How to Choose the Right Urn: A Thoughtful Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it comes time to make arrangements, the decision to choose the right cremation urn can feel overwhelming. From size and material to style and purpose, there are many factors to consider. This guide will walk you through how to choose the right urn for a loved one, offering practical advice with compassion and clarity.
What Is a Cremation Urn?
A cremation urn is a container designed to hold the cremated remains (ashes) of someone who has passed away. Urns come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and styles—each offering different features to suit your loved one’s personality, final wishes, and your family's memorial plans.
1. Determine the Purpose of the Urn
The first step in selecting the right urn is to understand how it will be used. Ask yourself:
Will the urn be displayed at home?
Will the urn be buried or placed in a columbarium niche?
Will the ashes be scattered?
Do you need keepsake urns to share ashes with family members?
Different purposes call for different types of urns:
Display urns are often decorative and made of wood, ceramic, or metal.
Burial urns may need to meet cemetery regulations and be made of biodegradable or durable materials.
Scattering urns are designed for ease of use during a scattering ceremony.
Keepsake urns are smaller and allow multiple family members to each keep a portion of the ashes.
2. Choose the Right Urn Size
Urns come in various sizes, and it's important to select one that fits the volume of ashes. A general rule of thumb is that one pound of body weight equals one cubic inch of ash.
Urn Size Guide:
Standard Adult Urn: 180–220 cubic inches (for adults up to ~220 lbs)
Companion Urn: 350–400 cubic inches (holds two sets of ashes)
Child or Infant Urn: 20–100 cubic inches
Keepsake Urn: 1–50 cubic inches
Make sure to check the product's capacity to ensure it meets your needs.
3. Pick the Material That Reflects Your Loved One’s Style
Cremation urns come in a range of materials, each offering unique qualities in terms of durability, appearance, and symbolism.
Popular Urn Materials:
Wood (e.g., walnut, cherry, oak): Natural, warm, and timeless
Metal (e.g., brass, stainless steel): Strong, classic, and often engraved
Ceramic or Porcelain: Artistic, delicate, and ideal for indoor display
Glass: Elegant and visually striking
Biodegradable materials: Best for eco-conscious burials or scattering
Think about your loved one’s personality—would they have appreciated something rustic, minimalist, ornate, or eco-friendly?
4. Consider Personalization and Customization
Adding a personal touch can make an urn even more meaningful. Many families choose to personalize urns with:
Names and dates
Inscriptions or quotes
Religious symbols
Engraved images
Custom colors or finishes
Custom engraving and designs ensure that the urn serves as a beautiful tribute that reflects your loved one’s unique life and legacy.
5. Match the Urn to a Memorial Location
If you’re planning a memorial space—either at home, in a garden, or at a cemetery—consider how the urn will fit into that space.
For home display, choose an urn that complements your home décor and is appropriately sized for the shelf or mantel.
For burial or niche placement, check regulations from the cemetery or columbarium about urn dimensions or approved materials.
For scattering, choose an urn with a lid or mechanism designed to make scattering easy and respectful.
6. Budget Considerations
At IFS Urns, our urns are typically priced closer to wholesale prices as compared to more expensive traditional funeral home or crematory costs for the same urns.
Cremation urns are available in a wide range of price points. Your budget can influence choices in terms of materials, customization, and craftsmanship. While price may vary, remember that the value of an urn lies not in its cost, but in how well it represents your loved one.
Final Thoughts: Take Your Time and Trust Your Instincts
Choosing an urn is a deeply personal decision. It’s okay to take your time, ask questions, and explore options until something feels right. Whether you're selecting an urn for display, burial, or scattering, what matters most is that it feels like a fitting tribute to the person you loved.
At IFS Urns, we offer a wide range of high-quality cremation urns in wood, brass, aluminum, and other beautiful materials to help families memorialize their loved ones with care and dignity. Browse our collection or contact us if you need guidance—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
