Discover FAQs about selecting the right cremation urn, including size, materials, types, and personalization options.
Important: Consider the intended purpose and final disposition of the urn when making your choice.
Selecting a cremation urn involves considering the intended purpose, the necessary size and capacity, the different types of urns available, and the materials they are made from. This thoughtful process helps families choose an urn that honors their loved one. The selection of a cremation urn is often the first step in creating a lasting tribute. Urns are available in a wide variety of designs, materials, and shapes to reflect the unique life and preferences of the person who has passed. The intended final disposition of the cremated remains is a crucial first consideration. Options include displaying the urn at home (material and design are key), storing it in a columbarium niche (size and durability matter; confirm niche dimensions), scattering the ashes (lightweight urn with removable lid or specialized scattering urns like paper tubes or water-soluble urns are suitable), burial (biodegradable urns are eco-friendly, but durable materials also work), or keeping a small portion in keepsake urns or cremation jewelry for sharing or personal mementos.
Choosing the right size cremation urn depends on the volume of cremated remains, which is generally estimated as one cubic inch per pound of the deceased's pre-cremation body weight. The standard capacity for a single adult urn is at least 200 cubic inches, typically accommodating individuals up to 200 pounds.
Beyond the standard adult size, urns come in various capacities:
It's always wise to choose a slightly larger capacity to ensure all remains fit comfortably. If you are unsure, consult the cremation provider.
The selection is vast and can be categorized by material and purpose/size. Common materials include wood (engravable, some biodegradable), metal (durable, various finishes), ceramic/porcelain (aesthetic appeal), stone (permanent, elegant), glass/crystal (artistic, can hold a small portion), and biodegradable materials (eco-friendly burial). Functional categories include individual/adult urns, companion urns (for two), keepsake urns (small portion), child/infant urns, pet urns, scattering urns, and burial urns. Specialty urns like veteran, religious, themed, picture urns, and cremation jewelry also offer personalized options.
Generally, yes, small mementos can be placed inside an urn along with the ashes, provided there is enough space. Consider the urn's capacity.
Keepsake urns (also known as mini or sharing urns) are smaller versions of full-sized urns designed to hold a small portion of cremated remains. Their purpose is to allow multiple family members or close friends to each have a memento, especially in situations where the majority of ashes are scattered or interred elsewhere. They are available in various designs, materials (metal, ceramic, wood, glass), and shapes, often mirroring the styles of full-sized urns. Cremation jewelry, such as pendants and bracelets, is another popular keepsake option. Keepsake urns can also be used to hold a small amount of ashes along with other remembrance items. Their small size offers discretion for display or private keeping. They are often more affordable than full-sized urns, making personal memorials accessible to many. Capacity typically ranges from 1 to 50 cubic inches, with many holding less than 15.
Urns are made from diverse materials with unique qualities. Cremation urns are available in various materials, including:
Material choice impacts appearance, durability, and suitability for the intended use.
Most cremation urns sold in the United States fall between $75 and $350. At that price they are mass-produced, usually imported, and usually bought from a funeral home's catalogue or a large online retailer. Keepsake urns run roughly $25 to $60, and companion urns for two people generally cost more than single urns whatever the maker.
Ours are $495. It is worth being straight about why, and about when you should spend less.
Every urn we sell is cut from solid hardwood in our workshop in Macomb County, Michigan â not veneer, not wood composite. Each one is photographed individually because no two boards are alike, so the grain in the urn you receive is the grain in the photograph you chose. The price includes laser engraving on the front or the lid, which most sellers charge separately for, and free priority shipping. Engraving on both faces is $75 more.
There are good reasons to spend less than we charge. If the urn is going into the ground, a biodegradable urn does that job properly and there is no sense paying for hardwood that will break down anyway. If the ashes are being scattered, a simple scattering urn is the right tool for it. If you need somewhere to keep the remains while the family decides what to do, the temporary container the crematory provided is genuinely fine â there is no deadline on this decision, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.
Where our price earns itself is the urn that is going to sit somewhere visible in someone's home, with a name and a face on it, for the rest of that person's life. That is the piece worth having made properly.
One thing to know before you buy anywhere: under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home cannot require you to buy their urn, and cannot charge you a handling fee for using one you bought elsewhere. If you are told otherwise, that is not the law.
Whether to seal an urn depends on the material and the intended final disposition. Porous materials like some ceramics may benefit from sealing to protect from moisture. Sealing can be done with a sealant like super glue gel, available from providers or retailers. However, many urns come with threaded lids that provide a secure closure without the need for extra sealant. Cremated remains are also typically placed inside the urn in a sealed plastic bag, which offers initial containment. For urns without threaded lids, museum wax can also be used to ensure a snug fit.