Choosing the right cremation urn can be challenging. You may be doing it for the first time and you are probably grieving for the loss of your loved one. It is normal to have numerous questions regarding what urn you should choose and obviously the process is never easy.

You want the urn that you choose to serve its purpose but also accurately reflect who your loved one was in life.  Below are 4 factors to consider when choosing a cremation urn.

1. Material

One of the factors that matter the most when choosing a cremation urn for your loved one is the material used to make it. Some of the common materials used in manufacturing cremation urns include ceramic, metal, stone, and wood. All these materials are designed to last for many years but it depends on how you want to preserve the remains of your loved one.

For those who prefer biodegradable urns, you can choose from those made of paper, salt, and sand. Cremation urns made from biodegradable urns are more suitable for you if you want to send the remains of your loved one back to the earth in a special and natural way. They are not made to hold the remains of your loved one for many years so be mindful of this when making your choice.

2. Cost

Cremation urns come at varying prices depending on the material used, size, and design. It is therefore wise to choose an urn within your budget or within the amount left in the will of the deceased. Also be mindful of other essential funeral costs when making your choice on a cremation urn.

When choosing the urn for the deceased, take into account their wishes specified in their will. This will largely influence which one you purchase. For instance, if they are to be buried at a cemetery, then it is not necessary to choose an extremely expensive cremation urn. If the urn will be visible in someone’s home, then spending a little more may be beneficial because it will be visible and you will probably want to represent your loved one with elegance as well as respect.

3. Size

Size is a crucial factor to consider when shopping for a cremation urn for your loved one. You need to make sure the ashes will fit in the urn you are buying. This is an aspect where you need to consult a specialist to avoid making mistakes.

There are some rules used in the industry to measure the size of a cremation urn depending on the size of the body being cremated. Ordinarily, the standard cremation urn for an adult is about 200 cubic inches. However, you can go for a smaller urn if the loved one was smaller in stature or if you intend to divide the ash among several family members.

4. The design

Another factor that matters most when choosing a cremation urn for your loved one is the design. You need to make sure the design is elegant, special, and unique to the person for it to be meaningful. You can have a picture of the person put on the urn or some writing with a special message to your loved one. If the deceased was a Christian, you can include a simple cross and some inspirational words from the Bible on the cremation urn.

There are numerous designs to choose from when purchasing a cremation urn for your loved one. You can even have a design that reflects some of the things loved by the deceased when he/she was alive. This can help you to remember the life of your loved one for many years if you intend to preserve the cremation in your home.