urn faqs
What is an urn?
An urn is a tall, rounded vase with a base, and often a stem, especially one used for storing the ashes of a cremated human body. Regardless of its shape or the material its made of, cremated remains containers are universally referred to as urns by funeral firms and manufacturers.
How much do cremated remains weigh?
Usually 4-5 pounds, not including the urn or other cremated remains container.
Do I need to buy and urn?
The short answer is NO. If you choose direct cremation, an alternative remains container (usually made of plastic) is included in the package price. If you want to buy an urn, you have several options:
What do I need to know about urn size?
The amount of cremated remains (commonly called ashes) is determined more by bone structure than by physical weight, since tissue is completely incinerated and what is left is bone matter. The recommended size of an adult urn is 200 cubic inches, about the size of a one gallon paint can, or a 10" x 6" x 4" box.
Are urns expensive?
Urns are as expensive as you want them to be. Although you may pay a higher price for an urn if you buy one directly from a funeral home, most funeral homes will have one or more models for around $100.
What should I consider when buying an urn?
Perhaps the greatest consideration is: What will happen to the cremated remains after the cremation process?
An urn is a tall, rounded vase with a base, and often a stem, especially one used for storing the ashes of a cremated human body. Regardless of its shape or the material its made of, cremated remains containers are universally referred to as urns by funeral firms and manufacturers.
How much do cremated remains weigh?
Usually 4-5 pounds, not including the urn or other cremated remains container.
Do I need to buy and urn?
The short answer is NO. If you choose direct cremation, an alternative remains container (usually made of plastic) is included in the package price. If you want to buy an urn, you have several options:
- All funeral homes have a display room where you can view a wide range of urns the funeral home sells.
- You can purchase an urn through an online seller. Yes, Amazon carries urns.
- You don't have to buy a purpose-made urn, that is, an urn manufactured and marketed as a cremated remains container (urn). You may already have -- or you may choose to buy -- a vase, box or other container (it will need to have a cover or lid) large enough to hold cremated remains.
What do I need to know about urn size?
The amount of cremated remains (commonly called ashes) is determined more by bone structure than by physical weight, since tissue is completely incinerated and what is left is bone matter. The recommended size of an adult urn is 200 cubic inches, about the size of a one gallon paint can, or a 10" x 6" x 4" box.
- Rule: 1 pound of healthy body weight generally equals 1 cubic inch of cremated remains.
- Formula: 1 pound = 1 cubic inch
- 200 cubic inches = 13.8 cups
- 1-gallon paint can | 8 pints
- 10"x 6"x 4" box
Are urns expensive?
Urns are as expensive as you want them to be. Although you may pay a higher price for an urn if you buy one directly from a funeral home, most funeral homes will have one or more models for around $100.
What should I consider when buying an urn?
Perhaps the greatest consideration is: What will happen to the cremated remains after the cremation process?
- Will the ashes be dispersed or scattered in a lake, river, forest, field or garden?
- Will the urn be present for a funeral ceremony, whether in a church or other place?
- Will all or some of the cremated remains be kept in someone's home?
- Will the cremated remains be shared among two or more family members or friends?
- Will the cremated remains be buried, or placed in a columbarium niche? If so, you'll want to check with the cemetery to find out rules and restrictions about the type and shape of urn that's appropriate.