Glossary
Urn
An urn is a container that holds cremated remains. Urns come in many materials, sizes, and styles — from simple boxes to decorative vessels and biodegradable options — and may be kept at home, buried, or placed in a columbarium niche.
A standard adult urn is sized to hold the few pounds of remains a cremation produces. Keepsake urns hold a small portion for relatives who want to share the remains.
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, you may buy an urn from any seller and a funeral home cannot charge a fee for using one you provide. Biodegradable urns are made for water or scattering ceremonies.
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Common questions
- Can I buy an urn anywhere?
- Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you may buy an urn from any seller, including online, and a funeral home cannot charge a fee for using one you provide. This lets you compare styles and prices freely.
- What size urn do I need?
- A standard adult urn is sized to hold the few pounds of remains a cremation produces. Keepsake urns are much smaller and hold a portion for relatives who want to share the remains.
- Do I need a special urn for scattering or water burial?
- It helps. Biodegradable urns are made to dissolve for water ceremonies or to break down after a green burial, while scattering urns are designed for easy release. A standard keepsake urn is meant to be kept rather than dispersed.
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