Exploring Cremation Urns, Boxes & Keepsakes

Cremation is a wonderful way to keep a loved one close to your heart and find closure during a time of grief. A cremation urn serves as a vessel that houses and protects the cremated remains of a loved one, going beyond mere functionality to act as a dignified tribute, rich with symbolism, capturing the essence and paying tribute to the spirit of the departed. Whether you’re in the process of planning a cremation for your own end-of-life arrangements or honoring a deceased loved one, there are several considerations to ensure a personalized and meaningful farewell when it comes to choosing a cremation container or keepsake.
Key Takeaways
- Cremation containers can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and can be customized to fit the personality of the deceased.
- Choosing the right urn for you or a loved one will depend on several factors including urn size, materials, cost, and style.
- You have the option of transferring ashes to the urn yourself or you can request the crematory do it.
- There are unique cremation keepsakes like memorial jewelry and glass art that can preserve the memory of your loved one.
Understanding the Different Types of Cremation Containers
Cremation has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. In fact, the Cremation Association of North America reported 60.6% of Americans chose cremation over traditional burials in 2023[1]. If you’re considering cremation as a way to memorialize someone, you’ll come to find that there are several different types of cremation containers to choose from including boxes, urns, and keepsakes. There are also various types of cremation urns such as individual urns, companion urns, keepsake urns, child urns, pet urns, and specialized memorial urns designed to honor a particular profession or passion.
Cremation Containers & Caskets
The purpose of cremation containers and caskets is to hold the body prior to its cremation. They need to be combustible and meet the minimum standards required by crematories. Basic cremation containers are often made of cardboard or fiberboard and are simple, utilitarian boxes. These are generally used by those who aren’t interested in having an elaborate memorial where the body is on display. Alternatively, more ornate caskets can also be used, particularly when viewing is important. However, unlike caskets for burial, these are meant to be fully combustible and incinerated during the cremation process.
What Happens to the Ashes After Cremation?
Once cremation of the body is complete, the crematory usually returns the remains in a cardboard box or plastic bag, meeting the minimum requirements for inurnment in most cemetaries and not intended for display. This allows you to determine a preferred vessel at your leisure if you intend to keep the ashes to place in a memorial keepsake or urn, or take your time deciding on where to scatter them in accordance with the deceased’s personality or their expressed wishes. You can also request the crematory to scatter or bury them for you on their grounds
Cremation Urns
The use of cremation urns to honor the deceased dates back thousands of years with the purpose of serving as a reliable vessel to house and protect a loved one’s cremated ashes. Glass urns, known for their delicate nature and artistic creation, are often chosen for display in a home or cemetery columbarium. The urn you choose can serve as a dignified tribute to the deceased and there are several ways to personalize them to capture the essence of the departed.
Personalized urns may provide a deeper personal connection with our loved ones, representing not only their personality, but special moments and memories. This can provide solace and comfort, and elicit happy memories. Generic urns may not evoke the same emotional response, but still are a meaningful and personal way to connect with the deceased.
Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cremation Urn for Your Loved One
Choosing the right cremation urn for your loved one is an important decision that reflects both personal preference and the unique essence of the individual being honored. When selecting an urn, several key factors should be taken into account to ensure it meets your needs and wishes.
Choosing the Right Urn Size
Memorial urns are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs. Common urn size option include:
- Individual Urns: The most common type of urn is known as an individual cremation urn to hold the remains of one adult. There are smaller youth urns and infant urns available for those who are honoring the memory of a child or infant.
- Companion Urns: If you wish to be cremated with your partner or spouse, there are companion urns available that can hold up to two people. These double urns are a great option for those who want to honor family members like grandparents, parents, or siblings that have passed away.
- Keepsake Urns: For families that wish to divide the ashes between multiple people, a keepsake urn is a wonderful option. Keepsake urns are smaller because they are meant to hold a small portion of the loved one’s ashes.
- Pet Urns: Pet urns are designed to hold the cremated remains of pets and can accommodate animals of different sizes. These urns come in a variety of materials and designs, allowing for personalization and memorialization. Options include adding mementos such as toys, collars, or leashes with the remains.
Evaluating Urn Materials & Cost
Choosing the right material for a cremation urn involves balancing visual appeal, durability, and cost. Cremation urns can be made from a wide range of materials that can influence its longevity and appearance, including:
- Wood Urns: Wooden urns are crafted from natural materials including mahogany, cherry, and walnut. These urns often have a gloss finish and protective coating and offer a sophisticated and long-lasting way to remember a loved one. Individual cremation urns made of wood come in various sizes and are affordable, ranging from $50-$200[2].
- Metal Urns: Metal urns are made from durable materials like stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, and aluminum. These urns can cost anywhere from $100-$1,000[2].
- Porcelain Urns: Porcelain urns are made from ceramic or glass and are a favorite due to their durability and polish. Many people opt to feature intricate designs or engravings on these urns, which can drive up the cost to between $400-$2,000[2].
