FAQ's about Urns

We understand that purchasing a cremation urn is not an every day occurrence. And that there are bound to be questions about cremation urn sizing, how to personalize, shipping policies and more. Our cremation urn frequently asked questions not only provides you with the most commonly asked questions about cremation urns but also gives you the answers you're looking for. We invite you to call us with any additional questions at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evrmemories.com and we will be happy to assist!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQ'S

How do I know what size urn I need?

The rule of thumb is one cubic inch is equal to one cubic inch of body weight.  Therefore, for a human adult weighing 200 pounds at the time of death, you would need a cremation urn that will hold at least 200 cubic inches of cremated ashes.  Most individual cremation urns hold anywhere from 180 cubic inches of ashes up to 250 cubic inches of cremated ashes. Learn more about choosing the correct size cremation urn.

What urn sizes are available?

Cremation urns for ashes are available in several different sizes, allowing families to choose the size that works best for their needs.

Individual cremation urns are intended to hold the ashes of one person and the volume ranges from 180 cubic inches up to over 250 cubic inches depending on the urn you select.  Companion style cremation urns or couples urns are designed to hold the ashes of two people and the volume is typically around 400 cubic inches.

Keepsake urns and child and infant urns are much smaller than individual urns and have been crafted to hold a very small amount of cremated ashes.  Keepsake urns may have a volume of 6 cubic inches or slightly more and child and infant cremation urns will generally hold anywhere from 15 cubic inches up to 80 cubic inches of ashes.

Pet cremation urns are available in different sizes.  The interior volume of pet cremation urns ranges from as little as 20 cubic inches up to 100 cubic inches.

What are cubic inches?

One cubic inch is equal to the concrete mass value of 1 pound.  So if you know the weight of the deceased then you know the size of the urn that you need.  For example:  A cremated 150 pound person will yield approximately 150 cubic inches of cremated ashes.

We are on a very tight budget. What are my options for lower priced urns?

We understand that funeral expenses cause a strain on a family’s budget.  We have a great selection of affordable cremation urns that make for a great resting place for your loved one’s ashes and have kept the costs down.  Available in a wide selection of different materials, affordable cremation urns are priced under $150 and the price includes several different personalization options.

Do I have to buy the urn from the funeral home?

No you do not have to buy the urn from the funeral home.  The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule states that the funeral provider may not refuse or charge a fee to handle an urn you bought elsewhere.  You have the right to bring your own urn and the funeral home has to accept it.

How do the ashes come from the funeral home?

The ashes typically come in a thick polyethylene bag and may also be placed inside a cardboard box, a plastic box or sometimes even a temporary urn.  The ashes can then be transferred from the temporary storage into a permanent urn when the family is ready.

What if I want to scatter the ashes?

There are several options when it comes to scattering the ashes of your loved one.  Specially designed scattering tubes are a great idea and make it easy to scatter the ashes in different locations while still containing the cremated ashes and keeping them safe and secure.  Be sure to check with local parks and recreational areas if scattering ashes on public grounds as many have specific regulations with regards to scattering the ashes.

If I chose to bury the urn, would it rot?

If you are choosing to bury the cremation urn, we recommend that you choose a biodegradable or eco friendly cremation urn.  These urns are specifically designed to breakdown over time and the cremation urn materials are earth conscious.  We do not recommend burying an urn that is not biodegradable for burial.

Can I choose a human urn for pet ashes?

You absolutely can use a human cremation urn for pet ashes!  Our selection of pet cremation urns is available in different styles and themes and meant to accommodate the ashes of pets.  However, should an individual urn appeal to you or your pet is of significant size, individual cremation urns for ashes are a great option.

Can I email you an image to put on a cremation urn?

Absolutely!  Our 3D Artisan Portrait Urns are a terrific option when it comes to personalizing with the image of your loved one.  Send us a digital image of your loved one and any cropping instructions and add that image onto 1 of 30 scenic backgrounds that you choose.  We can even use a background that holds special meaning to you such as a picture of the lake you went to every summer for family vacations.  Our full color hardwood artisan photo urns give families the option of creating a unique one-of-a-kind cremation urn that is highly personal to their family and their loved one.

Some benefits to 3D Artisan Urns include:

A Photo You Love

The image of your loved one is semi-transparent which allows for the background image to be faintly seen.

Add A Personal Message

Personalized text can be added to any of the photo cremation urns for ashes. Have a name, a date or a verse personalized on the urn.

Texture And Depth

The full color image has the look and feel of an oil painting, adding great depth and texture to the cremation urn.

Can I travel with my cremation urn?

