Selecting a cremation urn is a deeply personal decision made during an emotional time. The right urn can reflect your loved one’s personality, honour their memory, and suit your family’s plans for keeping or placing the ashes. Below are practical tips to help guide you through this meaningful choice.
1. Consider how the urn will be used
How you plan to honor and place the ashes will shape the type of urn you need. Ask yourself:
- Will the urn be kept at home?
- Will it be placed in a niche or columbarium?
- Will ashes be scattered?
- Are you planning burial?
- Do you need multiple keepsake urns for family members?
For scattering, a lightweight scattering urn is ideal. For display, you may prefer a decorative urn. Cemeteries, niches, and airlines may have sizing or material requirements, so it’s helpful to check ahead.
2. Choose the right size
Urns come in different capacities. As a general guide, you will need approximately one cubic inch of space per pound of body weight before cremation. Standard adult urns typically hold around 180–220 cubic inches.
Keepsake urns or jewelry hold only a small portion of ashes, which can be meaningful if several family members would like a remembrance.
3. Select a material that feels right
Urns are available in many materials, each offering a different look and feel:
- Wood – warm, natural, beautiful for display
- Metal – durable, elegant, commonly used for home display or niches
- Ceramic – artistic and decorative
- Biodegradable – designed for eco-friendly burial or water ceremonies
- Glass or crystal – unique and visually striking
Think about durability, appearance, and where the urn will be kept.
4. Reflect your loved one’s personality
An urn can celebrate who your loved one was. Consider:
- favorite colours
- hobbies or interests
- religious or spiritual symbols
- simple and classic vs. ornate designs
- engraving with names, dates, or special messages
Personalization can make the urn feel truly meaningful and one-of-a-kind.
5. Plan for family preferences
Sometimes more than one family member wishes to keep a portion of the ashes. In these situations, you might consider:
- keepsake urn sets
- cremation jewelry
- small tealight urns
- companion urns for two people
Talking openly as a family can help avoid difficult decisions later.
6. Keep practical details in mind
A few helpful reminders:
- Check size restrictions for niches or columbariums
- If traveling with ashes, review airline requirements
- Ask your funeral provider for measurements or guidance as needed
Practical considerations ensure the urn you choose will suit your plans without added stress.
Final thoughts
Choosing a cremation urn is both emotional and practical. Take your time, involve loved ones if you wish, and select something that feels right to you. There is no “wrong” choice—only the one that best honours the life and memories of the person you love.
If you’d like help selecting an urn or have questions about sizes, materials, or personalization options, we’re here to support you with caring guidance.