Storing Ashes in an Urn
Along with being the most traditional way of storing ashes, urns are also a deeply personal way of retaining a tangible connection with those you have loved and lost.
The first step to storing cremated remains is choosing the right urn.
An urn is more than just a container. If you so wish, the urn could be a reflection of your loved one’s unique personality and the bond you shared with them. By thoughtfully choosing the material, design or even giving it a personal touch like engraving a quote or a poem, you can create a lasting memorial that celebrates their life.
Choosing the Right Material for the Urn
The material you choose for the urn will impact not just its appearance but also its durability.
Wood
Wooden urns are popular for their aesthetic appeal as they offer a warm and natural look. They can also be carved, stained, or inlaid with a design of your choice, making it a versatile choice. You can also choose from an array of woods, including oak, walnut, cherry, mahogany, and pine. Wooden urns are sturdy and make a meaningful option if your loved one enjoyed nature and being outdoors.
Just keep in mind that while wood is sturdy and durable, it is susceptible to scratches and damage from moisture over time. We recommend polishing it at regular intervals with a soft damp cloth. Also, place the urn out of direct sunlight or any other excessive temperature.
Metal
Metal urns combine the practical benefits of being low maintenance and incredibly durable with aesthetic appeal. You can choose from brass, bronze, copper, or stainless steel as well as pick from different finishes, such as matte, engraved or polished.
Metal urns often also come with seals or secure leads, making them ideal for preserving your loved one’s ashes safely over time. These urns are also resistant to weather, corrosion or rust—which means you can place them either indoors or outdoors. Do keep in mind that metal urns can be more expensive, especially if you choose to have them intricately designed or made from premium materials like bronze.
We also recommend regular cleaning and polishing to keep them from tarnishing.
Ceramic
Ceramic urns offer a beautiful medium for storing the cremated remains of your loved ones, especially if they were artistic, free-spirited and had a love for hand-made things. Ceramic urns can be hand painted or glazed in a variety of patterns or colors, allowing you to choose something truly unique as a memorial for them.
Do remember that ceramics are fragile and need to be handled carefully while being dusted.
Glass
Glass urns offer a beautiful and versatile option for ash storage as they can be crafted in several patterns and colors. You can also choose to have these urns custom-made or blown by hand, creating a timeless, elegant and truly unique memento for your loved one.
Like ceramic, glass too is fragile and requires careful handling. They also tend to be heavier and need to be placed carefully, out of the way of any potential accidents.
Stone
Stone urns are a classic and enduring memento to the memory of your loved one. YOu can choose urns carved from marble, onyx or granite for that timeless feel— as stone often provides a sense of permanence. Also, stone urns are incredibly durable and can last for centuries.
However, stone urns can be extremely heavy and will require a stable and secure display space. They also tend to be more expensive due to their weight and craftsmanship involved.
Choosing a Design
The design of an urn offers you a way to celebrate your loved one’s life by serving as a tribute and capturing the very essence of their personality. Here are some design options you can choose from:
Engravings and Personalization
You can include the full name, birth and death dates, or even a phrase or quote that resonated with their life. For a more meaningful message, you could engrave the urn with their favorite poem or lines from a book they loved.
Photographs
Some urns come with a space to insert photos, or you could have a frame custom made. You can choose a photo that captures their spirit or a particularly special moment.
For a more permanent tribute you can choose to have an image laser-etched directly on the surface of the urn.
Cultural or Religious Symbols
If your loved one’s cultural or religious beliefs were important to them, you could have symbols reflecting these incorporated into the urn design.
The Size of the Urn
It is important to choose the right urn size to ensure it can adequately hold the ashes of your loved one.
The general guideline is that one cubic inch of space is needed for each pound of body weight. However, we do recommend choosing an urn slightly larger than the calculated size so that it may hold all the ashes comfortably.
Do consider where you will be placing the urn as this will be a factor in the size you choose.
Keepsake Urns
These are smaller urns that allow each family member to keep a portion of the ashes, ensuring everyone has a memento.
Companion Urns
These urns are specifically designed to hold the ashes of two people, making them perfect for couples who desire to be together even after passing on.
Displaying the Urn
Displaying the urn holding the ashes of a loved one in a special place can help create a focal point for reflection and remembrance.
Memorial Spaces
You can keep a dedicated space for the urn such as a mantel, shelf, or even a dedicated table to ensure the urn is easily seen and appreciated. For a special touch, enhance this memorial space with candles, fresh flowers or even personal touches like photographs or other mementos of their life.
Ensure that the memorial space is secure and stable to prevent accidental tipping.
Columbarium Niches
A columbarium is a structure that has niches specially designed to hold urns— offering you a communal or spiritual place for remembrance. This also makes it simpler for family and friends to pay their respects any time they wish to.
Many columbariums also offer a secure and climate-controlled environment, ensuring the ashes of your loved one remain safe.
Meaningful End-of-Life Services at Hollywood Forever
The choices we make to honor and memorialize our loved ones are deeply personal, yet significant. At Hollywood Forever, we deeply understand the importance of these decisions and offer various end-of-life services, including cremation services and niches, funeral services, memorial services, crypts, and more, to help you say your final goodbye’s in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Sources:
https://www.cremationsocietyofphiladelphia.com/people-keep-loved-ones-ashes-home/#
https://farewill.com/articles/keeping-ashes-in-the-house
https://www.purecremation.co.uk/articles/what-to-do-with-ashes
https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/advice/what-to-do-with-cremation-ashes/