Yes, all of our cremation urns are FAA and TSA approved for flying.  When flying with a cremation urn, inform security that you are traveling with a cremation urn and they will accommodate accordingly.  To learn more, read our TSA and Airline Requirements for Urns and Ashes.

I don’t like the urn I purchased. Can I return it?

Customer satisfaction is paramount to us and we want you to be completely satisfied with your order.  Items can be returned within 30 days of receipt of your purchase for full receipt of the purchase price minus the cost of shipping.  Returned funds are credited to the original form of purchase or customers can opt for a store credit.  Made to order and engraved items CANNOT be returned. To learn more, read our return policy.

Do you work directly with funeral homes and mortuaries?

We do work directly with Funeral Homes, Mortuaries, Crematoriums, and Veterinarians and our wholesale program offers several different products and services. Email us at sales@evrmemories.com or give us a call at 1-877-723-4242 to learn more.  

URN TYPES

My husband was over 300 lbs which is more than most individual urns will hold. What do I do?

If your loved one weighs more than what the urn will accommodate in volume there are a couple of different options.  Companion cremation urns typically hold around 400 cubic inches of cremated ashes and would be one option in those instances where a higher volume urn is needed.

We also can special order several of our urns to hold more than the stated volume of cubic ashes.  Call us at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evrmemories.com and we can discuss your options and help you find a solution that works.

What is a keepsake urn?

A keepsake urn is a small cremation urn that is designed to hold a very limited amount of cremated ashes.  The interior volume of keepsake urns ranges from 6 cubic inches up to 12 cubic inches in most cases.

Keepsake cremation urns are a great idea for families that are looking to share the ashes with one another, allowing everyone to have a personal reminder of their loved one.

What is a companion urn?

A companion urn is a larger sized urn that is designed to hold the ashes of more than one person.  Typical companion cremation urns for ashes have an interior volume of 400 cubic inches and are available with two separate compartments as well as with one single compartment.

Does the companion urn have a divider?

Some companion urns have a divider and some do not.  Many marble companion cremation urns have two separate compartments which allows for the ashes to be in the same urn together but divided.  Other companion crematory urns like the Dance Of Life Wood Companion Urn have one compartment for the ashes.

Please contact us at 1-877-723-4242 or by email at sales@evrmemories.com for questions about specifics on dividers on a companion urn you are interested in and we will be happy to assist.

I am looking for an urn that will hold the ashes of me and my husband and our dog. Can I special order an urn that size?

You sure can!  Simply call us at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evrmemories.com with your special request and we can discuss all of your options with you.  We may have urns that will accommodate your request and if not, we will go the extra mile to find what you’re looking for.

PERSONALIZATION

What are my options for urn personalization?

We offer a variety of options for personalizing cremation urns for ashes. Choose from a complete selection of engraved plates and easels or families can take it to the next level with a personalized 3D artisan photo cremation urn.

ENGRAVED PLATES

All of our cremation urns can be personalized with an engraved plate that will adhere to the flat surface of the cremation urn for ashes.  The plates are available in three different sizes and in a variety of color and font combinations. Each will hold several lines of text in memorandum of the deceased.


ENGRAVED EASELS

For larger urns such as companion memorial urns or for urns such as the Large Purple Peony Cremation Urn that have a rounded surface and cannot accommodate an engraved plate on the surface of the urn, we recommend a large engraved plate or an engraved plate and easel combination.


3D ARTISAN PHOTO URNS

Personalized photo urns are another great option when looking to further enhance the personal nature of the urn.  These hardwood urns have a photo plate on the front that has a full color scenic background.

Personalized 3D Artisan Photo Urns are then enhanced with an image of your loved one that you select and we can even use a digital image of personal choosing for the background image. Visit our complete selection of personalized 3D artisan photo urns.

FILLING & SEALING

Who fills the cremation urn for ashes?

The family adds the ashes into the cremation urn.  Most ashes are returned from the funeral home in a plastic polyethylene bag.  The bag can be placed directly into the cremation urn.  If you are uncomfortable adding the ashes to the cremation urn, most funeral homes offer this as a complimentary service and will be able to add the ashes to the urn at no charge to the family.

How do I put cremated ashes in the urn?

Although placing the cremation ashes into the urn is not difficult, we do realize that it is not an every day task that families are accustomed to.  We have a step-by-step guide that will lead you through adding the ashes to the cremation urn.

STEP 1: CREATE YOUR WORKSPACE

Choose a flat surface, preferably indoors that is void of any air disturbance - wind, blowing fans, etc.  The surface doesn’t need to be large but should be big enough to accommodate the ashes and the urn and any necessary tools needed.

