Temporary vs. Permanent Urns – What Is the Difference?
When a loved one is cremated, one of the most important decisions a family faces is how to store or display the ashes. If you're unfamiliar with the cremation process, you may be wondering:
What’s the difference between a temporary urn and a permanent urn?
This guide will help you understand the key differences, common uses, and how to choose the right urn for your needs—whether it’s for short-term storage, a memorial display, or long-term preservation.
⚱️ What Is a Temporary Urn?
A temporary urn is a basic container used to hold cremated remains immediately after the cremation process. Funeral homes and crematories typically provide these at no extra cost unless an urn has already been purchased.
Key features of temporary urns:
Usually made of plastic, cardboard, or metal
Not decorative; designed for transport or short-term storage
Includes a sealed plastic bag inside to hold the ashes securely
Often used until a family selects a permanent urn or decides on a final resting place
Ideal for:
Families still choosing a permanent urn
Transporting ashes for scattering, burial, or international travel
Temporary storage in columbariums or homes
🏺 What Is a Permanent Urn?
A permanent urn is a decorative, durable container chosen specifically to preserve and honor a loved one’s ashes for the long term.
Common materials include:
Brass, bronze, or stainless steel
Solid wood
Marble or stone
Ceramic or glass
Biodegradable materials (for eco-friendly burials)
Permanent urns come in various shapes, styles, and sizes—from traditional vase urns to custom-designed keepsakes—and are suitable for:
Display at home
Burial in a cemetery or memorial garden
Placement in a columbarium niche
Travel or ceremonial purposes
🔍 Key Differences at a Glance
🧭 Which One Should You Choose?
Here are a few things to consider when deciding between a temporary and permanent urn:
✅ You Might Choose a Temporary Urn If:
You’re waiting to make a final decision
You’re scattering the ashes later
You plan to transfer the remains into a different urn, jewelry, or keepsake
You're traveling and need something TSA-approved or easy to handle
✅ You Might Choose a Permanent Urn If:
You want to display the urn in your home or a niche
You're burying the urn in a cemetery
You value aesthetic and personalization
You want a meaningful, long-lasting tribute
🛒 Can You Upgrade From a Temporary to a Permanent Urn?
Absolutely. In fact, many families start with a temporary urn and take time to find the perfect permanent option that reflects their loved one’s personality, faith, or passions.
Cremation providers and urn retailers often offer:
Engraved urns
Matching keepsakes for family members
Biodegradable urns for water or earth burials
Artistic or custom-made urns for display
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent urns helps families make thoughtful decisions during an emotional time. While a temporary urn provides an immediate solution, a permanent urn allows you to create a lasting, personalized memorial.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or something symbolic, your choice reflects how you want to honor and remember your loved one for years to come.
💬 Need Help Choosing an Urn?
If you're not sure which urn is right for your family, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate your options with care, compassion, and respect.
