When a loved one has expressed their preference for cremation after their death, you may find yourself wondering what you should do next. Initially, following cremation, you're provided with the cremains from the funeral home or crematorium. Unless you decide otherwise, they are given to you in a box with the cremains secured in a bag inside. Here are some of the things to consider if you've decided to shop for an urn.

Consider the Size 

As you start shopping for urns, you'll find that they come in many different sizes. Choosing the right size for your situation starts with understanding how you will store it. Do you have somewhere that you plan to display the urn in memory of your loved one? If so, choose a size that fits well in the space. If you will be interring your loved one's cremains in a columbarium, you should make sure you know the dimensions of the space to choose an urn that is sized appropriately.

Think About the Material

There are urns on the market made from all sorts of materials, including metal and cultured stone. Think about the final appearance of the urn that you're looking for to help you choose the right one. You should also consider how you'll be storing the urn. If you plan to host a traditional burial service, some cemeteries have limitations on the urn styles that are permissible within their plots.

Discuss Division With Your Family

One of the things that you might not have considered is the benefit of dividing up the cremains. Sometimes, when a loved one passes away, several family members wish to keep some of the cremains to honor that family member. Talk with your immediate family to see if anyone else wishes to have cremains and, if so, have the crematorium divide the remains for you. This can contribute to the size of the urn that you choose because you might need multiple memorial urns instead of one in a standard size.

Respect Your Loved One's Personality

Another thing that some people consider when choosing an urn is what style the deceased might be most interested in. Sometimes, selecting the urn that best represents their individual personality is another way to help keep their memory alive.

These are some of the most common elements that most people consider when choosing an urn to store cremains. Think about these factors as you explore your options.

Contact a local funeral home to learn more about cremation.