Choosing the Right Urn: Step-by-Step Guide

When selecting an urn, it's important to consider factors such as the intended use, the deceased's weight, and personal preferences.

Here are the steps to guide you through the process of choosing the perfect personalised urn:

Step 1: Determine the Purpose

• Consider whether the urn will be used for burial, placement in a columbarium niche, kept at home, or for scattering the ashes. Different purposes may require different sizes and designs.

Step 2: Calculate the Size Needed

• For Burial: If the urn will be buried, you need to check with the cemetery or burial site for their specific requirements regarding urn size and burial plot dimensions. They might have limitations on the size of the urn allowed for each plot.

• For Columbarium Placement: If you plan to place the urn in a niche at a columbarium, measure the dimensions of the niche and ensure the urn fits comfortably within the available space.

• For Home Display: If the urn will be kept at home, consider where you want to display it and ensure it fits well in that space. Measure the area if needed to get an idea of the maximum size you can accommodate.

• Please see the size chart of the bottom of this page.

Step 3: Consider the Deceased's Weight

• The capacity of an urn is often measured in cubic inches or litres. A general guideline is that one pound of body weight is equal to one cubic inch of ashes after cremation. So, if the deceased weighed 150 pounds, you would need an urn with a capacity of at least 150 cubic inches.
• Please see the size chart of the bottom of this page.

Step 4: Account for the Type of Cremation

• The type of cremation can also affect the amount of ashes produced. For example, a traditional cremation will usually result in more ashes than a direct cremation. It's a good idea to consult with the crematorium or funeral director to get an estimate of the ashes' volume.

Step 5: Personal Preferences and Design

• Once you have a rough idea of the size needed, consider the design and material of the urn. There are various options available, such as wooden urns, metal urns, ceramic urns, biodegradable urns, and more. Choose an urn that reflects the personality and taste of the deceased, or something that holds special meaning to you and your family.

Step 6: Budget Considerations

• Urns come in a wide range of prices, so it's essential to set a budget and stick to it. Remember that the material, craftsmanship, and size of the urn can all affect the cost.

Step 7: Check Regulations and Policies

• Make sure to check any specific regulations or policies regarding urn size and material at the crematorium, cemetery, or other places where you plan to place or bury the urn.

By following these steps, you should be able to choose the right urn size for your needs in the UK. Remember that this can be an emotional process, so take your time and don't hesitate to seek support from your funeral director or loved ones.

Urn Size Capacity Chart

Weight of Person/Pet (KG)	Weight of Person/Pet (Stone)	Litres Capacity Needed
1	0.2	0.04
5	1	0.18
10	2	0.36
20	3	0.72
40	6	1.44
80	13	2.88
120	19	4.33
150	24	5.41