How to Fill a Cremation Urn

Maybe you collected the cremains with a temporary container. Or you want to perform the last ritual as part of saying goodbye. Filling an urn requires accuracy. You could do it yourself or have it done by a director or attendant of a cremation service in Phoenix, AZ.

If you prefer the former, here is how to fill a cremation urn yourself.

How to fill a Traditional Cremation Urn

There are about three ways to transfer ashes into an urn from the ash bag within the temporary container. It all depends on the type of urn you have.

For traditional cremation urns, the most popular type of urns, it is a straightforward process.

1. Prepare a working surface by covering it with paper to gather any spillage easily.
2. Get a funnel with a wider mouth so that larger particles can pass through. A paper could also work as a makeshift funnel.
3. Open the urn’s lid and pour through the funnel.
4. If the urn happens to have a removable base at the bottom, unfasten it by turning the screws anti-clockwise.
5. After removing every screw, place the ashes inside the urn.
6. Re-screw the base with each screw by turning clockwise. Don’t forget to make it tight.

Whatever you do, make sure to leave the metal ID inside the plastic bag. If you prefer to have the ashes inside the urn without the plastic bag, leave the tag with the ashes.

How to fill a Burial Urn

A burial urn could either be a metal urn or a biodegradable burial urn. The metal urn tends to have a bottom that unscrews, so the process outlined in the “Traditional Cremation Urn” section above works.

For a biodegradable burial urn, you will have to:

1. Remove the wooden pin securing the lid to the base. Then take off the lid,
2. Transfer the ashes directly into the urn by pouring directly or placing them in a plastic/biodegradable bag.
3. Replace the lid on the urn and reinsert the wooden pin.

How to Transfer Ashes into a Scattering Urn

There is more variety in the types of urns used for scattering ashes. They can either be wood, bamboo, paper, or other materials.

You don’t need a plastic bag when you transfer ashes in these kinds of urns. The ashes should fill the urn on their own. That way, the ashes will properly scatter from the urn.

One more thing, you might have to open the lid or remove the wooden pin depending on the material. Since people prefer biodegradable urns for this purpose, let’s go with the latter.

1. Remove the wooden locking pin,
2. Turn the top to open or remove it altogether,
3. Make sure the bottom is adequately sealed,
4. Pour the ashes. Use a funnel or a piece of paper if you are worried about spillage.

Filling a cremation urn is an emotional process. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to a family member or a technical staff from Phoenix, AZ, cremation services. You could call one from ours, Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements. Our experts are always available to help you navigate these final rituals. You could also visit our location today to get it done in person.