Montevista | Urn Options for Cremated Remains: Complete Guide to Styles and Costs
Urn Options for Cremated Remains: Complete Guide to Styles and Costs
Cremation urns serve as permanent resting places or temporary containers for cremated remains, with options ranging from simple $30 containers to elaborate $3,000+ artistic vessels. Families choose urns based on final plans for remains—burial, home display, scattering, or division among family—with materials including metal, wood, ceramic, biodegradable materials, and specialty options like jewelry or art glass.
Understanding urn types, materials, sizing, costs, and intended use helps families select appropriate vessels honoring loved ones while fitting practical needs and budgets. Whether keeping ashes at home, burying in cemetery plots, placing in columbarium niches, or scattering in meaningful locations, choosing the right urn ensures remains are handled with dignity and respect.
This comprehensive guide explains all cremation urn options, materials, costs, sizing, and how to choose the right vessel for your loved one’s remains.
In This Article: – Types of Urns – Urn Materials – Sizing and Capacity – Costs and Pricing – Choosing the Right Urn – Key Takeaways
Types of Urns by Purpose
Different urn types serve different purposes.
Standard Adult Urns
Primary vessel for remains: – Holds full adult cremated remains (typically 200 cubic inches) – Permanent container for burial, display, or columbarium – Wide variety of styles, materials, and designs – Most common urn type
Common settings: – Home display on mantel or shelf – Cemetery burial – Columbarium niche placement – Long-term storage
Keepsake Urns
Small urns holding portion of ashes: – Miniature versions (3-50 cubic inches) – Allow multiple family members to keep portion of remains – Ideal when dividing ashes among family – Various styles matching full-size urns
Typical uses: – Siblings each keep small portion – One family member keeps most, others take keepsakes – Keeping small amount while scattering rest – Children keeping portion of parent’s ashes
Companion Urns
Designed for two people: – Larger capacity holding two sets of remains – Side-by-side or single chamber designs – Often with two engraving areas – Symbolic unity of couples
Who chooses companion urns: – Married couples both choosing cremation – Life partners planning together – Families wanting parents together – Cost savings versus two separate urns
Infant and Child Urns
Smaller capacity for children: – 10-100 cubic inches depending on age – Often designed with child-appropriate themes – Angels, animals, soft colors – Smaller sizing, same quality as adult urns
Biodegradable Urns
Environmentally-friendly options: – Natural materials breaking down over time – Designed for earth burial or water scattering – Materials: paper, salt, sand, gelatin, clay – Dissolve completely leaving no trace
When to choose biodegradable: – Scattering ashes at sea (required in many locations) – Green burial preferences – Natural burial grounds requiring biodegradable containers – Environmental values
Scattering Urns
Temporary containers for ash scattering: – Simple designs facilitating ash dispersal – May be biodegradable tubes or bags – Some designed to float then sink – Lower cost temporary vessels
Included features: – Easy-pour design – Secure closure for transport – Appropriate for TSA travel – Simple, dignified appearance
Urn Materials
Material affects appearance, durability, cost, and appropriateness.
Metal Urns
Durable and secure:
Brass: – Traditional choice – Heavy, substantial feel – $150-$800 – Various finishes (polished, brushed, patina) – Can be engraved – Highly durable
Bronze: – Premium metal – $300-$1,500+ – Beautiful aging patina – Excellent for outdoor burial – Heavy and substantial
Stainless Steel: – Modern appearance – $100-$400 – Sleek contemporary designs – Resistant to corrosion – Lightweight compared to brass
Pewter: – Softer metal – $200-$600 – Classic appearance – Can develop patina – Good for engraving
Copper: – Warm reddish tones – $200-$800 – Develops green patina over time – Beautiful natural aging
Wood Urns
Warm and natural:
Common woods: – Oak, cherry, walnut, maple, mahogany – $150-$600 typically – Traditional craftsmanship – Variety of finishes – Can be engraved or inlaid
Characteristics: – Warm, natural appearance – Lighter weight than metal – Various stains and finishes – Handcrafted options available – May not be suitable for ground burial without vault
Ceramic and Porcelain Urns
Artistic and decorative:
Features: – Hand-painted designs – Glazed finishes – Artistic patterns and scenes – $100-$500 typical – Unique one-of-a-kind pieces available
Considerations: – Fragile—handle carefully – Beautiful display pieces – Not ideal for burial – Best for permanent home display – Wide variety of artistic styles
Marble and Stone Urns
Natural elegance:
Materials: – Marble, granite, onyx, slate – $200-$1,000+ – Natural stone variations – Heavy and substantial – Classic appearance
Benefits: – Extremely durable – Weather-resistant for outdoor placement – Natural beauty – Each piece unique – Appropriate for burial
Biodegradable Materials
Eco-friendly options:
Paper/Cardboard: – $30-$100 – Basic functionality – Quick decomposition – Often used as temporary container
Salt and Sand: – $75-$200 – Dissolve in water – Attractive appearance – Specifically for water burial
Clay and Gelatin: – $50-$150 – Break down naturally in earth or water – Various designs available – Environmentally sensitive
Natural Fibers: – Bamboo, wicker, hemp – $100-$300 – Beautiful natural appearance – Decompose over several months – Good for green burial
Specialty Materials
Unique options:
Art Glass: – Hand-blown glass vessels – $300-$3,000+ – Stunning artistic pieces – Each unique – Display-quality art
Cultured Materials: – Crushed stone with resin – Looks like marble but lighter – $100-$300 – Durable and attractive
Combination Materials: – Wood with metal accents – Multiple materials combined – $200-$800 – Unique designs
Sizing and Capacity
Proper urn sizing ensures adequate capacity.