Place the urn, the ashes and additional tools on the table, ascertaining that you have ample room to move things around if need be. Additional tools may include a screwdriver, adhesive and, in some instances, room for more than one urn if filling keepsake urns, scattering urns or dividing up the ashes between multiple urns.


STEP 2: UNDO THE SCREWS

Undo the screws that attach the plate to the opening of the urn. The urn may be top opening or bottom opening, as shown here.


STEP 3: REMOVE THE PLATE

Two of the screws may need to be partially screwed into the plate if, such as in the example, the plate is recessed. This enables the screws to be utilized as something to grab hold of and lift the plate from the urn opening as opposed to trying to pry the plate out and risk damaging the urn.

Remove the screws and place the screws and the plate over to the side so as not to interfere with the process of adding the ashes and prevent misplacement of any parts needed - such as attaching screws, etc.


STEP 4: PLACE THE ASHES IN THE URN

Retrieve the cremated ashes and prepare to add to the urn. For some, the ashes may be in a temporary box or the ashes may have been placed in plastic bag that closes at the top.

Place the bag of ashes into the urn. The ashes can be left in the bag and the bag can be placed inside the urn. This is a nice option for families that are not comfortable handling the ashes or removing them from the plastic bag. The bag can be placed in the urn and gently pressed upon to spread the bag of ashes evenly inside the urn.

Tip: There may be additional space left in the urn after the ashes have been placed inside. If there are additional special items to be placed in the urn such as a picture, a lock of hair, a piece of clothing that holds particular meaning, now would be the time to add.


STEP 5: REPLACE THE PLATE

Replace the attaching plate back onto the urn. Adding adhesive to seal the edges is another option and the adhesive can be applied with a fingertip or with a q-tip around the edges of the plate. Tighten the screws securely.


STEP 6: POLISH THE URN

Use a lint free cloth to remove any sealant, if applicable, and to polish the surface of the urn.

My family won’t share the ashes. Can I put other items in the urn?

You can put virtually any personal memento you’d like into the memorial urn!  A favorite t-shirt, pages from a favorite book, pictures, letters, dried flowers and personal jewelry items would all make wonderful additions to a cremation urn.  There is no right or wrong answer about what else you can add.

Some other options may be:

A Favorite Toy Or Teddy Bear

Rosary Beads Or Bible

Favorite Watch Or Trinkets

Do I need to seal the cremation urn?

Sealing the cremation urn is a personal decision and there are no rules that say that you have to seal the urn or that you don’t have to seal the cremation urn for ashes.  Cremation urns are designed to provide a safe resting place for the ashes of your loved one and families may want the option of reopening the urn to place a memento inside at a later date.  However, if you feel the ashes are more secure inside the urn with the urn sealed, then certainly add the adhesive accordingly.

How do I seal the ashes in the urn?

Once the ashes have been placed inside the cremation urn, apply a thin layer of sealant around the edges of the plate.  The plate is then reattached and any excess sealant should be wiped away immediately.

Can the urn be opened after it has been closed with the ashes?

The cremation urn can be opened after it has been filled with ashes and closed as long as sealant was NOT applied.  If you think that you may want to open the cremation urn for ashes again, do not apply sealant when reattaching the plate.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

How do I care for the urn?

Proper care for your cremation urn will help keep the urn looking beautiful for years to come.

  • Place the urn in a safe location such as a cabinet, shelf or table.  Do not place the urn near water or in a location where it could easily get knocked over or fall.
  • Gently wipe the surface of the urn with a lint free cloth twice a month to remove any dust or build-up.  Ceramic or glass urns can be wiped with a damp cloth.
  • Wood cremation urns can be polished with a lint free cloth and a little bit of furniture polish and should never be placed in direct sunlight.

SHIPPING

I need my cremation urn in a hurry! What shipping options do you offer?

We offer a variety of different shipping options!  Our cremation urns typically ship same day and are sent standard ground service.  We also offer two day shipping and overnight shipping and the orders will go out same day when the order is placed by 12:00 noon MST.  Additionally, we ship cremation urns all over the world.  Learn more about our shipping options.

Can you ship my urn directly to the funeral home?

We absolutely can ship your cremation urn directly to the funeral home.  When filling out your shipping information, use the name and address of the funeral home as the ‘ship to’ address.  Or we are happy to take care of that for you.

Simply call at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evrmemories.com with urn selection and the name, city and state of the funeral home or the funeral home’s phone number.  We can contact the funeral home directly and make arrangements to have the urn sent directly to them.

Updated April 15, 2020 by Frances Kay