If you're currently in the market for a cremation urn, chances are good that it's not really the sort of thing you have a lot of experience in. How, exactly, do you go about selecting the type of urn for the occasion? A Marengo, IL funeral home and cremation company can definitely help you find the perfect option. At Collins & Stone Funeral Home, we offer cremations, cremations with a service, and funeral services. So, if you want to discuss cremation and the ins and outs of selecting the right urn, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

But should you wish to learn more about the topic ahead of a consultation, what follows is a look at some things to consider before deciding on what type of cremation urn to buy.

Consider Final Resting Place Before Buying Urn from Marengo, IL Cremation and Funeral Home

Before you buy an urn for your deceased loved one's cremains, it makes sense to first consider where the final resting place will be. The answer to this question will make it a whole lot easier to decide what sort of urn to purchase. Consider, for instance, the following questions:

• Will you scatter the ashes?

• Will you keep the ashes at home as a keepsake?

• Do you intend to bury the urn at a later date?

• Do you plan to distribute the cremains among family members?

These are just some of the questions you’ll want to ask before you decide what sort of cremation urn to purchase. Talking to the Marengo, IL cremation and funeral home business you sign up with will help you make an informed decision. If you hire Collins & Stone Funeral Home, we’ll work with you to help you comb through the various options. We’ll ask the right questions and then, based on your responses, help you find the right urn for your needs.

Depending on what you intend to do with the ashes, there will be urns that are more appropriate than are others. So it makes sense to arrive at a decision on what to do with the cremains before heading to the funeral home to decide on what sort of urn to purchase.

Consider the Size of the Urn You Need

It’s critical that you get an urn that is the right size for the cremation ashes that remain after the cremation process. The bigger the body being cremated, the bigger the urn you will need. Again, you can consult with a funeral home to ensure that you get an urn that is appropriately sized. Urns come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll have no issues once you select a size.

For your information, an adult-sized urn can usually contain the remains of someone who weighed up to about 220 pounds at the time of their passing. Things like height and weight will play key roles in determining how large an urn is needed. You don’t have to make the decision on your own. The funeral home you retain will provide expert guidance on what to do.

Consider the Type of Material You Want

Cremation urns come in a wide variety of material types. Glass, wood, ceramic, marble, and steel are just some of the options available. It's a good idea to consult with a funeral home so that you get the right kind for your needs. If the urn will be displayed in your home, you might want to avoid a glass urn that could easily shatter if there is an accident. If you want to keep the urn outside, you might want to go with a metal one so that it holds up well regardless of the elements. After you inform a funeral home about where you plan to keep the urn, the funeral home will be able to explain what your best options are.

Consider the Style You Want

Are you looking to make the urn you choose more distinct in honor of your deceased relative? You can get unique urns with inscriptions. This sort of personalization will pay honor to someone who you held in such high regard. Talk to a funeral home to weigh your options.