Why Families May Choose a Columbarium

After your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX., having the remains placed in an urn and kept inside your home can offer great comfort. However, this option has some disadvantages that may cause some families to look for another option. For example, keeping the urn in one home can make it difficult for other family members or friends to visit or be near the urn. Other families may choose another option because they would like to have a larger tribute for their loved one than just the urn itself.

Because of this many people are choosing to have their loved one’s remains placed in a columbarium To learn more about this option, and if it’s right for you and your family, keep reading.

What is a Columbarium?

Columbariums are structures that are either par of a building, memorial, or a stand-alone structure. They are typically found in cemeteries, cremation gardens, or other memorial locations.

Whether the columbarium is part of a larger structure or on its own, it is comprised on spaces that are referred to as “niches”. It is in these niches that urns are placed.

There are a few types of niches with the two most common being:

• Metal Front Niche– A metal front niche hides the urn from view as it covers the front. With metal front niches, there is typically an engraving on the face that included the deceased’s name, date of birth, date of passing, and maybe a short epitaph or passage.
• Glass Front Niche – A glass front niches allows for the contains of the niche to be seen by visitors. Because of this many families choose to also add other things in addition to the urn such as a photograph of their loved one or other personal items.

Columbarium Advantages

Columbariums provide many advantages that cause families to choose this option. Some of the most popular reasons include:

• Provide a General Location – Many families choose a columbarium niche for their loved one’s remains because it offers the family a general location that any and all guests can visit anytime they wish.
• Offer Beautiful Scenery – Most all columbariums will be found in wonderful landscaped surroundings that offer a beautiful and peaceful environment to connect with your loved one. Many also offer benches or other seating areas to rest and reflect.
• Serve as a Memorial – Columbarium niches not only house your loved ones remains, but they serve as a memorial and tribute to them. Being able to have the front of the niche engraved or adding more items into the niche can serve more of a memorial than an urn simply placed in a home.

Shelter from the Elements- If the columbarium is inside another structure, it offers visitors a way to visit their loved one while being sheltered from the elements such as rain or from the sun on a hot summer day.

Final Thoughts

While placing your loved one’s remains in your home after their cremation many be great for some, other families may enjoy the advantages that a columbarium can provide. If you would like more information about columbariums or cremation services in Irving, TX., feel free to call or come by anytime and let our caring staff answer any questions you may have.