Let us help you through this difficult time

Here at In the Light Urns we do a great deal of research and writing about losing a loved one. This is our Funeral Information Blog and you can find several useful writings to help you during your time of loss.

Memorializing a Little Angel, Choosing Infant Urns

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The loss of an infant is impossible to comprehend. It’s one of the most heartbreaking and unimaginable experiences any parent can endure. Making arrangements for a tiny angel isn’t something anyone wants to do, but if cremation is the option, choosing an infant urn is an emotional and necessary step. This will be the final resting place where a cherished cherub will remain, and serve as a touching tribute to this tiny soul whose time was cut too short.

There are many different types of infant urns that will comfort you and allow your little angel to be with you in way that may not be obvious to others. Here are a few sweet options that will make beautiful memorials for the smallest angels.

Music Box Infant Urn

A child’s memory will last forever with an infant urn music box. They come in a variety of styles from classic wooden boxes to metal heart shapes, and can be engraved with the baby’s name or included with a picture. Infant urn music boxes often play sweet melodies such as “Amazing Grace” or “Brahm’s Lullaby” to remind you of your precious sleeping angel.

Teddy Bear Infant Urn

Teddy bears offer a loving sense of comfort to children and anyone in need of a hug. Teddy bear infant urns can console and soothe aching hearts, while providing lovable final resting places for tiny ones. These bears can be hugged and loved always.

Angel Infant Urn

Every angel will surely have their own guardian angel in an angel infant urn. Small angel statutes forever hold your precious love and pray over them. Angel infant urns come in resin, porcelain or metal statue forms. They also make wonderful keepsakes. The angel is a symbol of love and protection, representing a tiny angel who is content and free, watching over you and with you always.

Cremation Urns Development into Art

Friday, September 3, 2010

Art UrnsTo put it bluntly, urns for ashes were once purely functional; the look or design was utilitarian, as the cremation urns were used solely for the purpose of burial or were placed in an obscure place never to be seen again. Most were designed in dull colors and were nothing anyone would take note of – you certainly wouldn’t have called urns for ashes “beautiful” or “exquisite.” Today, things have certainly changed. The urns for ashes that can be found today are spectacular, and thousands of unique choices mean that you can find the perfect one for your needs. Within the funeral industry creativity is flourishing; no longer are cremation urns viewed as simply a “box” or vase where a loved ones ashes are placed upon passing. Today, artisans who are blessed with an abundance of talent create urns for ashes that are available on the shelf of the retailer, or you can choose to have a specially designed urn custom made especially for your needs.

The cremation urns you find available today encompass many artistic elements including shape, line, form, texture, color and space. The artistic quality you find in urns for ashes today is supreme; these urns are meant to represent the passions, spirit and personality of a loved one. Artisans who create exquisite art urns do so with a careful, loving touch and design all of their work to be of exceptional quality and beauty.

Today’s cremation urns are often a blank “canvas” on which artisans create some of their best work. The level of detail that goes in to creating urns for ashes today is unimaginable, as artisans reach new heights in forming urns that are functional and designed in a way that is awe-inspiring. The form and markings are complex in many cases, resulting in an urn that is breathtaking.

The elements of true art include form, shape and texture. While form includes the basic lines and dimensions of the cremation urn, shape refers to a space that is enclosed. Talented artisans are able to create literally any shape today in urns for ashes, from teddy bear and angel replicas to log cabins, cars, contemporary vases and more. Colors are no longer limited; today’s urns are formed with dramatic and intense colors like purple urns that are truly inspiring. While you will see the classic colors of black and grey in many elegant designs, you will also commonly find that reds, yellows, vibrant blues, green shades and other colors are used alone and in combination.

While the urns for ashes of years gone by have been mostly smooth surfaces that were nothing extraordinary, many you find today include a rich texture that adds an entirely new dimension and invites touching. When you think of texture, think of the different “feel” that certain fabrics have, such as silk or burlap; this is the difference that you will find in the finishes of many cremation urns in modern times.

The “value” of urns relates to how light or dark the piece is. By combining colors and various values, cremation urns are created in a countless array of colors and shades from the very lightest to rich and dark.

While it’s still common for cremation urns to be buried underground, many are used as memorial displays in a home or office as a constant reminder of a loved one who has gone on. Still others are kept for only a short time until the ashes are scattered upon land or water. The beauty and skill contained in urns for ashes are not only for looks; they also represent the respect you have for a loved one, and allow you to pay tribute in a beautiful, loving manner. As exquisitely crafted as the urns you find today tend to be, you will find it hard not to put a beautiful piece of work on display for all to see – and you definitely won’t find it years later in the attic or back of a closet.

Selecting the Right Urn for Ashes

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

ceramic cremation urnAn urn is the vessel or container used to hold cremated remains for the funeral, memorial service or internment. Families may also choose to keep the urn at home as a visual tribute to the memories of the one that has died. The styles, shapes and materials that urns are made from provide the opportunity to match the characteristics of the urn to the personality of the loved one it will be used to memorialize. Funeral service providers have access to urns made of marble, stone, natural materials, beautiful hardwoods, semi-precious metals, and synthetic materials that are crafted into simple profile shapes with a distinct look or an elegant hand crafted classic design – all unique in their own way.

Urns have become more innovative than the traditional round or square styles to shapes of objects that are very popular in our lives today and provide choices such as sports topics, striking art and nature concepts, music box and candle type, military service, motor sports, and an array of keepsake jewelry. More and more families are choosing to keep a small portion of the cremains with them either at home in a companion urn or in a beautiful piece of keepsake jewelry or keychain. Fashion styles of cremation jewelry grant an ongoing tribute to a loved one with the personal connection of a charm or locket.

Scattering has been a very popular tribute for years where the cremains are ceremonially spread at a favorite site that was significant to the person or a place that has special meaning to the family. When the location is visited again, memories are filled with special thoughts that can have an individual meaning to each family member. Unique urns for ashes are made of materials that dissolve into the water and are green friendly for water and sea burials. These urns can be kept safely at home until a location is chosen at sea or where it will breakdown naturally in the earth.

When choosing cremation as a form of entombment, the family may decide on a niche in a mausoleum within a cemetery. Walls of the mausoleum have niches to hold urns, and are sealed closed for security and peace of mind. Visiting a cemetery can be appropriate in remembering a loved one and the niche would be engraved with names, dates of birth and death.

No matter what kind or style, the ultimate in personalization can be the engraving and inscriptions about the deceased on the urn. Elegant script or hand painted porcelain portraits can signify in detail the thoughts of a loved one with a special verse, message or picture. Biodegradable urns made of sand can have shapes sculpted from the sand as a part of the urn or stones attached that symbolize the solace of nature.

Cremation is a popular choice within the funeral services of today and the urn can be a very personal way to create a lasting tribute of a loved one or family member.

Biodegradable and Earth Friendly Urns for Burial

Monday, August 30, 2010

Biodegradable Urns
As many people seek to live greener lives, continuing that momentum in death is becoming more popular. As a result, biodegradable urns are increasingly in demand. Cremation is not only budget-friendly, but an eco-friendly option as well and biodegradable urns allow the life to come full circle, returning to nature.

Over 50 million people die each year. Traditional burial services can have a very negative environmental impact, but choosing green options such as a bio urn help lessen the impact on the earth.  Formaldehyde, a chemical often used in traditional embalming practices, is considered harmful by many including by the World Health Organization. Once in the ground it has the potential to seep into the earth, contaminating the ground and water.

Biodegradable urns come in many forms, which can be dissolved, disintegrated or decompose naturally. Here are a few options to consider.


Pillow Biodegradable Urns

Pillow type earns urns are 100% biodegradable and water friendly, easy-to-use in the ocean, lake, river or other body of water.  These biodegradable urns are designed to set directly into the water, slipping under peacefully within a few minutes.  They are made with a corn starch water soluble, biodegradable bag, and will dissolve entirely in time under water.

Recycled Biodegradable Urns

Some earns are created from recycled materials and decompose over time in the earth once buried. These biodegradable urns will remain intact if indoors, and will not breakdown until placed in the elements, buried in earth or water.

Box Biodegradable Urns

There are burial urns created with handmade or other naturally sourced paper, often comprised of leaves and pressed flower petals. These urns for burial can come in traditional box shapes with biodegradable bags inside, which are safely buried in the ground or in the sea.

Burial UrnsPod Biodegradable Urns

When buried in the earth, new innovative pod urns will return to natural organic material in just a few months. This 100% biodegradable, environmentally-friendly urns are the latest in green cremation and offer a soft, pebbled feel. Then the pod biodegradable urn can be buried or used to scatter ashes on land or in water.

Making green, environmentally-conscious decisions in life can now certainly be carried through to the end of life on this earth. Making your wishes known to family beforehand will ensure your desires are carried out and that the green ideals in which you lived your life will follow you through to the end. There are many organizations that offer funeral information on protecting the earth through environmentally sustainable death care and the reduction of carbon emissions, toxic materials and waste.

Honoring a Veteran with a Custom Military Urn

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Veterans Urns

Dedicating your life to preserving the freedom of your country and fellow US citizens is the ultimate sacrifice. Military Urns are more than a traditional final resting place or storage of a lost loved one’s ashes. Military urns are designed to pay very special tribute to honor and memorialize all American heroes who are veterans of the United States armed forces including the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.

Military Cremation UrnsIf someone lost their life in the name of duty, or even dedicated part of their career to previous military service, the memory of each serviceman or servicewoman who has ever fought to preserve our freedoms should be celebrated, acknowledged and respectfully remembered. Military urns help families pay tribute to and observe the life of their lost veteran, saluting their courage for eternity. All American veterans have fulfilled a mission to protect and defend their country’s freedom, and military urns pay homage to their patriotic duty and selfless sacrifice.

Symbols
Military urns complete a veteran’s passion for their country and ensure their historic legacy lives on. Most urns for veterans are respectfully designed to mirror patriotic and military branch themes, colors and symbols. These types of military urns represent liberty, freedom, bravery, and the strength of the American spirit. Bald eagles, stars and stripes, military emblems, medallions and other American patriotic symbols are often featured design elements on military urns.

Marine UrnStyles
Like all cremation urns, military urns are offered in a variety of styles, forms, materials and designs. Cremation urns can be composed of wood, metal, marble, ceramic or glass in traditional vase shapes, statues or boxes. Urns for veterans can be customized in the many ways to pay tribute to the person being memorialized such as photographs, engraving, and symbols of the specific war or branch of the military in which they served. Cremation jewelry is another deeply personal option that comes in a variety of styles including dog tags, bullets and shotgun shells so family members can always keep their loved one close to their heart. Military urns in locket shapes can hold a photo and a small portion of cremains or lock of hair.

All military urns help families keep the memory of a veteran alive and create an irreplaceable piece of family history and legacy. Throughout history and across cultures, people have engaged in very special tributes to honor and preserve the spirit of their fallen soldiers and military heroes. All urns are meaningful, and while military urns also serve the traditional purpose as final resting places for the ashes of a loved one, they are also symbols of a veteran’s heroic life, career and legacy.

Exquisite and Unique Urns for Cremation

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Urns for Cremation
Today, funeral urns are as original as those we love. All people are different; when a loved one passes, you want to pay tribute to them in a way that is special and meaningful. The urns for cremation available today allow you to memorialize a loved one in a way that represents their life, passions and personality.

Whether your loved one desired to have their ashes buried, scattered over land or water, or stored in a beautiful container for display, urns for cremation come in a huge assortment that allow you to choose a design that is perfect for someone who was so loved and special. We often feel after the death of a loved one that they can still “sense” what we are doing, and we want to choose a memorial that we feel they would have chosen themselves.

You may have lost a child, a parent, a sibling or any other close member of your family. What was that person’s passion in life? Whether your loved one was a dedicated sports fan, was someone who loved angels, or served in the military, the urns for cremation you find today allow you to choose something you will feel was created especially with your loved one in mind.

Choosing a cremation urn can be a hard task, particularly when you are feeling the loss of a family member. You want to make the right choice, but making decisions when you are grieving and often in disbelief that you have really lost a loved one is hard. Just as choosing a casket in traditional burial is an important decision, choosing a suitable urn is essential as well, as this will be the final resting place for your loved ones ashes. The wide variety of styles and materials available today will make it easier for you to choose the perfect cremation urn for your loved one, even during a time that is no doubt extremely stressful.

You will find that memorial urns are made of several materials and styles. Sports and motorcycle or car themes, angels, art, Christian, Boy Scouts, ocean and nautical themes, heart shaped keepsakes and urns especially for babies or children are a few of the options you will find available today.

Pay tribute to your loved one with urns for cremation that display not only your love and devotion, but your respect and thoughtfulness as well.

Burial Urns for Pets

Thursday, August 12, 2010


Paying Tribute to a Loyal Companion

urns for petsThe loss of a pet, for some people, is just as tragic as the loss of a human life.  Burial urns for pets are a good way to pay tribute to your beloved dog or cat.  No other pet will ever replace them, and your loss is real.  As with the loss of a loved one, you will most likely go through the grieving process before you begin to heal.  Burial urns for pets help make the loss more final, so that you can move forward with life.

Often, those you work with, friends, and even family members cannot understand how you can be so upset.  As humans, people tend to be sympathetic toward the loss of human life.  They offer their ears to listen, food, cards and more, but when you lose a pet there is often no one to console you.  Burial urns for pets help you feel as though you did something out of respect for your pet, to demonstrate the love and feelings you have inside.

While your best friend and companion has departed this life, you will never lose the memories you created together.  As you move toward healing, you will often find there are times when you cherish the memories, and reflect on the fun and even humorous adventures together.  Burial urns for pets allow you to create a special final resting place for your dog or cat, whether that is in his/her favorite spot in the yard, a special memorial garden, or some other place you find suitable.

water burial urn Burial Urns for PetsOf course, you don’t have to bury your pet, and these days it is common to keep an urn indoors to use as a display.  Burial urns for pets can be placed in a special display that pays tribute to your pet, along with his favorite play toys and perhaps some memorial jewelry.  Depending on how you felt about your pet, you can use these beautiful urns in any way please.  Today, cremation urns are made from many materials and designs to meet any need.  Wood, marble, brass, and ceramic are some of the durable materials you will find in today’s selection.

Burial urns for pets are available in styles that range from a novelty look to those that are elegant and classic.  Through your grief and tremendous loss, you will find that pet urns help you make sense of it all while paying your final respects.

Heart Shaped Keepsakes

Friday, August 6, 2010


The Perfect Heart-Felt Way to Remember a Loved One

heart urnsEveryone knows that the heart is simply an organ of the body, yet it has symbolized love and deep-felt emotion for thousands of years. Heart keepsakes are the perfect way to memorialize a loved one who has passed; nothing shows your love and respect quite like the heart, which breaks when you lose someone very near and dear to you.

From heart-shaped boxes to pendants and wooden urns, heart keepsakes demonstrate love perhaps better than any type of memorial you could choose. Today, shared scattering urns are available for those whose loved ones would wish for their ashes to be scattered in a special place that held meaning in their life. These are appropriate when several members of the family wish to scatter the remains of a loved one in order to pay tribute to a loved one.

Heart keepsakes come in a wide variety of themes and designs for those who want a truly meaningful way to remember a loved one. From a brass keepsake heart shaped box that can be personalized to silver heart and gold vermeil pendants, you won’t find a more beautiful and lasting way to pay tribute to someone who held a special place in your heart. While you cannot have them back in your life as you would like, heart keepsakes help keep them close to you in mind and spirit.

heart keepsakeFor those who want to keep a portion of the cremains or other memento such as a lock of hair to remember a loved one by, the Perfect Heart Gold Pendant Urn is exquisite, and gleams as beautifully as 14kt. gold. When it comes to heart keepsakes, this piece is particularly outstanding, and allows you to place ashes or another memento inside so that you can keep your loved one close to your heart. This beautiful keepsake can be engraved for those who wish to include a special message.

Heart keepsakes aren’t only for wearing; some people choose to buy jewelry, then place it in a casket with a loved one who chooses traditional burial. Others may use the keepsakes in a display along with the urn containing the ashes of a loved one. How you choose to pay tribute to your beloved is a personal matter; heart keepsakes are absolutely stunning, and help you make an easier decision during what is a most difficult time.

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Headstone Decision Making

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

headstone decision Headstone Decision MakingIf your loved one chose a headstone before passing, consider yourself very lucky and loved. This is perhaps one of the most loving and caring things a family member can do before they pass; this way, it is not left up to remaining family members to choose a headstone during what is likely the saddest, most difficult time in their lives.

When the decision is left to the family, they often feel that they must choose a headstone immediately and determine what to have inscribed.  This is really not necessary, and even if you put it off for weeks or months you will be grateful that you waited.  Why?  Because once you begin the healing process, you can think much clearer and you will make better choices, so that you have no regrets later.

Why are headstones so important?  Whether your loved one chooses traditional burial or is cremated and the ashes placed in a burial urn, a marker helps those in the future learn about their family heritage.  Most people choose to display their name, the date of birth and death, and some list their children’s names as well, along with a special prayer, poem or saying that inspires the heart.  Family genealogy is a fast growing trend, and headstones are the way that many family members do part of their research; by looking at a headstone, they can make certain they have the correct name spelling and date of birth or death.

If you are stressing about placing a headstone or memorial urn for a loved one who has recently passed, give it a bit of time.  Most importantly, think of what your loved one would have wanted.  Headstones today can be simple or elaborate, decorated in a delicate manner or stately.  Think first and foremost of your loved one and their passions in life; this will help make your decision easier when the time comes to choose the right memorial.

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