Cremation urns are containers (similar to vases) that hold the cremains (ashes) of your loved one after cremation. They are typically used as  keepsake urns, but are also made for burial uses as well. Urns can be intricately designed, embellished with etchings and colors, or they can be simple and elegant.

If you are opting to store the ashes of your deceased loved one in an urn, it is an important decision to think about. This vessel will carry the cremains of someone very dear to your heart, so you want to find something that would honor their life. Also known as “keepsake urns,” cremation urns are typically given to the closest relative to guard and protect.

Styles of Urns

Cremation urns are made in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and designs. You can honor your fallen soldier, child, and even family pet with specialized cremation urns. The urns are made out of a variety of materials, such as ceramic, rich woods (like maple, cherry and mahogany), glass, leather, metal and stone.

There are many skilled artisans who handcraft special keepsake urns for your loved ones. If you wish, you could find a company who will customize the urn to help you better remember and honor those who have passed on. Most artists will create (time and money willing) any type/color/shape of urn to fulfill your special needs.

The newest trends for urns use natural materials that are not harmful to the environment. There are even biodegradable urns that can be tossed into a lake or ocean, where the ashes will eventually disperse.

Urn Uses

The most common type of cremation urn is the keepsake urn. These urns are usually beautiful pieces of art that will sit on the mantle or shelf inside your home.

There are also cremation urns crafted specifically for burial purposes. You may prefer to bury the urn in a traditional burial plot or to place it in a mausoleum. By doing this, you are creating  a sacred place for your deceased loved one that will never move or go away. Every year you can still bring flowers and memorial items to the gravesite of your loved one.

Planning a cremation service can be extremely difficult and possibly frustrating at times. If you are unsure of what your loved one wanted to do with their ashes, I would recommend a keepsake urn or burial urn. Scattering ashes is a special way to celebrate the life of a friend or family member, but is not always the best route for grieving. Having an urn or burial plot for your loved one aids tremendously in the grieving process. This is because you have a place to go to remember the person you loved so dearly.