Choosing a cremation urn can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with loss. You might be wondering about materials, sizes, whether you need something for display or burial, and how to find an option that feels right. There are hundreds of urns available, each designed for different purposes, and making the wrong choice could mean buying something unsuitable or spending more than necessary.
This guide walks you through the main types of cremation urns available in the UK. You’ll learn about individual, companion and keepsake urns, discover which materials work best for different situations, and understand the practical differences between urns for burial, scattering or display. We’ll also cover what you get with a direct cremation service, how to choose based on your plans for the ashes, and what to check before ordering. By the end, you’ll know exactly which type of urn suits your needs and budget.
1. Urns with Go Direct Cremations
When you choose Go Direct Cremations, we include a simple ashes container as part of your direct cremation service. This basic container protects the ashes and allows you to decide later which of the various types of cremation urns best suits your needs. You don’t have to commit to a permanent urn immediately, which gives you time to think about what feels right for your family.
What is included in the service
Your direct cremation package includes an eco-friendly coffin and a straightforward ashes container at no extra cost. We handle all the formalities, collection, washing and preparation of the deceased, and the cremation itself. The standard container we provide is practical and respectful, designed for temporary storage or for transferring ashes into a chosen urn later.
Options for the ashes afterwards
You can ask us to scatter the ashes in our garden of remembrance, or we’ll deliver them to you personally. If you choose delivery, the ashes arrive in the simple container, ready for you to transfer into a decorative urn, scatter at a meaningful location, or divide among family members. We also offer designer urns as an optional extra if you prefer an upgraded container from the start.
Choosing an urn with a direct cremation
Because direct cremation removes the ceremony from the day of cremation, you have flexibility to select an urn later. This means you can research different materials, styles and prices without time pressure. Many families appreciate this breathing space to find something truly fitting.
Direct cremation gives you the freedom to choose memorial options that suit your budget and wishes, rather than making rushed decisions during a difficult time.
Planning a later memorial or scattering
If you plan a memorial gathering or scattering ceremony weeks or months after the cremation, you can choose an urn that matches that occasion. For scattering, a scatter tube works well. For display at a memorial event, you might prefer something more decorative. This approach lets you plan thoughtfully rather than choosing under pressure.
2. Individual cremation urns
Individual urns are designed to hold the ashes of one person. They’re the most common option families choose when keeping or displaying ashes, and they come in countless designs to suit different tastes and budgets. Most types of cremation urns you’ll encounter online or at funeral directors fall into this category.
What individual urns are
An individual urn stores the full amount of ashes from a single adult cremation. You’ll also see them called single capacity urns or full size urns. They typically hold between 195 and 260 cubic inches of ashes, though the exact capacity you need depends on the weight of the person before death.
Capacity and sizing guidelines
You calculate the required capacity using a simple rule: one cubic inch per pound of body weight. Someone who weighed 150 pounds would need an urn with at least 150 cubic inches of space. Always choose an urn slightly larger than this calculation to avoid any issues. Urns list their capacity in the product description, so you can check before ordering.
Choosing an urn with a bit of extra capacity prevents the stress of finding the ashes won’t fit, especially if you’re unsure of the exact weight.
Common shapes and designs
Individual urns come in traditional vase shapes, modern geometric designs, decorative boxes, or sculptural pieces. You’ll find classical styles that look like formal containers, and contemporary options that blend into home décor without obviously being an urn. Materials and finishes vary widely, from polished metal to hand-painted ceramic.
Adult, child and pet urn sizes
Adult urns hold 200 cubic inches or more, while child and infant urns are smaller, typically 50 to 150 cubic inches. Pet urns range from tiny containers for small animals to larger vessels for dogs. Each size category offers multiple design choices.
Where individual urns are usually kept
You can display an individual urn on a shelf, mantelpiece, or in a cabinet at home. Some families choose to bury the urn in a cemetery plot or keep it in a columbarium niche. Others place them in gardens or outdoor memorials.
3. Companion and family urns
Companion urns hold the ashes of two people in a single container, letting couples or close family members stay together after death. These urns typically hold between 400 and 450 cubic inches, roughly double the capacity of individual urns. Companion urns represent one of the most meaningful types of cremation urns when families want a shared memorial.
Types of companion urn layouts
You’ll find companion urns in two main configurations: single chamber and dual chamber. A single large chamber mixes both sets of ashes together in one space, creating a permanent union. Dual chamber urns keep each person’s ashes separate within two distinct compartments inside the same container. The dual option works well if you want to add the second set of ashes years later or if you prefer to keep them identifiable.
Who companion urns suit best
Companion urns suit married couples, life partners, or siblings who shared a deep bond. They’re also chosen by families who want to keep parents together after both have died. Some families prefer this option for practical reasons, as it means one urn instead of two separate containers taking up space.
