Urns have been used in some cultures since 3000 BC. Because cremation is becoming increasingly popular in the US, the choices of urns have grown as well. Here’s everything you need to know about urns:

• The Basics

• Ceramic Urns

• Eco-friendly Urns

• Discount Cremation Urns

• Display Urns

• Garden Urns

• Glass Urns

• Keepsake Urns

• Stone Urns

• Metal Urns

• Wood Urns

The Basics
They can range in size, shape, materials, and of course, price. And while many options are available on-line and at funeral homes, there are other options. A local potter can custom make an urn to your specifications. You can use a treasured piece of pottery, or a beautiful crystal vase. Or you can also have the ashes put in multiple small containers so many loved ones have some of the ashes.

Ceramic Urns
Ceramic urns are usually seen as a work of art and can be customized to match the style of your loved one. You can choose either a mass produced urn or a handmade urn. The cost of a handmade urn is higher, but it can be personalized to honor your loved one.

Eco-friendly Urns 
These urns could be made of pressed cotton or recycled paper.

Discount Cremation Urns 
It is possible to find a reasonably priced urn for your loved one. Metal or wood urns can be very affordable. Some people opt to be buried in a brown paper bag. There are also biodegradable urns made of special clay that disintegrates minutes after burial.

Display Urns
A popular choice for urn placement is in the home of a loved one; displayed on a mantel or bookshelf. These are usually made from silver, copper, bronze, marble, glass, ceramic or wood.

Garden Urns
An urn can be placed outside in a garden as well. Marble, porcelain, bronze, and copper are best for this type of placement. Some even include fountains.

Glass Urns
A glass urn is hand-blown by artisans and can create a unique piece for honoring a loved one. Glass urns have the widest range of colors and you can decide what shape and thickness you would like the glass.

Keepsake Urns
These urns can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they’re meant to keep your loved one close to you. A few examples are; lockets, rosary beads, and important symbols. Keepsake urns are usually given to many family members to share the remains of a loved one.

Stone Urns
Stone is the most traditional material used for cremation urns. Marble is very durable, beautiful and somewhat inexpensive. Stones can be engraved to personalize the urn. Marble urns can be a variety of colors and are a good choice for placement in a garden. Granite is also very durable. The cost urns can range greatly in price depending on the amount of customization.

Metal Urns 
Choosing a metal urn means you will get a durable and solid urn. The most popular metal types are brass, bronze, copper and pewter. Bronze is the most expensive metal, because of the extremely detailed construction process.

Wood Urns
Wood has become an increasingly popular material used for urns. It symbolizes warmth, nature, and comfort. You can burn or engrave a memorial message into the wood to personalize the urn and choose any shape container you choose. The most popular wood types are rosewood, cherry, maple, oak and mahogany.