Standard Sizing Rule
General guideline: – One cubic inch capacity per pound of body weight – 200-pound person needs 200 cubic inch urn – Average adult urn: 180-220 cubic inches
Actual Remains Volume
Typical amounts: – Adult remains: 150-250 cubic inches typically – Depends on body size and bone density – Crematory provides exact amount – Better to choose slightly larger than needed
Capacity Labels
Urn descriptions indicate capacity: – “Adult” = 200+ cubic inches (suitable for most adults) – “Small adult/large keepsake” = 100-180 cubic inches – “Keepsake” = 3-75 cubic inches – “Companion” = 400+ cubic inches
Measuring Considerations
Volume matters for: – Some families keep small amount, urn doesn’t need to hold all – If dividing ashes, calculate portions needed – If combining with items (letters, flowers), extra space needed – Columbarium niches have size limits
Getting It Right
Before purchasing: – Ask crematory for actual volume of remains – Measure columbarium niche if applicable – Consider if keeping all or dividing ashes – Choose urn with adequate capacity plus small buffer
Costs and Pricing
Urn costs vary widely based on material and design.
Price Ranges by Type
Budget urns: – $30-$100 – Basic materials (simple wood, basic metal, cardboard) – Functional but minimal decoration – Appropriate for burial or temporary use
Mid-range urns: – $100-$400 – Quality materials (brass, hardwood, ceramic) – Attractive designs – Engraving available – Most common purchase range
Premium urns: – $400-$1,000 – High-quality materials (bronze, marble, art glass) – Detailed craftsmanship – Elaborate designs – Custom engraving included
Luxury and artistic urns: – $1,000-$3,000+ – Hand-crafted art pieces – Unique designs – Artist-created – Museum-quality materials
What Affects Price
Cost factors: – Material (metal more than wood, bronze more than brass) – Size (companion urns cost more than standard) – Craftsmanship (handmade costs more than mass-produced) – Design complexity – Artist/brand reputation – Engraving and customization – Where purchased (funeral home vs. online)
Where to Buy
Funeral homes: – Convenient – Included in service package – Markup typically 200-400% – Limited selection
Online retailers: – Much lower prices – Vast selection – Must order in advance – Funeral homes must accept per FTC Funeral Rule
Specialty urn retailers: – Expert guidance – Quality selection – Moderate pricing – Direct shipping
Artisan/Custom: – One-of-a-kind pieces – Higher cost – Longer wait time – Unique results
Saving Money
Cost-cutting strategies: – Buy urn online before making arrangements (save 50-70%) – Choose simpler materials (wood over bronze) – Skip elaborate engraving – Temporary crematory container for immediate burial – Keepsake urns instead of full-size if dividing ashes
Choosing the Right Urn
Select based on final plans for remains and personal preferences.
Consider Final Destination
For burial: – Durable materials (metal, stone) – Weather-resistant – Vault may be required by cemetery – Simple designs appropriate
For columbarium: – Size must fit niche (measure first) – Attractive appearance for viewing – Durable materials – Engraving visible
For home display: – Aesthetically pleasing design – Matches decor – Appropriate size for space – Secure closure – Comfortable to see daily
For scattering: – Biodegradable required for water – Simple temporary containers adequate – Easy-pour designs – TSA-compliant if traveling
Reflect Personality
Personalization options: – Themes matching hobbies (fishing, golf, music) – Colors reflecting favorites – Symbols of faith or beliefs – Artistic styles matching taste – Photos or custom artwork
Practical Considerations
Think about: – Who will transport urn initially? – Is weight an issue? – How secure does closure need to be? – Will you move urn between locations? – Will multiple people handle it? – Does cemetery/columbarium have requirements?
Engraving
Common engravings: – Name, birth/death dates – Epitaph or quote – Religious symbols – Images (flowers, scenes)
Options: – Included with purchase or additional cost – Laser engraving or hand-etching – Placed on front, back, or bottom – Nameplates versus direct engraving
Don’t Rush
Take time: – Temporary container works initially – Choose urn after immediate decisions settled – View options in person when possible – Consider family input – Wait for right urn rather than settling
Urns at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista can work with families to arrange appropriate urns including traditional, contemporary, biodegradable, and specialty options suitable for burial, home display, or scattering. Our staff can help you choose urns based on final plans for remains, aesthetic preferences, and budgets.
We also accommodate urns purchased from outside retailers, accepting third-party urns per FTC Funeral Rule. Whether you coordinate an urn through us or bring your own vessel, we ensure cremated remains are handled respectfully and securely.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss urn options for your loved one’s cremated remains.
Key Takeaways
Choosing cremation urns involves material, style, size, and intended use:
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Urn types include standard adult, keepsake, companion, biodegradable, and specialty options—choose based on whether keeping all remains, dividing, scattering, or burying.
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Materials range from metal (brass, bronze, steel) to wood, ceramic, stone, and biodegradable materials—each with different durability, appearance, and cost.
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Sizing follows rule of one cubic inch per pound of body weight—average adult needs 200 cubic inch urn, though crematory provides exact volume.
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Costs range from $30 budget options to $3,000+ artistic pieces—mid-range quality urns ($100-$400) satisfy most families.
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Final destination affects choice—burial requires durable materials, scattering needs biodegradable options, home display prioritizes aesthetics.
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Buy urns anywhere including online retailers—funeral homes must accept outside urns, often saving 50-70% versus funeral home pricing.
Taking time to choose appropriate urns honors loved ones while meeting practical needs for remains storage, display, or burial.
Questions About Cremation Urns?
Discuss urn options with our knowledgeable staff who can help you select the right vessel for your loved one.
Call 510-299-1174 to view urn options and discuss cremation services.