If your loved one is getting cremated, you will have to purchase a cremation urn to put their ashes in. If this is the first time you have dealt with a cremation, you may find it difficult to choose the right urn. If so, below are some different types you will find to help you make the right decision.

Urn Materials

The first thing you will need to consider is the materials the urn is made from. Some types you will find include:

Marble

Marble urns are beautiful, but they are also sturdy. They can break if they fall, however. They do not have a lid that screws on, but instead the lid fits snugly into the opening. The lid can be glued in also to add more security.

These are the two most popular materials. You can also find urns made of glass, metal, resin, and ceramic stone.

Brass

Brass is a durable material so you will not have to worry about it breaking if it falls off long distances, such as from your fireplace mantel. These urns have a long lid that is threaded so no foreign matter, such as dampness, will get inside of it. Ask to have the urn sealed with a water-resistant glue to provide even more protection.

Types of Urns

There are many types of urns you can choose from, three of which are listed below.

Timber

Timber urns are also known as ash boxes. Ash boxes have a place to store the ashes but also a section that is built in to allow you to mount a photo, medal, or whatever you would like. This is a good choice if you plan to display the urn. The opening of this urn is fixed instead of being screwed in. Even though they are strong and sturdy, you should consider putting the ashes into a plastic bag to prevent them from leaking dust particles. This also keeps dampness out of the ashes. The main disadvantage to a timber urn is it can catch on fire if you have a home fire.

Biodegradable

If you plan to disperse your loved one's ashes at sea, you should choose a biodegradable urn, as it will disintegrate over time in the water. You can choose the interior to be made of sand stuck together with a type of glue or paper. You can also use this type of urn if you plan to bury it into the ground as the materials will break down into the soil.

Cremation Jewelry

You can put a small amount of your loved one's ashes inside a pendant, such as a locket, on a chain. You can wear the jewelry to remember your loved one. You can choose from a variety of shapes, such as miniature urns, wings, angels, and crosses. Make some extra cremation jewelry to give to your family members.

Visit the funeral home where you are having the services done, and ask them about the types of urns they offer.