So, you need to buy a cremation urn. Not exactly what anyone wants to be shopping for, and our deepest sympathies to you. Once you make the decision to move forward, then it can be overwhelming the number of choices available. Here’s three tips to get you started to create a memorial that works for the whole family.
First of all, in this post we are going to assume that you need an urn for a human adult. Many for the styles we will talk about today are available in smaller sizes that will work for sharing ashes, children or even pets. Size does matter when shopping for a funeral urn. Not sure what size to get? Visit our Learning Center to determine what size urn will be best for your needs.
American Made Bronze Urns: When Only the Best Will Do
For families that want the best, they often buy our premium handcrafted bronze urns. The people that make this choice understand and respect the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into the creation of bronze art and are willing to wait for a masterpiece.
Sculpture urns are often poured to order and can take 2-4 weeks to produce. A cremation urn like this is usually displayed in the home and will blend into the decor, however, we’ve had customers buy these for burial at the cemetery.
Some of our families have shared the reason behind buying a bronze cremation urn previously, but here’s a few more:
A recent project for a family whose mother requested a lighthouse urn before she died turned out beautifully. This lady was said to have “lit up the room wherever she went” but also collected lighthouses, so it was a perfect tribute.
Eagles are popular and a couple of widows have selected the deer urn to represent the spirit of their dear departed husbands.
Not Your Grandfather’s Funeral Urn
Urns for ashes used to be limited in style and color. Usually, dark metal colors in a chalice shape were all that was available. Now? Traditional vase shapes are available in every color, with pink, purple, blue, and elegant white being some of the most popular. Sometimes, just starting with the loved one’s favorite color can be a good starting point.
Metal urns with nature themes, like hummingbirds and flowers are painted in rich jewel tone colors and then inlayed with glowing mother of pearl. So attractive and affordable.
Box shaped urns can be embellished with crisp graphics that honor favorite hobbies like hunting and fishing, or military service. These urns are usually made from brass and often can be laser engraved with names, dates, or a brief verse.
Memorial Chests and Boxes for Ashes
If the cremation has already occurred and you have possession of the ashes, they are probably contained within one of the standard black plastic boxes from the funeral home. It’s not uncommon for us to hear from a family member who has been possessed the ashes of a loved one for several years and feels that the time has come to create a more permanent resting place. Consider one of the memorial chests that are designed to store these boxes.
Using simple design and usually made from wood with a hinged lid that lifts to reveal storage. You can simply place the container inside. Some models come with a lift out tray for storing jewelry, papers, photos, or other mementos and have keyed entry locks. Most of the time these boxes are crafted in wood and can be personalized with names and dates.
Earlier this year we wrote another post that might help focus your search. Still have questions? We can help.