Questions to Ask When Ordering an Urn
Selecting an urn for a loved one’s ashes is a deeply personal and important decision. The urn serves as a lasting tribute and a place of remembrance. To make the best choice, it’s essential to ask the right questions when ordering an urn. Here are some key questions to guide you through the process.
1. What Type of Urn Is Suitable?
Different types of urns serve various purposes, so it’s important to understand the options available:
Keepsake Urns: Smaller urns designed to hold a portion of the ashes, often used when ashes are divided among family members.
Companion Urns: Larger urns intended to hold the ashes of two individuals, often spouses.
Biodegradable Urns: Made from eco-friendly materials, these urns are designed for burial in the ground or sea.
Decorative Urns: Urns intended for display at home, available in a wide range of styles and materials.
Niche Urns: Designed to fit into columbarium niches in cemeteries or mausoleums.
2. What Material Should the Urn Be Made Of?
Urns come in various materials, each with its own aesthetic and practical qualities:
Metal: Durable and often available in brass, bronze, or stainless steel, metal urns offer a timeless look.
Wood: Available in various types such as oak, walnut, and cherry, wood urns provide a warm and natural appearance.
Ceramic: Known for their artistic designs and colors, ceramic urns are both beautiful and fragile.
Glass: Hand-blown glass urns offer unique, colorful designs but require careful handling.
Biodegradable Materials: Made from paper, salt, or other eco-friendly substances, these urns are suitable for green burials.
3. What Size Urn Do You Need?
Choosing the correct size for the urn is crucial to ensure it can hold all the ashes:
Standard Size: A standard adult urn typically holds about 200 cubic inches of ashes, which is generally sufficient for most adults.
Keepsake Size: Keepsake urns are much smaller, holding a few cubic inches of ashes.
Companion Size: Companion urns are larger, designed to hold the ashes of two individuals, usually around 400 cubic inches.
Child and Infant Sizes: Smaller urns are available for children and infants.
4. Can the Urn Be Personalized?
Personalizing the urn can create a meaningful and unique tribute to your loved one:
Inscriptions: Options for adding names, dates, and personal messages or quotes.
Engraving: Many urns can be engraved with designs, symbols, or photos.
Custom Designs: Some providers offer custom-made urns to reflect the individual’s personality, hobbies, or interests.
5. What Are the Costs and Payment Options?
Understanding the costs and available payment options helps you budget effectively:
Price Range: Ask for a price list to understand the cost differences between various types of urns and materials.
Additional Fees: Inquire about any additional fees for customization, engraving, or shipping.
Payment Plans: Some providers offer payment plans or financing options to make the cost more manageable.
6. What Are the Shipping and Delivery Options?
Knowing the shipping and delivery options ensures the urn arrives on time and in good condition:
Shipping Time: Ask about the expected shipping time and any options for expedited delivery.
Packaging: Ensure the urn will be securely packaged to prevent damage during transit.
Delivery Charges: Inquire about any shipping or delivery charges, especially for customized or heavy urns.
7. What Are the Return and Exchange Policies?
Understanding the return and exchange policies provides peace of mind in case the urn doesn’t meet your expectations:
Return Policy: Ask about the conditions under which you can return the urn and any associated fees.
Exchange Policy: Inquire if exchanges are allowed and the process for doing so.
Custom Urns: Check if personalized or custom-made urns can be returned or exchanged.
8. Can We See Samples or Visit a Showroom?
Seeing samples of urns can help you visualize the final product and make a more informed decision:
Showroom Visits: Ask if you can visit a showroom to see different urns and materials in person.
Sample Photos: Request to see photos or catalogs of previous work or sample urns to understand the quality and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Ordering an urn is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and planning. By asking these essential questions, you can ensure that you choose an urn that honors your loved one’s memory and meets all necessary requirements. Take your time, gather all necessary information, and work closely with the provider to create a meaningful and lasting tribute.
