Explore FAQs related to Handling and Placing Ashes for Urns, covering common questions and important considerations.
Important: Regulations and practices may change; always verify details locally.
After cremation, the remains are typically placed in a clear, durable plastic bag, sealed, and then put inside a simple, temporary container (plastic or cardboard box). For an average adult, this temporary container is often around 8 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 4.5 inches deep, with about 200 cubic inches capacity. If you bought an urn from the funeral home, they will likely transfer the remains into it. If you provide your own urn, you'll usually receive the remains in the temporary container for you or the funeral director to transfer.
Yes, families have the option to personally place the cremated remains into the chosen urn, and many find this provides a sense of closure. The remains are typically returned in a sealed plastic bag within a temporary container, making the transfer straightforward. You can carefully open the temporary container, gently remove the sealed bag of ashes, open your chosen permanent urn, and place the sealed bag inside, ensuring it fits comfortably. You can leave extra space or add small mementos if there's room. Then, securely reattach the urn's lid or bottom panel. For ceramic urns, you might choose to seal the lid with wood glue or caulking, though this isn't always necessary if the ashes are in a sealed plastic bag. Ensure threaded lids are tightly closed. Alternatively, you can request assistance with this process from the funeral director or crematory staff, sometimes for a nominal fee. Some urns are also designed to accommodate the entire temporary container directly.
It's understandable to feel uneasy about handling cremated remains. Options include: - Asking the funeral home to transfer the ashes into your chosen urn for a nominal fee (you can often have online purchases shipped directly to them). - Enlisting a trusted family member or friend to assist. - Choosing a cremation urn designed with a larger interior to accommodate the entire temporary container (like the Marquis Urn), avoiding the need to open it. These options ensure everyone can handle the remains in a way that feels most comfortable and respectful.