Choosing a Memorial Urn: A Gentle Guide

Choosing an urn is one of the first concrete decisions a family makes, and it often arrives at the least convenient moment. There is no wrong answer here — only the one that feels right for the person you are remembering.

Start with size

The standard guideline is one cubic inch of capacity for every pound of body weight. An adult urn is typically 200 cubic inches. If you plan to divide ashes among family members, keepsake urns hold a small portion each.

Then consider material

• Wood — warm and traditional; takes engraving beautifully.
• Metal — durable and suited to outdoor placement.
• Ceramic — the widest range of colour and glaze.
• Biodegradable — for scattering, water burial, or a memorial tree.

Where it will live

A mantel urn, a niche in a columbarium, and a burial urn have different requirements. Cemeteries and columbaria often publish size limits, so it is worth a phone call before ordering.

Personalising it

A name, two dates, and a short line are the most common engraving. Photographs, handwriting, and a favourite phrase all work well too. Take your time with the wording — read it aloud once before approving.

If you would like help, our team reviews every personalised piece by hand before it goes into production.