An urn is a very sacred thing for families and friends. Cremation is often done by the wishes of the deceased and/or for religious purposes. Below is a quick guide on how to choose an urn and what you can expect as you navigate this process.

 

1.   Where will the final resting place be?

 

The final resting place is the first thing a family will need to consider. Are the ashes being scattered? Will the urn be buried or placed at home? The style of urn will be very dependent on these factors. Scattering the ashes means that the urn is only temporary as the deceased will become part of the earth. A burial urn, popularly, is made of cultured marble, but the style may change if you choose to place it in a family urn vault. An urn placed in the home will be styled differently than any of the other options listed here. Choosing the urn varies greatly depending on where the ashes will rest.

 

2.   Urn size

 

Urn size and capacity are essential in choosing an urn. Typically, urns come in four sizes:

 

·      Adult: the most common cremation urn. Typically containing the ashes of an individual around the weight of 200 pounds or less.

·      Medium: used when ashes are divided among several people, typically the deceased’s children.

·      Keepsake: a size used for small amounts of ashes kept in remembrance, usually within a home.

·      Extra-large: used for larger persons, typically 6 feet or taller.

 

Something to further consider is the dimensions of the urn —diameter, width, and height. Depending on where the final resting place will be, you’ll want to confirm that the urn you’ve chosen will fit, such as in a family cemetery plot and whether the ashes of the deceased will fit the urn itself. A good rule of thumb is that 1 lb before cremation will become 1 cubic inch of ashes after. A body weighing 150 lbs before cremation will be roughly 150 cubic inches of ashes after, so choosing an urn that will allow for this capacity will be important. Your funeral director will help you along as you have questions.

 

3.   Urn style and personalization

 

Urns come in all shapes and sizes, but only so many choices can fit your family’s and loved ones’ needs. An urn is commonly made from cultured marble, but depending on the above factors they may be made from wood, brass, ceramic, or even glass. Take into consideration before choosing a material where the urn will rest and how it will get there. An urn made from wood may be more fragile if it were to fall from a high place or warp if left outdoors.

 

Small details and personalization are comforting to the grieving and will reflect who the deceased was in life. Engravings, photographs, and even the color of the urn can be used to celebrate your loved one’s life. Your funeral director will guide you through the process further, helping you choose a container for your loved one’s cremated remains that feels right for your family.

 

 

www.smithfamilycares.com

Smith Family Funeral Homes provides quality funeral, memorial and cremation services to the families of Central Arkansas. Their six locations can be found in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Westbrook, Sherwood, Benton and Arkadelphia. With a privately-owned crematory operated by licensed professionals, Smith Family Funeral Homes can guarantee their high standard of care throughout the cremation process. To learn more, visit smithfamilycares.com.

What Happens at a Visitation?

By Smith Family • February 5, 2025
Human beings are social. We crave the company of others. During times of stress our friends comfort us, they listen to us, and share our troubles. When someone we love dies, we need our people.

What’s the Benefit of Paying for My Funeral in Advance?

By Smith Family • February 5, 2025
Planning for your end-of-life ceremony, your funeral, has many benefits. Some of them are practical, some are emotional, and some are financial. For some, planning in advance actually helps them live a better, more purpose-driven life.

Eating Alone Is Hard

By Smith Family • February 5, 2025
For a person who has lost a life partner, a husband or a wife, mealtime is often the most challenging time of their day. It is sometimes difficult to muster the desire or skill necessary for meal preparation. Sometimes it is just hard to deal with the expanse of the table when no one else is sharing the space. So, it becomes too much trouble to cook for one or to eat alone.

Does Everyone Go Through the Five Stages of Grief?

By Smith Family • January 6, 2025
What does grief look like? It’s a question that’s been asked for centuries, and it’s difficult to answer because grief looks different to different people. But we’ve often been told that the grieving process follows a certain path, which is commonly called the five stages of grief. Does everyone go through the five stages? And if they don’t, how do they know if they’re grieving properly?

Attention to Detail Matters in a Funeral Director

By Smith Family • January 6, 2025
When you work with a funeral director, you’ll quickly find that they don’t just look at the big picture. They want to know details, from how you want your loved one to look to how you want some of their most precious items to be featured. Here are just a few of the details that a funeral director needs to know to ensure that they plan a funeral that’s perfect for your loved one.

Dealing with Grief on the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Passing

By Smith Family • January 6, 2025
There are many days throughout the year that remind us of our loved ones who are no longer with us physically. We find ourselves thinking of them on their birthdays, special holidays, or anniversaries. The anniversary of their passing can be an especially difficult day. Experiencing grief on this day is natural, but it can be overwhelming and painful. Here are a few tips to help you get through this challenging day.

Why Have a Funeral Service

By Smith Family • January 6, 2025
When a loved one passes, one of the first questions that often gets asked is when the funeral will be held. It’s assumed that a funeral will be the way in which family and friends say a final farewell, but do you have to have a funeral? While no law makes it so that you have to hold a funeral in a loved one’s honor, you may want to consider what you could miss out on when you decide against a funeral.

The 20 Best Songs to Play at a Funeral

By Smith Family • November 25, 2024
Music affects us. Whether it makes us laugh from silly lyrics or cry from a meaningful melody, music has the power to make us feel something. Choosing music for a funeral can help set the tone of the service and mirror the spirit of our loved one. Take a look at some of the best and most popular songs played at funerals to inspire your own choices.

5 Things Not to Do When Someone Is Grieving and What to Do Instead

By Smith Family • November 25, 2024
When a friend loses a loved one, you want to do what you can to help them through this difficult time. But what does that support look like? Sometimes, when we attempt to help friends who are grieving, we end up saying and doing things that may not be all that beneficial. Some common attempts to be of service may actually be better off avoided. What should you not do when a friend is grieving?

What’s the Best Thing to Say to Someone at a Funeral?

By Smith Family • November 25, 2024
When someone passes, what should you say to the people they leave behind? It’s a tricky question. You want to be respectful and acknowledge their loss. You don’t want to diminish their grief, but you also don’t want to say something that may upset them when they’re already experiencing many emotions. When you greet a family member at their loved one’s funeral, what's the best thing to say?
More Posts
Share by: