Couples can buy a plot side-by-side or a joint plot that can fit both caskets after a burial. A companion urn is an equivalent option for those who choose cremation services in Cherry Hill, NJ. Here’s everything you should know about it.
What is a Companion Urn?
A companion urn is a special type of urn designed to hold the ashes of two individuals. Unlike traditional urns, designed to hold the ashes of a single person, companion urns have two compartments that can hold the ashes of two loved ones.
The exact design can vary. Some companion urns have a single lid covering both compartments, while others have separate lids. Whatever the case, like regular urns, they are available in different materials, be they metal, ceramic, or glass.
How Does a Companion Urn Compare to Standard Urns?
Compared to standard urns, companion urns are larger and have two compartments. They are ideal for couples or family members who want to be memorialized or buried together. The average size of a companion urn is double a standard urn, at about 350-400 cubic inches.
Companion urns also tend to have a more elaborate design meant to reflect the significance of the remains of the two individuals in them. However, the primary function of a companion urn is the same as a standard urn: to hold the ashes of a loved one.
Uses of a Companion Urn
The primary target market of companion urns is couples who wish to be interred together. But that doesn’t mean others can’t use them. Parents can use them to store the ashes of their children, and so can family members and friends who wish to keep their loved ones together. Overall, companion urns are a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the memory of two individuals, regardless of the relationship between them.
Who Can Use a Companion Urn?
Anyone can use a companion urn if they have two sets of ashes to place inside. Companion urns are available in various designs and materials, so there is something to suit every taste and budget.
Types of Companion Urns
Like standard urns, companion urns are available in a variety of types, including:
- Traditional Companion Urns - These are often made of metal or wood and have a simple, classic design. Usually comes in rectangular or square shapes.
- Artistic Companion Urns - Often made by artists, they have a more unique, creative design that reflects the relationship of the remains inside.
- Biodegradable Companion Urns - These urns are environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials such as paper, salt, or plant fibers. Best for scattering or water burials.
- Keepsake Companion Urns – These urns are more miniature and can hold a portion of the ashes of each person. They are often used by family members who want to keep a small number of ashes as a keepsake.
Alternatively, you can get a companion urn burial vault. It is a large box where you can store two separate urns. Urn vaults generally cost more than standard urns, and a companion version may cost even more due to the larger size.
A companion urn is a beautiful way to remember to store the cremated remains of two loved ones. If you’d like one after your Cherry Hill, NJ cremation service, consult your funeral director or cemetery manager to ensure you get one that meets their requirement.