10: There’s no rush! Avoid rushing through this process. If, for some reason you have limited time to make these decisions – as in the case of an unexpected death – then your time may be limited. If that’s the case and no advanced planning mentioned the type of urn they deceased wanted, then go with your heart. How would your loved one want to be remembered?
Selecting an urn is an important decision – especially when considering how long it will be displayed. That’s why it’s best to figure out details like this ahead of time, whenever possible. When in doubt, discuss the possibilities with your family and the deceased’s close friends, plus your local funeral director, parish or outreach service may have some suggestions, too. Contact Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Funeral Center today to learn more.
