Overview
After cremation, families often look for ashes urns to either store, scatter, or bury their loved one’s remains. The type of urn chosen depends on how the ashes will be handled, whether they will be kept in a permanent memorial, scattered in nature, or divided among family members.
This guide will help you understand:
- The different types of ashes urns and their uses
- Which urn materials are best for long-term storage or scattering
- How to choose the right size urn for ashes
- Customization options for a more personal tribute
- Where to find high-quality ashes urns for sale
Types of Ashes Urns and Their Uses
Urns come in various styles, materials, and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. Choosing the right one depends on whether you plan to keep, scatter, or bury the ashes.
1. Display Urns (Permanent Storage)
Display urns are designed for long-term storage at home or in a columbarium niche. They are often made of metal, marble, ceramic, or wood, with intricate engravings and decorative finishes.
2. Scattering Urns
Scattering urns are lightweight and biodegradable, making it easier to spread ashes in nature. These urns are usually made of paper, salt, or wood, ensuring an eco-friendly release of ashes.
3. Biodegradable Urns for Burial
If you want to bury the ashes in the ground or water, biodegradable urns are an excellent option. These urns naturally break down over time without harming the environment.
4. Keepsake Urns
Keepsake urns are small urns that hold only a portion of ashes, allowing multiple family members to keep a small memorial of their loved one. These urns are often made of brass, wood, or crystal and can be displayed on a bedside table, shelf, or personal altar.
5. Jewelry and Miniature Urns
For those who prefer a more personal tribute, cremation jewelry such as pendants, lockets, or bracelets allow a small amount of ashes to be kept inside. This is a discreet yet meaningful way to keep a loved one close.
Choosing the Best Material for an Ashes Urn
The material of an ashes urn determines its durability, aesthetics, and suitability for storage, scattering, or burial.
1. Metal Urns (Brass, Pewter, Stainless Steel)
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ideal for indoor display or columbarium niches
- Can be engraved with names, quotes, or artwork
2. Marble and Stone Urns
- Heavy and elegant, making them great for home display
- Naturally resistant to environmental damage
- Available in custom hand-carved designs
3. Wooden Urns
- Offers a warm, natural appearance
- Suitable for home storage or indoor memorials
- Can be engraved or hand-painted
4. Biodegradable Urns
- Ideal for eco-friendly burials or scattering ceremonies
- Made from plant-based materials, salt, or paper
- Fully dissolves in soil or water over time
5. Ceramic and Glass Urns
- Highly artistic and decorative
- Delicate but beautiful for display
- Often hand-painted or custom-designed
How to Choose the Right Size for an Ashes Urn
The size of an urn depends on the weight of the deceased. A general rule is that 1 cubic inch of urn space is needed for every pound of body weight.
| Urn Type | Capacity (Cubic Inches) | Ideal For |
| Standard Urn | 200-220 | Most adults |
| Large Urn | 250-400 | Larger individuals or extra keepsakes |
| Companion Urn | 300-500 | Two individuals (couples or family members) |
| Keepsake Urn | 5-50 | Sharing ashes among relatives |
| Jewelry Urn | 1-5 | Small portion of ashes in a wearable piece |
If you are unsure about size, it’s best to choose a slightly larger urn to ensure all ashes fit.
Personalizing an Ashes Urn
Adding personal touches makes an urn more meaningful and unique. Many urns come with customization options, including:
- Engraved Names, Dates, or Quotes – Personal messages make the urn special.
- Photo Inserts or Printed Images – Some urns allow for a picture of the deceased.
- Hand-Carved Artwork – Wooden and stone urns can be custom-carved with floral, religious, or abstract designs.
- Color and Finish Choices – Urns come in various colors, including gold, silver, blue, purple, and red to match personal preferences.
Where to Buy High-Quality Ashes Urns
Families looking for high-quality urns for ashes should consider purchasing from trusted retailers that specialize in cremation urns.
- Titan Casket – Offers a variety of durable, customizable urns for every need.
- Funeral Homes – Provide basic urn options, though prices tend to be higher.
- Memorial Stores and Online Retailers – Websites like Etsy, Amazon, and cremation specialty shops offer a wide range of handmade and customizable urns.
Before buying an urn, always check for customer reviews, size specifications, and customization options to ensure the urn meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What type of urn is best for storing ashes at home?
A metal, marble, or wooden urn is ideal for long-term home storage, as these materials are durable and elegant.
2. Can I take an ashes urn on a plane?
Yes, but TSA requires non-metallic urns (wood, plastic, or biodegradable) so that they can be X-rayed for security clearance. Always check with your airline beforehand.
3. What is the best urn for scattering ashes?
A biodegradable scattering urn is the best choice because it is lightweight and designed to release ashes smoothly.
4. Can ashes urns be buried without an urn vault?
Yes, but most cemeteries require an urn vault to prevent the ground from collapsing. Biodegradable urns can be buried without a vault in green cemeteries.
5. Where can I buy a high-quality urn for ashes?
Titan Casket offers premium ashes urns in various styles, sizes, and materials, ensuring a lasting tribute.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ashes urns depends on whether you want to store, scatter, or bury the remains. Whether you prefer a classic brass urn, a handcrafted wooden piece, or an eco-friendly biodegradable urn, there are plenty of options to honor your loved one’s memory in a meaningful way.
For those seeking high-quality urns, Titan Casket provides a range of stylish and customizable ashes urns, ensuring every family finds the perfect tribute for their loved one.
