Guide to Cremation Urns: Choosing the Right Urn for Your Loved One
After a cremation, selecting the right cremation urns is an important way to honour your loved one’s memory. Whether you plan to keep the urn at home, bury it, scatter the ashes, or share among family, the right urn offers a personal and meaningful tribute.
At eziFunerals, we help Australians understand their options when choosing funeral urns, so you can find one that reflects your loved one’s life, spirit, and wishes.
What Is a Cremation Urn?
A cremation urn is a container designed to hold the cremated remains (ashes) of a person. Urns come in many shapes, sizes, and styles — from traditional vessels to eco-friendly designs — depending on how you wish to remember and honour your loved one.
Types of Cremation Urns
Choosing the right type of urn depends on what you plan to do with the ashes. Common types include:
1. Traditional Display Urns
- Designed for display at home or in a columbarium
- Made from materials like wood, metal, ceramic, or stone
2. Biodegradable Urns
- Ideal for water or ground burial
- Made from natural materials like paper, sand, or plant fibres
3. Scattering Urns
- Designed to make the scattering process easier and more dignified
- Lightweight, often with special lids or handles
4. Keepsake Urns
- Small urns designed to hold a small portion of ashes
- Perfect for sharing remains among family members or creating multiple memorials
5. Companion Urns
- Larger urns designed to hold the ashes of two people (e.g., couples)
6. Custom or Artistic Urns
- Specially crafted urns that reflect hobbies, careers, cultures, or personal passions
- Hand-blown glass, sculpture-style, or unique artisan pieces
What to Consider When Choosing an Urn
When selecting a cremation urn, think about:
- Purpose – Display, burial, scattering, or keepsake?
- Size – Standard adult urns hold about 3–3.5 litres of ashes; keepsakes hold less
- Material – Choose based on durability, aesthetics, or eco-friendliness
- Design and Style – Reflect the personality, culture, or interests of your loved one
- Budget – Urns range in price from around $100 to $1,000+ depending on material and craftsmanship
Tip: If planning a burial or inurnment at a cemetery, check if there are specific size or material requirements.
Popular Materials for Cremation Urns
- Metal (brass, stainless steel, bronze) – Durable and elegant
- Wood (oak, walnut, mahogany) – Warm and natural
- Ceramic or Porcelain – Artistic and timeless
- Stone (marble, granite) – Strong and classic
- Eco-materials (bamboo, recycled paper) – Ideal for green burials or water scattering
Personalising an Urn
You can personalise a cremation urn by:
- Adding engraved names, dates, or quotes
- Choosing custom artwork or symbols (e.g., religious icons, flowers, hobbies)
- Selecting a favourite colour or theme
- Including a compartment for mementos like jewellery, photos, or letters
A personalised urn helps create a meaningful, lasting tribute.
Travelling with an Urn
If you need to transport ashes, check airline and country-specific regulations.
Most airlines require urns to be:
- Non-metallic (so X-rays can scan them)
- Sealed securely
- Carried in hand luggage
eziFunerals can help guide you through travelling safely and respectfully with cremated remains.
Where to Buy Cremation Urns in Australia
At eziFunerals, we connect families with:
- Independent urn suppliers across Australia
- Local funeral homes offering urn selections
- Online retailers with a wide variety of designs
- Artisan craftspeople for unique, Australian-made urns
We help you compare options so you can choose an urn with confidence and care.
How eziFunerals Can Support You
We’re Australia’s most trusted independent funeral platform, offering:
- Information about cremation urns and memorial options
- Guidance on choosing, purchasing, and personalising urns
- Support for planning cremation services and scattering ceremonies
- Resources for grief support and future planning
We’re here to make difficult choices easier.
Need Help Choosing an Urn?
Let us assist you with compassionate, practical advice.
Call: 1300 236 402
Email: support@ezifunerals.com.au
Visit: ezifunerals