Personalization & Proof Guide
Before submitting personalization
Enter names, dates, wording, capitalization, punctuation, and line breaks exactly as they should appear. Please check every detail before placing the order. Script fonts can be difficult to read in all capital letters; choose a block font when all-capital lettering is important.
Cremation urn proofs
When an optional proof is offered on an urn, the price is shown with the personalization choices. The option includes one layout proof sent by email. Please allow 1–3 business days to receive it. Engraving begins after approval, so choosing a proof adds time to the order.
Review the emailed proof carefully. Further changes after the first proof may require an additional proofing charge.
Granite plaques and memorial markers
Granite personalization follows a different schedule. One proof is included at no additional charge. Please allow five business days for the proof, then three business days to create the memorial after approval.
After the proof arrives
Reply to the proof email to approve the layout or request a correction. Production does not begin until the proof is approved. Check your spam or junk folder if the expected email has not arrived.
Choosing the Correct Urn Size
Use capacity, not exterior dimensions
Urn capacity is listed in cubic inches. As a general guide, select at least one cubic inch of capacity for each pound of body weight before cremation. For example, a person or pet who weighed 180 pounds generally requires an urn with a capacity of at least 180 cubic inches.
Cremated-remains volume can vary. If the required capacity is close to the urn’s stated limit, or if keepsakes will be placed inside, choose the next larger size.
Common size descriptions
- Full-size: intended to hold all the cremated remains of one adult when the stated capacity is sufficient.
- Companion: intended for two sets of cremated remains; compare the urn capacity with the combined pre-cremation weights.
- Sharing or medium: holds a portion of the cremated remains or all remains only when its stated capacity is sufficient.
- Keepsake: holds a small portion of the cremated remains or another small memorial item.
When remains will be divided
Families may divide remains among several keepsakes, retain one portion and scatter another, or use a larger urn with room for a small memento. Add the capacities of all selected containers and compare that total with the capacity needed.
If you are uncertain, contact NCIS with the pre-cremation weight and how the remains will be divided. We will help confirm the appropriate capacity before you order.