Cremation Urns: Types, Costs, and How to Choose One

What Is a Cremation Urn

A cremation urn is a container designed to hold the cremated remains of a person after the cremation process is complete. Urns come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, and they serve as both a practical vessel and a meaningful tribute. Some families display the urn in their home, while others use it as a temporary container before scattering or interring the remains.

The word 'urn' may bring to mind a specific image, but modern cremation urns look very different from the classical vase shape most people picture. Today's urns can resemble sculptures, picture frames, books, or natural objects like river stones. The variety available means there is something to fit every personality and every setting.

Types of Cremation Urns

There are several categories of cremation urns, each designed for a different purpose and setting:

• Decorative urns: These are the most common type, designed to be displayed on a mantle, shelf, or in a memorial cabinet. They come in materials ranging from brass and bronze to ceramic and wood, and they are available in nearly every style imaginable. Decorative urns are meant to be a lasting tribute that fits naturally into your home.
• Keepsake urns: Keepsake urns are small containers that hold only a portion of the cremated remains. They are ideal when a family wants to divide the remains among multiple members so that each person can keep a small remembrance. Keepsake urns are typically two to four inches tall and hold a tablespoon or two of ashes.
• Companion urns: A companion urn is designed to hold the remains of two people, usually a married couple. These urns are larger than standard urns and feature a single exterior with two internal compartments or one large shared chamber. They allow a couple to rest together in one vessel.
• Biodegradable urns: Made from materials like paper, sand, cornstarch, or salt, biodegradable urns are designed to break down naturally over time. They are used for water burials, earth burials, or tree planting ceremonies. Some are shaped like sea turtles or other natural forms and dissolve within hours when placed in water.
• Scattering urns: These urns are designed specifically for releasing ashes in a meaningful location. They feature a special opening or lid mechanism that allows for a controlled, dignified scattering. Some are tube shaped for pouring, while others have a perforated top for a more gradual release.

Urn Materials and Their Differences

The material of an urn affects its appearance, weight, durability, and price. Metal urns made from brass, bronze, or stainless steel are among the most durable and are well suited for display or burial. They resist corrosion and maintain their appearance for decades with minimal care.

Wood urns provide a warm, natural look and are available in species like cherry, walnut, oak, and mahogany. They work well for home display and for burial, though wood will eventually break down underground over many years. Ceramic and porcelain urns are often hand painted and can be true works of art, but they are fragile and require careful handling.

Stone urns made from marble, granite, or onyx are heavy and extremely durable. They are a fitting choice for display or for placement in a columbarium niche. Glass urns, often handblown, can incorporate the cremated remains directly into the glass itself, creating a stunning visual effect.

How to Choose the Right Size

The standard rule for choosing an urn size is one cubic inch of capacity for every pound of the person's body weight. A person who weighed 150 pounds will need an urn with at least 150 cubic inches of capacity. Most standard adult urns hold between 200 and 220 cubic inches, which is enough for the vast majority of adults.

If you are purchasing an urn before the cremation takes place, err on the side of a slightly larger container. It is better to have extra room than to find the urn is too small. If the cremation has already occurred, you can ask the crematory or funeral home for the exact volume of the remains so you can match it precisely.

For keepsake urns, size matters less because they are only intended to hold a small portion of the total remains. Most keepsake urns hold between 1 and 15 cubic inches. If you plan to divide remains among several keepsake urns, make sure the total capacity of all the small urns does not exceed the total volume of remains you have.

What Cremation Urns Cost

Cremation urns span a very wide price range, from as low as $25 for a basic container to $3,000 or more for a custom or luxury piece. The temporary plastic container provided by the crematory is usually included in the cremation fee at no additional charge. A simple but attractive metal or wood urn suitable for display typically costs between $75 and $200.

Mid range urns made from higher quality materials like solid brass, hand carved wood, or cloisonne enamel generally run from $200 to $500. Premium urns, including hand blown glass, artist made ceramic pieces, and custom designs, can cost $500 to $3,000 or more. Companion urns are typically priced 50 to 100 percent more than a comparable single urn.

It is worth noting that funeral homes often mark up urns significantly. You are legally entitled to use any urn you purchase from any source, and the funeral home cannot charge you a fee for using an outside container. Shopping online or at a specialty retailer can save you 30 to 60 percent compared to funeral home prices.

Where to Buy a Cremation Urn

The most common sources for cremation urns include the funeral home, online retailers, and artisan marketplaces. Funeral homes offer convenience because you can select an urn at the same time you are making other arrangements, but they typically carry a limited selection at higher prices.

Online retailers offer the widest selection and the most competitive prices. Major online urn retailers ship quickly, and many offer expedited shipping for families who need an urn within a few days. Artisan marketplaces are a good source for unique, handmade urns from individual craftspeople.

Remember that the FTC Funeral Rule gives you the right to purchase an urn from any source you choose. The funeral home must accept delivery of the urn you select and cannot charge a handling fee for using a container purchased elsewhere. This protection applies to all funeral homes operating in the United States.

Biodegradable Urns for Scattering

Biodegradable urns are designed to return to nature along with the cremated remains they hold. Water urns dissolve within minutes to hours when placed in a body of water, gently releasing the remains into the current. Earth urns break down over months when buried in soil, allowing the remains to integrate with the ground naturally.

Some biodegradable urns include a seed or seedling compartment that allows a tree or plant to grow from the burial site. These living memorial urns have become increasingly popular with families who want their loved one's remains to contribute to new growth. The species available vary by manufacturer and by region.

Biodegradable urns are among the most affordable options, typically costing between $50 and $300. They are a practical choice for any family that plans to scatter remains at sea, bury them in a natural setting, or create a living memorial. If you are planning a water ceremony, check local regulations about scattering remains in public waterways before purchasing.

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