What You Should Know Before Buying Cremation Urns

Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. • April 16, 2023

Buying an urn for the first time? There's plenty to know, but we've distilled the essential details into a short guide to help you make an informed decision.

Cremation urns come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials to meet the individual's or family's preferences and needs. When selecting an urn, there are several factors to consider, including size, cost, and material. This article will discuss some of the most important things to know before buying urns for your West Grove, PA cremation service


Urns are simply containers 


It's important to remember that cremation urns are just containers. They are not required by law, and there are no strict guidelines on what they should look like or what materials they should be made from. You can choose an urn that reflects the personality or interests of your loved one or select a more traditional design. There are even eco-friendly options, such as urns made from biodegradable materials like bamboo or recycled paper. 


The Urn capacity matters more than exterior measurements 


One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an urn is its capacity. The urn capacity refers to the space it has to hold the cremated remains. For an average adult, this has to be 200 cubic inches. 


Choosing an urn with a capacity appropriate for the amount of remains you have is essential. Exterior measurements can be deceiving, and it's always best to select an urn based on its capacity. 


You can rent an urn for the funeral service 


Some funeral homes offer the option to rent an urn for the funeral service. This is more affordable if you're on a tight budget. Remember that if you rent an urn, you will still need to purchase a permanent urn to hold the remains after the service. But renting is an option if you need a temporary alternative. 


It's better to prepay for the urn 


Many funeral homes offer the option to prepay for an urn. This can be a good idea, as it ensures that you have the urn you want and can help alleviate some of the financial burdens for your loved ones. It also allows the potential user to contribute to the selection process. 


Exterior measurements only matter for placement 


When choosing an urn, consider where it will be placed. The exterior measurements will matter if you plan to place the urn in a columbarium or niche. However, the exterior measurements are less important if you plan to keep the urn at home or scatter the remains. 


You don't have to buy one from a funeral home 


You are not required to purchase an urn from a funeral home. Many online retailers sell cremation urns at a lower cost. Keep this in mind as a few funeral homes and cremation services try to ripoff families by inflating prices and recommending unnecessary add-ons. 


US-made Urns are better 


The quality of the urn material matters, especially if you plan on storing it. US-made urns are typically made from high-quality materials and are subject to strict regulations. If you're unsure about the quality of an urn, don't hesitate to ask the funeral home or retailer for more information. 


By keeping these factors in mind, you can select an urn that is both meaningful and affordable. You can also contact our West Grove, PA cremation service for further questions about cremation urns and other arrangements. Our professional staff is on hand 24/7 to answer them. 

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