I think I saw my first Urn Ark around 20 years ago. I was immediately taken and still consider it to be the best way to dignify the ceremony in a cremation. Most funeral homes that use them… and, sadly, too many do not…don’t charge for them. That practice doesn’t bother me but I do think things of value should have a price. But that is not the purpose of this post.
The other day I was visiting my friend, Danny Jefferson, of Pierce – Jefferson Funeral Home in Kernersville, NC. Danny is a true innovator. So, as is my practice, while I was waiting for him to finish up what he was doing I wandered around the funeral home. With Danny there is always a good chance you will learn something.
When I wandered into his arrangement office I noticed this display.
If you click on the small images they get a little bigger. so I added a larger image for your convenience. That’s a wooden urn in the center.
When Danny came in I complimented on the display. His urn ark had always been displayed but not with flowers. He told me he had a new onsite florist and she had decorated it for a service that afternoon.
WHAT I WOULD DO
If it were me I would buy some high quality silk flowers and display it with flowers and a high quality urn all the time. I would, of course, sell the arrangement but I would also add a small charge (say $75) for the rental of the ark. I would have the designer create 3 or 4 floral themes including a military one and have photos displayed above it.
I think you would use it more, sell more and maybe even get a couple of ceremonies you wouldn’t have gotten in the first place. In the service that afternoon the 3 daughters were going to carry it to the gravesite.
IF YOU HAVE GOOD IDEAS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WHY NOT SEND THEM TO ME AND I WILL FEATURE THE WORTHY ONES.
Great thoughts, observations and ideas Alan! I always appreciate your insight to whatever the subject. It certainly is “trial and error” when it comes to any new idea to be implemented. The public is the gauge of any design we may have on Funeral Service. Thus, we have had incredible comments on this display and the “Ark” or “Ossuary”. The simple act of carrying one’s loved one to a place of rest is empowering. Families truly remember and appreciate the opportunity to participate. Thank you for your thoughts!
Alan, I would have to agree with you that to few funeral directors use the urn ark. Several years ago we placed the urn arks in each of our locations and made the use of them a standard of service for our firm. It is all about the respect for the individual who was cremated. The clergy of our community have embraced our usage of the ark as it seems to be more reverent in processionals and recessionals in churches.
I believe that it sets our firm apart from the others.