Design and inscription ideas
Many companion urns feature engravings of both names with birth and death dates, sometimes including phrases like "Together Forever" or "United in Love." You can add symbols that represent your relationship, such as intertwined rings, hearts, or shared hobbies. Designs range from classic vase shapes to modern sculptures that represent two becoming one.
Practical points to check before buying
Check the total capacity matches both people’s weight calculations combined. Verify whether you need immediate access to add the second set of ashes later, as some designs seal permanently once filled. Confirm the urn’s material suits your storage plans, whether that’s display, burial, or outdoor placement.
4. Keepsake urns and jewellery
Keepsake urns hold a small portion of ashes rather than the full amount, letting you keep your loved one close in a more personal way. These types of cremation urns offer flexibility when multiple family members want to hold onto some ashes, or when you plan to scatter most of the ashes but keep a token amount. Sizes typically range from 3 to 50 cubic inches, much smaller than full capacity urns.
Mini urns and token keepsakes
Mini urns come in decorative shapes like small vases, hearts, or abstract sculptures that sit discreetly on a shelf or bedside table. Token keepsakes include items such as photo frames with hidden compartments, carved stones, or small boxes that hold just a tablespoon or two of ashes. You’ll find designs to match any home décor without drawing attention to what they contain.
Cremation jewellery options
Cremation jewellery lets you carry a tiny amount of ashes in pendants, rings, bracelets, or lockets. Some pieces feature screw closures where you fill the compartment yourself using a small funnel. Others require you to send ashes to the jeweller, who seals them inside during manufacture. Both men’s and women’s styles exist, from simple silver pendants to elaborate gold designs.
Sharing ashes among family
When several family members want to keep ashes, keepsakes solve the problem of dividing them fairly. You can order matching sets of mini urns or give each person different jewellery pieces. This approach works particularly well when relatives live far apart or when children want something tangible to remember a parent or grandparent.
Keepsake urns allow everyone in the family to maintain a physical connection to the person they’ve lost, wherever they live.
When a keepsake is the right choice
Keepsakes suit you if you’re scattering the bulk of ashes but want to keep a small amount, or if you’re keeping the main urn but want something portable. They’re also ideal when several relatives want to share the ashes without dividing them into full sized containers.
5. Urn materials and finishes
The material you choose affects how long the urn lasts, where you can keep it, and how much it costs. Different types of cremation urns suit different purposes, from permanent display indoors to burial in natural woodland. Understanding each material’s strengths helps you pick something practical that matches your plans for the ashes.
Metal urns
Bronze, brass, stainless steel and copper urns offer exceptional durability and weather resistance. Bronze develops a natural patina over time that many families find beautiful. Metal urns work well for outdoor placement or columbarium niches because they withstand the elements without degrading. They typically cost more than other materials but last indefinitely.
Wooden urns
Solid wood urns bring warmth and natural beauty to any room, with options including oak, walnut, cherry and maple. Treated wood resists moisture and insects when kept indoors. Wooden urns suit home display but won’t last outdoors unless specifically designed for garden use. Prices vary widely depending on craftsmanship and wood type.
Ceramic and glass urns
Ceramic urns offer artistic designs with hand painted details, glazed finishes, or sculptural shapes. Glass urns provide modern aesthetics with colours and textures that catch light beautifully. Both materials are fragile, so they’re best for indoor display on stable surfaces. Ceramic and glass add personality to a memorial without the weight of metal or stone.
Biodegradable urns for burial
Natural burial grounds require urns made from materials that decompose completely. Biodegradable options include untreated wood, bamboo, recycled paper, wool felt and cornstarch. These urns break down in soil within months, leaving no trace. They cost less than permanent materials and suit eco conscious families.
Water soluble urns for water scattering
Water urns float briefly before dissolving to release ashes into rivers, lakes or seas. They’re made from salt, sand, paper pulp or gelatin that won’t harm aquatic life. You’ll need one of these if you’re conducting a water ceremony rather than scattering from the shore.
Stone and outdoor ready urns
Marble, granite and natural stone urns survive harsh weather for generations, making them ideal for gardens or cemetery plots. Stone urns feel substantial and permanent. They’re heavier and more expensive than other materials but offer unmatched longevity outdoors.
Stone urns develop character as they age, blending naturally into garden settings while providing a lasting memorial.
Personal touches and engraving
Most urn materials accept engraving of names, dates and messages, though the technique varies. Metal takes precise laser engraving, stone accepts carved lettering, and wood allows both engraved and painted inscriptions. Personalization typically adds £30 to £100 to the cost but transforms a standard urn into something unique.
