The demise of someone you know, a pet or a loved one is always a tricky situation to deal with. In many ways, the aftermath of the demise is even more brutal to deal with for many people. This includes things like planning the funeral and memorial urns for cremation and the entire process.
The idea is to simplify the process as much as possible so that it becomes easier to deal with such a situation. In this article, we will look at some of the best tips to help you choose funeral urns and cremation jewelry in the easiest way possible while also suiting your budget.
How To Choose The Suitable Cremation Urns
With so many options for cremation urns, it can become a bit overwhelming to pick one that suits your preferences the most. Cremation urns are sold in various colors, shapes, and designs. The price, material, and quality can also differ; making it an even more stressful experience.
However, knowing what kind to look for and how to buy a cremation urn will make this process less tense for you. Here are a few considerations to make before choosing your funeral urns:
What Is Your Budget?
Although it must be the least of anyone's worries during trying times like this, since different urn categories are available with different price tags, it makes sense that you set a budget and narrow down the list.
What style of cremation urn do you want?
First of all, you want to make sure that you know what might be preferable for the family of the deceased or a loved one for the cremation urns. The idea is to find one that you think might reflect the wishes of the deceased.
Where Are You Planning On Keeping The Urn?
Some people prefer to keep them displayed in their homes, while others want to keep them in cemeteries, as a keepsake, a mausoleum or display at memorials. It could be memorial urns, biodegradable urns, or permanent urns but you have to consider where you want to keep the urn so that you know what size, material, and design will be best suited for where it is going to go. For example, if you want to bury the urn, you will have to buy a vault so that the urn remains undisturbed by the pressure over time.
Do You Need It To Be Portable?
Some people like the idea of carrying cremation urns when they travel. However, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has several requirements for people traveling with urns, such as the fact that all urns should be scannable when running through their X-ray machine. Therefore, you will want to get an urn that is suited to the situation.
Will The Cremated Remains Be Distributed Or Kept In One Place?
If you come from a big family, they might decide to have the cremated remains distributed among close family members to keep as memorials either at home or the cemetery. In such a case, you will have to consider getting more miniature memorial urns to make them more convenient. On the other hand, if you plan to put all the remains in one jar, you will need a bigger one.
Are You Planning On Scattering The Ashes Somewhere?
Many people follow the tradition of scattering the human ashes of their loved ones by the sea, in the ocean, or some of their favorite places. If this is the case, look for one that is designed to perform this task efficiently.
Do You Want a Personalized Urn?
If you want a touch of personalization in your memorial urn, you can choose to do so depending on who your urn dealer is. Most people go for an engraving of the names of their loved ones, a pet, or a friend that indicates something special about the deceased person.
What Size Urn Do You Want?
While urns come in various sizes, consider the amount of ashes you plan on keeping so that it fits perfectly. The general rule of thumb is that you need 1 cubic inch of space for each pound of body weight. The weight of the cremation casket usually not included. Therefore, calculate the body weight with the urn capacity before you decide to buy an urn, lest the urn is too small or too big for the ashes. If the plan is to distribute among family and friends, get smaller ones to work as keepsakes instead.
What Do You Want Your Urn To Be Made Of?
There are so many different types of urns available in the market. Let's take a look at some of them:
Permanent urns: These are the urns that come in bronze, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, marble, and hardwood. Apart from this, permanent urns can come as pairs of two called "companion urns." These are specially made for those who want their remains to be stored in the same way.
Themed urns: You can find them available in specialty categories, such as sports or military-themed urns, memento-type urns, or even religious styles.
Personalized Urns: You can get personalized urns to keep your loved one's memory intact. For example, they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes as per your preferences. You can even get an engraving of the deceased's name or their family name or a sign associated with the deceased to add a personal touch.
Environmentally-friendly urns: These are nonpermanent urns that can disintegrate into the environment over time. Typically, they are made of paper, but you can also find them in the form of gelatin, wood, cornstarch or salt, or any other biodegradable materials.
Do You Want To Seal The Urn Permanently?
Another thing to consider before you buy a cremation urn is to know if you want it to be sealed forever or if you still wish to open it from time to time. Some people prefer to have it sealed forever so they can keep it on display without worrying that it might fall and the cremains will scatter. While others like the idea of being able to touch the remains or even plan on scattering them somewhere in the world later on.
What You Need To Know About Cremation Jewelry
Keeping the cremated remains of your loved one in an urn is the most traditional method of honoring the dead. However, these days many people are moving towards the idea of having cremation jewelry that helps them be close to a loved one without carrying an urn around. Cremation jewelry can come in the form of necklaces, bracelets, pendants, or a variety of other items. Some people choose a style that works like a keepsake with engraved symbols or a special stone that adds personalization.
The type of jewelry you choose entirely depends on your preferences, or you can choose something that reflects the deceased person's interests. They are considered keepsakes in honor and remembrance of a loved one's memory.
What Is Cremation Jewelry Made Of?
Cremation jewelry can be made of a bunch of different materials and come in different styles. The most common ones in use are gold, glass, stainless steel, titanium, sterling silver, etc. it's easier to have them made out of these popular materials since they are easier to maintain and clean. You can also get it engraved so that you can carry a personalised memory with you.
Who Will Fill Your Jewelry With Cremated Ashes?
If you purchase jewelry on the internet, it will come with a set of instructions that tell you how to do it. If you go to a shop, the experts can do it for you. All you have to do is take the ashes to them and ask them to do it for you. Typically, cremation jewelry typically comes with a supply kit with a small funnel and adhesive that lets you perform the task as conveniently as possible.
How Much Cremation Ash Can Cremation Jewelry Hold?
Cremation jewelry is an alternative to cremation urns, so it is usually smaller in size. Plus, you typically wear them on your body as a way to honor the memory of someone, so it usually comes in the same size as your other regular jewelry. They are meant to hold just a minimal amount of ashes so that they can carry about 1 pound of ash on average.
How To Add Ashes In Cremation Jewelry?
All cremation jewelry like a bracelet or a necklace typically comes with a pendant and cap that you can unscrew and screw back on. All you have to do is open the cap, insert the ashes through a funnel or any other equipment that comes with the jewelry and screw the cap back on. Typically, you also get an adhesive with the kit so that you can secure the cap in place.
Are All Cremation Jewelry Waterproof?
The jewelry's resistance to water will depend on what kind of materials your jewelry is made of. However, submerging your cremation jewelry in water is not recommended, even if the retailers say it is waterproof. You can take it off when you're around bodies of water, lest you risk getting the ashes wet.