Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SIZE URN DO I NEED?
The cremains of an average human adult will require 100 to 180 cubic inches, depending on their weight. The ash capacity of our urns is approximately 250 cubic inches. If you have concerns about whether our urns have enough capacity, prior to purchasing we recommend you ask your funeral home or crematory to help you estimate the size urn you will need.
See comparison chart of all our urn sizes.
HOW IS MY URN SEALED?
Our urns are sealed by screws that hold the bottom access panel in place. Your urn will work perfectly using only the screws to enclose your loved ones cremains, but you may also permanently seal your urn using a regular epoxy adhesive available at any hardware store.
WHO PLACES THE ASHES IN MY URN?
We make it very easy for you to place the ashes in the urn. Typically, when you receive the cremated remains from the funeral home or crematory, they will be contained in a plastic bag, or a plastic bag placed in an outer box. After removing a few screws from the bottom of the urn, you'll be able to place the the ashes in the bottom compartment. Note: with the exception of our Oak Burial urn, the ash compartments of our urns only accept ashes contained in plastic, not those contained in boxes.
WHAT IS THE 1984 "FUNERAL RULE"?
The Funeral Rule, was passed in 1984 and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. It requires "funeral directors to give you itemized prices in person and, if you ask, over the phone. The Rule also requires funeral directors to give you other information about their goods and services. For example, if you ask about funeral arrangements in person, the funeral home must give you a written price list to keep that shows the goods and services the home offers. If you want to buy a casket or outer burial container, the funeral provider must show you descriptions of the available selections and the prices before actually showing you the caskets.Many funeral providers offer various "packages" of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want." "According to the Funeral Rule:
- You have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want (with some exceptions).
- The funeral provider must state this right in writing on the general price list.
- If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
- The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
- A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available."
To learn more visit:
- Funerals: A Consumer Guide (Federal Trade Commission site).
- A Consumer's Guide to Funerals (USA People Search).
WHY DO YOU SIGN AND DATE YOUR URNS?
At Kettle River Urns, our urns aren't churned out in a factory. Instead, each urn is lovingly handcrafted of personally-selected, high-quality hardwoods, and artistically designed to make certain that your urn is not only highly functional, but also a beautiful heirloom you'll treasure for many years to come. To assure you that your urn is a genuine Kettle River Urn, all our urns are numbered and signed by artist and master woodworker, Kevin Green.
WHAT IS A KEEPSAKE COMPARTMENT AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A KEEPSAKE URN?
Most keepsake urns are small urns that hold a portion of the cremains. Kettle River urns are designed with two compartments: a hidden, lower compartment that holds all your loved ones remains; and an easily-accessed, upper keepsake compartment that allows you to store special mementos of your loved one, such as their watch or ring.