Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy from Funeralwise.com?
- VALUE: We source our products from established distributors, suppliers, and artists who are dedicated to providing high-quality memorial products. We curate our selection based on a wide variety of factors, including price, quality, and durability.
- PRICE: Our price includes free standard shipping. That means that the price you see on the screen is the price you pay. There are no hidden extras. If your purchase needs added attention that may increase the cost, like special handling or shipping, we’ll work with you to keep the added cost as low as possible.
- QUALITY: We work with each of our suppliers to establish a personal relationship. That means the people handling your products recognize the importance of the person behind the purchase. We work hard to ensure that the items you select are of the highest quality and the customer service you receive from us before and after the sale is top-notch.
- SECURITY: The information you provide is safe with us. We will never sell your contact information.
- WE UNDERSTAND: As members of the funeral industry, we understand how complex the decision to purchase memorial products can be. We work to ensure that when you buy a product from our store, you don’t face added stress during a difficult time.
What is your shipping policy?
The amount of time needed to ship your item will depend on whether your selection is custom made, personalized, how it is sourced, and where you are located. Each item in our store includes information on how quickly an item will be processed. Click here to read more about our shipping policies.
What are your hours of operation?
While orders can be placed at any time, our regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm Central Time, excluding holidays. Orders received outside of operating hours will be processed the following business day.
We normally observe the following holidays, though this listing is subject to change. Our suppliers and shippers are also generally closed on weekends and on the following holidays. Orders cannot be processed, shipped, or delivered on these dates.
New Year's Eve |
Labor Day Christmas Day |
When will my item ship?
We make every effort to process all orders within 24 hours of receipt. However, our regular business hours are 8 am-5 pm CST Monday through Friday. Please note that most of our suppliers do not ship on weekends and holidays. If, for example, you place an order at 5 pm on Friday, it will likely be processed on Monday and then ship within the shipping time frame stated in the product description. See our section on Shipping Policies for complete information.
If I send you an email, when will you reply?
Our regular working hours are 8 am – 5 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. We make every effort to reply to emails within 24 hours, but it may take us longer on weekends and holidays.
How do you communicate with me if you have a question about my order?
We typically correspond by email. If you have placed an order, be sure to use an email address that you monitor regularly. This is particularly important if you have requested engraving or personalization for your items.
What if I need an item quickly?
Expedited shipping is available for most items at an additional cost. We make every effort to fulfill all expedited shipping requests. Unfortunately, there are times when this isn’t possible. We highly recommend that you check with us before you order if you need an item by a particular date. See our section on Shipping Policies for complete information.
How do I buy an urn for a person?
Buying an urn for a loved one can be difficult since there are so many types and styles from which to choose. Luckily, there are ways you can narrow down your options. Visit our How to Buy an Urn page for helpful tips on determining the right size for your urn and other considerations that may not have occurred to you.
As you are shopping, consider an item’s functional and emotional value and balance that with your budget. A $100 cremation urn can be as good as one that costs $1,000. However, the beauty, style, and artistic quality of the more expensive urn may make it a much more meaningful memorial. In the end, the decision is a very personal one and depends on your unique point of view and circumstances.
When it comes to buying an urn, there is no right or wrong choice—only what is most important to you. Consider the woman who purchased a ceramic urn from our store for her mother’s ashes. The design included beautiful hand-painted daisies. Since the buyer’s mother loved daisies, the urn was meaningful and was the perfect memorial to her mother, not just a container for her ashes.
How do I buy an urn for a pet?
Buying an urn for a pet is similar to purchasing an urn for a person. For most people, the decision comes down to finding the right style to reflect your furry companion’s personality. You may also want to consider how you will be displaying the urn. There are choices to suit every décor and type of taste. To help you decide, we recommend that you visit our How to Buy an Urn page.
What type of urn should I buy?
Urns fall into two basic categories: permanent and temporary. When the crematory returns cremated remains to you, they are usually contained in a plastic bag inside an urn. If you have not provided the crematory with your own urn, they will return the ashes in a temporary container, such as one made of cardboard. The plastic bag makes it easy to transfer the ashes to an urn of your choosing.
Permanent urns are made of glass, hardwood, metal, ceramic, bronze, or marble. Biodegradable urns are a form of temporary urn because they decompose over time. Most biodegradable urns are made of paper, but you may also find them made of salt, cornstarch, gelatin, or other degradable materials. There are also urns specifically for use in water burials or for scattering.
What size urn should I buy?
rn capacity is stated in terms of cubic inches. A rule of thumb is that 1 cubic inch represents 1 pound of body weight before cremation. For example, a person weighing 180 pounds will generate 180 cubic inches of remains. In this case, you would look for an adult size urn that holds up to that amount or a bit larger. The same applies to buying a pet urn. An animal that weighs about 25 pounds would require an urn with 25 cubic inch capacity.
How do I seal an urn?
Not all urns have a permanent seal. Even metal urns, which usually have a threaded lid, can be reopened. Ceramic and glass urns typically have a lid that simply rests over the opening or lays flat. You can create a permanent seal by using a bonding agent. If you would like to create a permanent seal for your urn, please read our tips for Sealing a Cremation Urn.
What should I buy if I want to scatter the ashes
The truth is, you really don’t need to buy anything to scatter ashes, but there are special tubes that make scattering much easier. Factors like wind can make scattering a little tricky, especially if you would like to scatter them in more than one location. Visit our Scattering Ashes page for more on what to consider.
You may want to reserve a small amount of ashes to create a special memorial item that will provide a lasting memory. Ashes can be infused into a custom item, placed in a small vial that is part of a piece of jewelry, or kept in one of the many lovely small keepsake urns that are available.
How do I know if my urn is TSA compliant?
If we know that an urn is TSA compliant, we note it in the product description. If you will be traveling with your urn and need to confirm that it is compliant, please let us know BEFORE you purchase it. We will check with our supplier to make sure. The critical thing to remember is that your urn must be made of a material that can be x-rayed and give the TSA screener a clear view of the contents. Wood, plastic, cardboard, or fiberboard are your safest choices. Agents CANNOT open the container, so if they can’t see what’s inside, you will not be able to bring the urn onboard. For more information on traveling with remains, visit our Transporting Ashes page.
How do I buy memorial jewelry?
When selecting jewelry, it usually comes down to taste and style. If you are looking for an item that needs to stand the test of time, consider the quality of materials and artistry in your purchasing decision. Search for an item that has the most meaning to you or invokes the memory of your loved one.
You can incorporate flowers from the funeral into a beautiful ring or pendant, and ashes can be infused in an item or kept in a special vial that is part of the piece. A favorite photo can be included in a pendant or in a glass crystal. Paintings and other artwork make excellent memorial items.