How to Choose a Cremation Urn

How to choose a cremation urn

To choose a cremation urn, work through five questions in order: how much space you need (size), what it's made of (material), where it will go (display, burial, or scattering), what design feels right, and whether you want it personalised. Start with size — it's the only one with a firm rule — and the rest follows naturally. This guide walks through each step calmly, so you can make a decision you'll feel at peace with.

There's no single “correct” urn. The right one simply fits the ashes properly and reflects the person or pet it honours.

Step 1 — Choose the size

Size is the one practical decision with a clear rule: for every pound your loved one weighed in healthy life, you need about one cubic inch of urn space. A standard adult urn holds 200 cubic inches, which suits almost any adult up to ~200 lbs. When in doubt, size up.

You'll also choose between an urn that holds all of the ashes and smaller keepsakes that hold a portion — useful when several family members each want to keep something.

For the full chart (adults, children, infants, pets, and keepsakes) and a quick way to calculate, see our Urn Size Guide.

Step 2 — Choose the material

Material affects durability, weight, appearance, and whether the urn suits indoor display or burial. The common options:

Metal (aluminium, brass): Strong, secure, and long-lasting, with a smooth finish that holds detailed artwork well. A reliable all-round choice for display or burial. (All CustomUrns urns are handcrafted aluminium with a high-gloss protective finish and a secure threaded lid.)
Ceramic / porcelain: Beautiful and traditional, ideal for indoor display, though more fragile.
Wood: Warm and natural; better suited to display than burial.
Biodegradable: Designed to break down, for water or earth burial / green funerals.
Stone / marble: Heavy and substantial, usually for permanent placement.

If the urn will be handled, shipped, displayed, and possibly buried, a durable metal urn is the most forgiving choice.

Step 3 — Decide what will happen to the ashes

Where the ashes will rest shapes the urn you need:

Display at home: Choose a design and size you're happy to see every day. Most decorative urns are made for this.
Cemetery or columbarium: Confirm any size or urn-vault requirements with the cemetery first — these vary by location.
Burial: A sturdy, sealed urn is best; check vault rules.
Scattering: Many families scatter some ashes and keep the rest in a keepsake. A small scattering or keepsake urn works well alongside a main urn.
Sharing among family: Choose a main urn plus matching keepsakes so each person can hold a portion.

Step 4 — Choose a design that reflects them

Once the practical choices are made, the design is where the tribute becomes personal. Think about what they loved — a place, a passion, a feeling. Browse by theme:

Floral — grace, gardens, gentle beauty
Celestial & galaxy — the night sky, eternity
Beach & ocean — calm, the sea, the outdoors
Animals — strength, loyalty, a spirit animal
Love & remembrance — a cherished partner or parent
Pet urns — for a beloved dog or cat
Baby & infant urns — tender designs for the smallest losses

There's no wrong answer here — choose what brings comfort.

Step 5 — Consider personalisation

A name, dates, or a short message can turn an urn into a one-of-a-kind tribute. Most CustomUrns designs can be ordered with custom engraving by selecting the Personalise option on the product page. Personalisation is reviewed by our team before production, and because each urn is made to order, it's created especially for your loved one.

A quick checklist

Before you order, confirm:

Size — enough capacity for the ashes (200 cu in for most adults), plus any keepsakes you'd like.
Material — durable enough for how you'll use it (display, burial, shipping).
Destination — display, burial, columbarium, or scattering (and any cemetery rules).
Design — a theme that reflects them.
Personalisation — name, dates, or message if you'd like one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important factor when choosing an urn?

Size. An urn must physically hold the volume of ashes — about one cubic inch per pound of healthy body weight, or roughly 200 cubic inches for most adults. Everything else (material, design, personalisation) is about preference once the size is right.

How long do I have to choose an urn?

There's no deadline. A funeral home or crematorium can hold ashes, or return them in a temporary container, giving you as much time as you need to choose the right urn without pressure.

Can I keep some ashes and scatter the rest?

Yes. Many families scatter a portion and keep the rest in a main urn or keepsake. Our keepsakes are made for exactly this, and several designs come with matching keepsakes.

Do I need a different urn for burial than for display?

Not necessarily, but for burial choose a sturdy, sealed urn and confirm any urn-vault requirements with the cemetery. Our handcrafted aluminium urns suit home display, columbarium placement, and burial.