- Biodegradable Urns: For those considering a green funeral there are eco-friendly urns that break down naturally leaving a minimal environmental footprint. These urns are often made from biodegradable materials like recycled paper, plant matter, or sand and can be buried or placed in water. The average price for a green urn can range from $50-$150[1].
Finding the Right Urn Style & Design
Cremation urns come in numerous styles, from traditional and ornate to modern and simple. They can be customized with engravings, photos, or other personal touches to reflect the personality and preferences of the deceased.
Transferring Ashes to Your Chosen Cremation Urn
Once you have chosen the type of urn you’d like, you can request the crematory transfer the cremated remains into the vessel or you can transfer them yourself. If you’d prefer to pour the ashes from the cremation bag or container the crematory gives you, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t attempt this feat alone – ask a family member or friend to assist you, as you may need help holding the container steady or lifting the ashes.
- Place the cremation urn on a stable, flat space to reduce the risk of the urn tipping over as you pour the cremated remains.
- If the ashes have been stored in a bag, cut a small hole in the corner of it. This will help to avoid any spillage as you move the ashes into the urn.
- If the neck of the urn is narrow consider using a funnel to help pour the cremated ashes.
Displaying an Urn to Memorialize the Deceased
Many people choose to display cremation urns in special, respectful places within their homes, creating a meaningful tribute to their loved ones. Common choices include:
- Mantelpieces: Placed above the fireplace, providing a central and cherished location.
- Shelves: In living rooms or family rooms, often surrounded by photographs and personal mementos.
- Niches: Designed specifically for urns, either as part of home altars or within memorial structures.
- Bedrooms: On dressers or bedside tables for a more private and intimate remembrance.
Other Unique Cremation Keepsake Ideas
If you’re interested in unique cremation keepsakes outside of storing them in a traditional urn there are several creative ways to memorialize a loved one. Cremation keepsakes are small, personal items designed to hold a portion of a loved one’s cremated remains. They offer a way for family members and friends to keep a tangible connection to the deceased.
- Memorial Jewelry: The ashes of the deceased can be incorporated into beautiful jewelry designs for a lasting tribute. From keepsake necklaces and bracelets to rings and pendants, these items can symbolize a tangible connection that brings comfort and solace.
- Glass Art: Cremation ashes can be incorporated into glass sculptures, ornaments, or paperweights, resulting in a beautiful and enduring tribute.
- Planting a Tree: If you’re interested in the eco-friendly route, consider using a biodegradable urn that contains seeds you can plant in the earth to grow a tree or harvest a garden. This can create a living memorial that grows over time.
- Scattering Ashes: While legal requirements vary from state to state, scattering ashes of the deceased is a meaningful way to say goodbye. Ashes are often scattered at sea, in gardens, or at memorial parks.
Scattering a loved one’s ashes can provide individuals with a therapeutic experience that can aid in the grieving process. This ritual can aid in the transition from grief and sadness, to a place of peace, where celebrating and focusing on our loved ones life and legacy can ensue.
Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA
Common Questions About Cremation Urns & Keepsakes
Cremation urns can be purchased from several different sources, including funeral homes, online retailers, cremation service providers, and specialty memorial stores.
The price of a cremation urn will depend on the size, material, and style you choose. Full-sized urns can range from $70-$2,250[2]. It’s important to note that all funeral providers must comply with the Funeral Rule. This requires facilities to give consumers accurate, itemized price information and disclosures about funeral goods and services[3].
Yes, there are memorial urns for Veterans whose cremated remains have yet to be interred. Claimants can request a memorial urn to honor the Veteran’s service according to their preference[4].
Cremation urns vary in type and design. From screw-top and snap-top lids to sealed lids and hidden compartment urns, the most important thing to remember when opening an urn is to hold it steady and use caution when opening.
Finding Peace & Honoring Loved Ones Through Cremation
Exploring the different options and factors involved in choosing cremation containers and keepsakes can guide you toward making a decision that brings you comfort and appropriately honors your loved one’s memory. By understanding these choices, you can create a tribute that resonates with your personal feelings and the unique essence of your loved one.

Written by Claire Beutel
My name is Claire Beutel, and I bring over a decade of experience in digital marketing. I specialize in crafting and executing SEO strategies that deliver measurable organic results for businesses of all sizes. Beyond my technical expertise, I am deeply passionate about supporting mental health and wellness causes—a mission close to my heart shaped by my lifelong battle with depression. When Kevin approached me about creating a resource to help individuals navigate the overwhelming challenges of major life decisions, I immediately recognized it as a perfect opportunity. It was a chance to use my skills to truly make a difference in people's lives by providing guidance and support during some of their most difficult moments. I feel privileged to be involved in such a meaningful cause.

Subject Matter Expert Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA
Marisa Akerman holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University, Fort Wayne. With over 10 years of experience in clinical settings, Marisa specializes in supporting clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, gender and sexual identity issues, and other mental health conditions.
Sources
Cremation Association of North America. (n.d.). Industry statistics. Sourced from https://www.cremationassociation.org/industrystatistics.html
Getsure. (n.d.). Urn costs. Sourced from https://getsure.org/urn-costs/
Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Complying with the Funeral Rule. Sourced from https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-funeral-rule
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Urns and plaques. Sourced from https://www.cem.va.gov/urn-plaque/index.asp