Choosing a cremation urn is not just about selecting a container to hold the physical remains, but also about choosing a final resting place that will honor the memory of a loved one and serve as a lasting tribute to the memory of the departed. It is therefore important to consider technical, aesthetic, and functional aspects that are in line with your ultimate goal.
To help you with this, we offer a cremation urn buying guide to teach you how to choose the right cremation urn.
What type of cremation urn should I buy?
Before anything else, you must consider the choice of urn according to the final resting place, that is, what will be the final destination of the ashes, as this will determine the material and durability of the urn.
Will you keep them at home, place them in a niche, bury them, or scatter them in nature?
- Display at home: if the urn will be on a shelf, in the living room, or on an altar, then look for a decorative urn that matches the aesthetics and harmony of your home, made of materials such as marble, fine wood, blown glass, or ceramic.
- Burial: If you intend to bury the urn, keep in mind that you should look for one that can withstand soil pressure and moisture. Recommended materials for this purpose are high-density polymer, wood, metal, or natural stone.
- Scattering or ecological: If you are looking to hold a scattering ceremony or green funeral, then biodegradable urns are recommended. These are designed to dissolve in water in a few minutes or biodegrade in the ground in a matter of weeks, without leaving toxic residues in the ecosystem.
- Outdoor/ Niche: If you will be placing the urn in an outdoor columbarium or memorial garden within a cemetery, then we recommend those made of bronze, stainless steel, and granite. Before purchasing your urn, we recommend checking the exact measurements to avoid any disappointment or additional costs.
Size and capacity (the general rule)
Second, you should verify the urn's capacity to hold all of the ashes. How do you know? A standard adult urn, with a typical capacity of 180 to 220 cubic inches, is designed to hold the complete ashes of an average adult and is usually a reliable and thoughtful choice. If someone weighed 160 pounds before cremation, an urn with at least 160 cubic inches of space would be needed. However, an additional 10% safety margin is recommended.
For a child or baby urn, a 10-60 cubic inch capacity is recommended. If keepsake urns are required to divide the ashes among several family members, 1- 2.5 cubic inches is recommended.
Not sure about the size? Read our guide for details.
What are some of the most popular styles?
There is currently a wide variety of urns on the market, including classic urns with a traditional vase design, popularly known as amphorae. Modern styles are minimalist, geometric in shape, and made of wood or steel. Finally, there are themed styles that reflect the deceased's hobbies, such as fishing, symbols, or shapes.
If you prefer contemporary urns, then we recommend:
River Stones Collections: these urns are oval-shaped, similar to a river stone, and their design is rooted in nature. These pieces are designed to honor the memory with the same resilience as flowing fresh water.
Pure Love Collections: these urns are small, and their round shape allows them to blend naturally into any space and offers a comforting way to keep them close.
Personalization
Modern urns, such as River Stones and Pure Love, can be personalized with laser engraving that allows you to include names, dates, and a very short message, directly on the bottom of the urn.
Where to buy
If you are looking for a space that combines art, respect, and superior quality, at Crafted Urns we offer you the option of purchasing your urn online, allowing you to select all the options from the comfort of your own home.