Why You Might Consider a Columbarium Niche

If you are considering direct cremation in Greenfield, WI. as part of your preplanning arrangements, or for immediate need for a family member, one thing you will need to decide is where to keep the remains afterwards. One of the places to consider is a columbarium niche. Now, if you are not very familiar with columbariums don’t worry as not many people are. Today we are going to look at these structures in more detail and explore why some families may choose this option. 

What is a Columbarium? 

Columbariums are structures that are most often seen in cemeteries, cremation gardens, as well as other memorial sites. They can be large or small structures and can be attached to another structure or building, or act as a stand alone structure. Columbariums can also be found inside as well as outside. 

What makes a columbarium different that other walls or structures is that they are made up of spaces called “niches”. These niches are where families keep the remains of their loved ones. These niches can be all the same size across the columbarium or vary in size. They can also have different materials to cover them. Two of the most common materials are: 

• Glass – Glass front niches allow the contents of the nice to be viewed. Because of this, many families will add additional items such as photos or personal mementos with the urn. 

• Metal – Metal font niches obscure the view of the inside. Many of these niches will offer families a small plaque to be engraved and paced on the outside of the niche. 

Why Choose a Columbarium Niche? 

Columbarium niches can appeal to families for several different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include: 

• General location- While keeping a loved one’s urn in home is a nice idea, it may not be the most convenient for other family members. With the urn being in a columbarium niche, various family members can visit whenever they wish rather than having to make arrangements with the person who’s home the urn is housed in. 

• The remains are protected- Placing your loved one’s remains in a columbarium niche means you can feel confident the urn is protected. Columbariums are built as solid structures and each niche is secure. Also, since these columbariums are normally part of other spaces such as cemeteries and cremation gardens, they will most likely be there for hundreds of years in the future. 

• Provides a peaceful resting place- With columbariums being part of other memorial spaces, the surroundings are typically landscaped and offer benches and other sitting areas for reflection. Having your loved one be a rest in such a beautiful setting can bring much needed comfort.   

Final Thoughts 

While there are many options on how to keep your loved one’s ashes after their direct cremation in Greenfield, WI, it may be worth while to look into a columbarium niche. With these niches being in beautiful settings, keeping your loved one’s remains secure, and providing a general location for all family members to visit, it might be the perfect fit for you and your family.