6. Urns for burial and scattering
Different types of cremation urns serve specific purposes when you plan to bury or scatter ashes rather than display them at home. Burial urns must meet cemetery or burial ground requirements, while scattering urns need to make the process straightforward and dignified. Understanding these specialized containers ensures you choose something practical that works for your chosen location and ceremony.
Burial urns and cemetery rules
Cemetery plots and churchyards often have strict rules about which urns you can bury. Some allow any permanent material, while others insist on biodegradable containers that won’t interfere with future burials. Contact the burial ground before buying an urn to confirm size limits, material restrictions, and whether you need a burial vault. Traditional cemeteries typically accept metal, stone or wood urns, but natural burial sites require complete biodegradability.
Natural burial and eco urn choices
Natural burial grounds demand urns made entirely from materials that decompose without leaving harmful residues. Your options include bamboo, untreated wood, recycled paper, wool, cornstarch and gelatin. These urns break down in soil within six months to two years, returning nutrients to the earth. Natural burial sites often prohibit metal fixings, glues containing chemicals, or any synthetic materials.
Scatter tubes and scattering capsules
Scatter tubes provide the easiest way to scatter ashes on land, with a secure lid that opens smoothly when you’re ready. These lightweight cardboard tubes cost £20 to £60 and come in various designs, from plain to decorative. Scattering capsules work similarly but often feature biodegradable materials that you can bury if you change your plans.
Garden and outdoor memorial urns
Garden urns need weather resistant materials like bronze, stainless steel, granite or treated stone to survive rain, frost and sun. You’ll find urns disguised as bird baths, planters, sundials and memorial benches that blend naturally into outdoor spaces. These typically cost more than indoor urns but create lasting focal points for remembrance.
Garden urns let you create a dedicated memorial space where you can sit, reflect and feel close to your loved one throughout the seasons.
Travelling with ashes for scattering
Airlines allow you to carry ashes in your hand luggage if they’re in a suitable container that security scanners can see through. Scatter tubes or simple plastic urns work best for travel. Check your airline’s specific rules and carry the cremation certificate as proof. Avoid metal urns as they trigger additional security checks.
7. How to choose the right urn
Choosing the right urn becomes simpler when you follow a clear process and understand your practical needs. You don’t need to rush this decision, especially if you’ve chosen direct cremation where the ashes arrive in a temporary container. Taking time to consider these factors helps you find the best match between budget, purpose and personal meaning.
Questions to ask before you start
Start by deciding what you’ll do with the ashes after the cremation. Will you display them at home, bury them in a cemetery, scatter them outdoors, or divide them among family members? Your answer determines which types of cremation urns suit your situation. You should also consider how many people need to feel involved in the decision, as joint choices often take longer but feel more satisfying.
Balancing budget and expectations
Urn prices range from £20 scatter tubes to several hundred pounds for custom designs. Set a realistic budget before browsing, then focus on urns within that range. Simple doesn’t mean disrespectful, and expensive doesn’t guarantee satisfaction. You can find dignified, well made urns at every price point if you prioritize function over fancy embellishments.
Matching the urn to your plans for the ashes
Display urns need durable materials like wood, ceramic or metal that suit your home décor. Burial urns must meet cemetery requirements, often needing biodegradable construction for natural sites. Scattering requires lightweight containers that open easily, while outdoor memorials need weather resistant stone or bronze.
Matching the urn to your specific plans prevents the frustration and expense of buying the wrong type first.
Ordering an urn online in the UK
Reputable suppliers provide clear capacity information and material descriptions in product listings. Check delivery times, especially if you need the urn quickly. Read customer reviews to verify build quality and confirm the seller offers returns if the urn doesn’t meet your expectations.
Avoiding common mistakes
Don’t underestimate the capacity you’ll need by forgetting to account for the full body weight. Avoid buying decorative urns for burial if they contain non biodegradable parts. Check cemetery rules before purchasing an expensive urn that the burial ground might reject. Order well ahead of any planned memorial ceremony to allow time for personalization or delivery delays.
Next steps
You now understand the main types of cremation urns available and can match each option to your specific needs. Whether you plan to display ashes at home, scatter them outdoors, or bury them in a natural site, you know which materials and designs work best. This knowledge helps you avoid costly mistakes and choose something that honours your loved one appropriately.
If you’re arranging a funeral and want the simplicity of direct cremation, Go Direct Cremations provides a complete service with a basic ashes container included. You can then select the perfect urn when you’re ready, without time pressure or emotional stress. We handle all formalities, collection, and cremation with dignity and respect.
Taking your time to choose the right urn matters more than rushing into a decision. Focus on what feels right for your family and fits your budget, knowing you’ve made an informed choice.