Choosing an Urn
How to Choose a Cremation Urn
Selecting a cremation urn is an important and personal decision.
At Remember Urns, we’re here to make this process thoughtful, clear, and comforting.
Step 1: Decide How the Urn Will Be Used
Start by asking yourself — What do I want this urn to represent? What purpose will it serve?
Here are a few common intentions:
- Display at home: Choose a beautiful cloisonne urn or memorial chest that complements your space and provides comfort in daily remembrance.
- Burial or niche placement: Select a durable urn made from metal, marble, or stainless steel— materials designed to last for generations.
- Scattering ceremony: Consider lightweight scattering tubes made for water or earth ceremonies.
- Sharing among family: Medium or keepsake urns allow each family member to keep a small portion of the ashes.
- Travel or transport: Choose an airline-approved urn made of wood or plastic that meets TSA requirements.
- Personal keepsake jewelry: Wearable pieces such as pendants or bracelets hold a symbolic portion of ashes close to the heart.
Once the purpose is clear, you can select the right size, material, and personalization.
Step 2: Choose the Right Material
Each urn material serves a different purpose and aesthetic:
| Material | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
Home display, burial, or niche | Strong, traditional, engravable, available in many finishes | |
Home display | Warm, natural look, ideal for engraving or photo printing | |
Permanent interment | Elegant and highly durable | |
Display & columbarium | Artistic metalwork with enamel inlay | |
Scattering or eco-friendly burial | Made from biodegradable cardboard; gently returns ashes to nature | |
Daily remembrance | Holds a small amount of ashes, to be worn or kept close. |
Step 3: Consider Size
A general guideline:
1 pound of body weight = 1 cubic inch of ash capacity.
- Adult Urn: 200–240 cu in (for one adult)
- Medium/Child Urn: 30–60 cu in
- Miniatures & Heart Keepsakes: 3–18 cu in
- Companion Urn: 225–400 cu in (for taller or larger individuals, or holding multiple sets of cremation remains in one urn)
- Cremation Jewelry: <1 cu in (symbolic amount)
If unsure, choose an urn slightly larger than needed. Our Urn Sizing Guide provides full details.