The emotional toll of losing a beloved family member or friend is devastating and overwhelming for many. For those close to the deceased, the passing also means making many difficult decisions about the planning of the person’s remembrance and final resting place. Cremation is becoming more popular among many people due to its flexibility and sustainability.
One of the most important decisions when planning a cremation is the selection of the urn. If the deceased has not already chosen an urn, the decision falls onto their family or whoever they’ve selected to organize their final arrangements. If you need help choosing the right urn for your loved one, our guide below will explain your options and help you determine which is best.
Before exploring the different types of urns, it is helpful to understand their fundamental purpose. A cremation urn is a container that holds the cremated remains of a person after the cremation process. These remains, also known as "ashes," have a texture similar to coarse sand.
The urn you select will become a permanent memorial, whether you decide to keep it in your home, place it in a columbarium niche, bury it in a cemetery, or use it for a scattering ceremony. The choice of an urn is deeply personal and can reflect the personality, style, and spirit of the individual it memorializes. It is a decision that involves considerations of material, size, and design, all of which contribute to creating a beautiful and appropriate tribute.
The first thing that you should consider when choosing the right urn for your loved one is the type and material of the vessel. Urns come in various materials, each offering a unique aesthetic and feel. The material you choose can honor your loved one’s tastes and how you plan to memorialize them.
Metal urns are a popular and durable choice, with many selecting them for their strength and timeless beauty. Materials such as bronze, brass, copper, and stainless steel offer a classic and elegant appearance. Bronze urns are particularly known for their resilience and ability to develop a rich patina over time, making them suitable for permanent display in a home or a columbarium.
Loved ones can also polish brass urns to a high shine or finish them with intricate engravings, allowing for a more personal touch to the receptacle. The sturdiness of metal also makes it a secure option for burial, providing peace of mind that the urn will always protect the loved one in their final resting place.
For those seeking a warmer, more natural tribute, wood urns offer a sense of comfort and connection to the earth. Manufacturers craft wood urns from hardwoods such as oak, cherry, maple, and walnut to showcase the unique grain and color of the wood. The craftsmanship of creating a wooden urn is also a beautiful homage to a loved one who appreciated natural materials or had a passion for woodworking.
Many families will choose wood urns if they plan on displaying them in their home, as they provide a gentle presence and a source of solace. They are also suitable for burials, where they will naturally return to the earth over time.
Other, more decorative urn options for loved ones are ceramic and glass urns, which are true works of art that feature unique shapes and finishes. Ceramic urns can range from simple, elegant designs to elaborately painted vessels, reflecting a wide array of artistic styles. They can be a beautiful choice for someone who has a creative spirit or a love for fine art.
Similarly, glass urns, often hand-blown, capture light and color in a stunning way, creating a vibrant and uplifting memorial. Due to their delicate nature, these urns are typically best for indoor display in a secure location where others can appreciate their beauty without risk of damage.
For families planning to scatter the remains or bury them in a natural setting, biodegradable urns provide an eco-friendly option. These urns feature sustainable materials such as recycled paper, sand, salt, or cornstarch, and will break down naturally over time.
If you plan a water burial, a biodegradable urn will float gracefully for a few moments before gently sinking and dissolving. For a land burial, the urn will decompose into the soil, allowing the remains to become one with the earth. This choice can be a particularly meaningful tribute for someone who was an avid environmentalist or had a deep love for nature.
Another consideration when selecting an urn for a loved one is the size and capacity. We measure urn volume in cubic inches, and the general rule is that one pound of body weight prior to cremation will equal approximately one cubic inch of cremated remains. Therefore, an urn with a capacity of 200 cubic inches is the standard adult size, suitable for an individual who weighs up to 200 pounds.
For individuals who weigh more, larger urns are available. Keepsake urns are smaller vessels that hold a portion of the remains, allowing multiple family members to share a memorial. Companion urns are larger and can hold the remains of two people, providing a way for couples to remain together in their final resting place.
If you want your urn to be more than a simple container and offer a unique and heartfelt tribute, there are also personalization options. Many urns have engraving options, which can include a name, dates, and a meaningful inscription or quote that captures the essence of your loved one. Some urns feature photo holders, allowing you to include a favorite picture.
You can also find urns with emblems or appliqués that represent a person's faith, hobbies, profession, or military service. This customization makes the urn a deeply personal memorial, reflecting the individual life and legacy it represents.
Families and loved ones can purchase urns at several places, and typically, the funeral home is the best option. Most funeral homes will offer a curated selection of high-quality urns and can provide guidance on sizing, materials, and personalization. The staff can offer reliable experience and can help families make these important decisions with compassion and care.
You can also find urns through online retailers, which provide more styles and price points. If you choose to purchase an urn from an outside source, it is important to communicate with your funeral director to ensure it meets any necessary requirements and arrives in time for the service.
Choosing an urn is one of the final personal acts of care you will perform for your loved one. It is a decision that deserves time, thought, and reflection.
At Henry Funeral Home, part of our cremation services in Atlanta, GA, include helping you select the ideal urn for your loved one. We are here for you every step of the way, ready to offer our support and guidance as you select a tribute that honors your loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve.
© Copyright 2025 - Henry Funeral Home - All Rights Reserved - Privacy Policy
