One of the most devastating things we may experience is losing a loved one. Once the cremation ceremony is over, families are left with their loved ones’ ashes. They generally look for cremation urns to honor and hold the ashes. Cremation urns are available in various designs, materials, and styles. They offer a heartfelt way to give your loved ones’ remains a last resting place and preserve their memories.
In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about cremation urns, including their types, designs, and materials. We have also enlisted some tips to look for while buying cremation urns for ashes.
What is an Urn?
An urn is a small container used to store the ashes of the deceased after cremation. Its basic function is to secure the cremated remains and provide a peaceful resting place. The size, shape, and material of urns can vary depending on individual requirements.


Why Do People Choose Cremation Urns?
Cremation has become increasingly popular as a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional burials. An urn allows people to honor their loved one's memories and is used for ash dispersion, memorial settings, burial, or home display.
Types of Cremation Urns
Cremation urns come in many forms and styles, each serving different purposes:
Traditional Urns

These popular urns are usually made of stone, ceramic, metal, or wood. Traditional urns typically have a lid to secure the ashes and can be buried, placed in a columbarium, or kept at home.
Scattering Urns
Designed for dispersing ashes in a specific location, these urns feature openings for easy pouring. Some are biodegradable or have removable lids.
Biodegradable Urns

Made from natural materials like paper, bamboo, or salt, these urns decompose gradually when buried or placed in water, returning the ashes to nature.
Keepsake Urns
Smaller urns for preserving a portion of ashes, ideal for families wanting to share ashes among members. They often resemble miniature versions of larger urns.
Companion Urns

Designed to hold ashes of two individuals, usually couples, with two compartments and often a shared design etched with names and dates.
Memorial Urns

Memorial urns honor the deceased and often include engravings, photo spaces, or compartments for sentimental objects like jewelry or letters.
Materials Used in Cremation Urns
Urns can be made from various materials, each with unique properties:

- Wood: Traditional urns often with intricate carvings; common woods include walnut, mahogany, oak, and cherry.
- Metal: Durable urns made of stainless steel, brass, or bronze; can be engraved or decorated.
- Ceramic: Customizable urns with various shapes, styles, and hand-painted decorations.
- Stone: Granite and marble urns are classic and durable, often inscribed with messages.
- Glass: Decorative urns with artistic designs that reflect light beautifully.
How to Choose the Right Cremation Urn?
Choosing a funeral urn is personal. Consider these factors:

- Size: Ensure it can hold all ashes; typically single urns are for one individual.
- Material and Design: Should reflect family preferences and the personality of the deceased.
- Goal: Consider whether it will be buried, scattered, or displayed at home.
- Personalization: Engravings, photos, or artwork enhance significance.
- Budget: Prices vary from simple to custom designer urns; plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Cremation urns are more than containers—they are heartfelt memorials celebrating a loved one's life. With a wide variety of styles, materials, and personalization options, you can choose an urn that preserves memories and provides comfort during grief. Stone Discover offers a broad collection to suit every need.
Stone Discover, a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium granite memorials since 1984, provides a full range of natural stones including headstones, monuments, gravestones, grave markers, cremation urns, kerb sets, plaques, pet memorials, memorial vases, and more. We offer both wood and stone cremation urns made in the USA.
Our granite monuments are carefully handcrafted and sourced from MPG Group India quarries and factories, ensuring top quality. We provide excellent customer service, timely delivery, and competitive pricing across the UK, US, Germany, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and France. Click here to explore our products and services and find the best memorial for your loved ones.




