Which Urn?

When someone close to you passes away, choosing the right urn for their ashes - one that reflects their personality and the place they will be resting - can be a real comfort. Yet, with all kinds of urn and ashes caskets around, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

How big does an urn have to be?

If you are keeping all of the ashes in one urn, the general rule of thumb for volume is one cubic inch per pound of body weight. So, the average adult urn has a storage capacity of around 200 cubic inches. Children’s urns and urns for pets can be a little smaller, about 100lbs.

The size of your chosen urn will depend on your needs, however. For example, urns don’t have to be used for ashes - you may want to keep a few small memorial items instead. Companion urns hold the ashes of two people, a thoughtful resting place for couples or close family members.

Rather than keeping all of someone’s ashes in one urn, you might prefer to scatter some and keep a small amount with you. You can also split the ashes between a few different urns for different family members. It’s up to you, as there really is an urn for every eventuality.

Choosing the right urn for your purpose

We tend to think about an urn remaining in the home, and indeed, there are many beautiful urns suitable for indoors here on the Urns UK site. There are other options, however:

• Scattering urns can be hugely helpful when scattering ashes outdoors, allowing for a gentle, easy flow of the cremated remains.
• Biodegradable ‘eco’ urns are perfect for burial in the earth or in the water. Made of environmentally friendly materials, they break down naturally, causing no harm to plants or wildlife.
• Outdoor urns are another option. Made of a durable material like aluminium, outdoor urns can be placed in a loved one’s favourite spot in the garden, a calm restful memorial for someone who loved nature.
• Keepsakes, or cremation jewellery, such as pendants, can hold a small token amount of ashes. They are perfect for keeping your loved one close by you wherever you are.

Did you know? Many people like to purchase urns for pets, as well as people. When an animal companion passes away, the grief can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to want to memorialise them with something personal that expresses the love you feel for them. Luckily, urns for every animal, from hamsters to horses, are available at very reasonable prices.

Finishes to choose from

Urns can be made of all kinds of materials, each one bringing its own kind of beauty.

Ceramic urns have rich, lustrous glazes, while metal urns - aluminium, brass and copper - are durable, with a high shine. Slightly translucent in the light, alabaster has warmth to it. Resin urns can have delicate, almost intricate carvings. Wooden urns can have a classic natural look or personalised painted designs. Fibreglass urns come in rich hues, marble has a traditional kind of dignity to it. Glass and crystal urns capture and transform light.

No matter what kind of urn you are looking for, you can trust that Urns UK will offer you the very highest quality. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us - we’re always here to help.