How to Choose The Right Cremation Urn

Cremation of Southern Maine • March 14, 2022

Choosing the correct urn is integral to honoring and respecting the dead after cremation. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to pick the proper urn for any situation. 

cremation services in Biddeford, ME

There are thousands of options to choose from when deciding the right cremation urn for you or your loved one. Based on the expertise of cremation services in Biddeford, ME, here are some practical steps to streamline the process. 


STEP 1 - How do you want to use the urn? 


We know urns are containers for holding cremated remains of the deceased. But the story doesn’t end there. What do you plan on doing with the urn once the ashes are inside? 


To help you narrow it down, here are some common possibilities and the urns that fit. 


You want to keep the urn at home 


The best urns for this purpose are durable, sturdy, and easy to clean. You can find several made from varying materials like wood, metal, composite resin, or stone. 


You plan on scattering the ashes 


The correct urn for this purpose depends on what you wish to do after scattering the ashes. 


A biodegradable urn works best if you are scattering the ashes over water or plan to bury it. However, some families place keepsakes and flowers inside the urn after scattering. In this case, a durable material works best. 


Whatever you decide, a scattering urn needs to have a top opening to release the cremains easily. 


It is for water or natural burial 


For this, you need an urn made from a material that naturally breaks down without leaving a trace. That’s a biodegradable urn made from organic and recycled materials like plants, bamboo, and paper. 


You want to put the urn in a columbarium 


Aside from the material, size is the most critical consideration in the scenario. Columbarium niches have specific sizes, so make sure to find something that fits. 


As for material, mausoleums and cemeteries have guidelines for what is acceptable, so feel free to ask before buying the urn. 


You want to share the remains among family members 


In this scenario, smaller is better. There are keepsakes or sharing urns for this purpose. We also have cremation jewelry if you wish to keep your loved one’s ashes on you at all times. 


STEP 2 - What size do you need? 


As we’ve discussed, the right size ultimately comes down to how you intend to use the urn. 


That said, most scenarios require an adult size urn. For this, you need an urn with at least one cubic inch of space for every pound in body weight. 


It means if the person weighed 180 pounds before cremation, you need an urn with at least 180 inches capacity. 


Also, when you are not sure of the right size, always go with the larger size urn. 


These two steps cover everything you need to choose an appropriate urn. Other considerations like cost and design depend on your taste and preferences. 


For additional tips on selecting an urn or help setting up other aspects of the cremation process, reach out to Cremation of Southern Maine. We provide cremation services in Biddeford, ME, and our professionals are available 24/7. You can contact us via phone right now or visit our office for an in-person consultation.

Blogs

cremation service Biddeford, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
Dedicated grief support offering compassion, clarity, and trusted guidance for families seeking a cremation service in Biddeford, ME.
cremation service Portland, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
Why families choose a cremation service Portland, ME residents trust for simplicity, flexibility, and respectful care that fits modern values.
cremation service Kennebunk, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
A clear guide to pre-planning a funeral with confidence, clarity, and support from a cremation service Kennebunk, ME families trust.
cremation service Windham, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 5, 2026
A helpful guide to local and online grief support tools that provide comfort, connection, and reassurance for families after loss.
cremation service Scarborough, ME
December 22, 2025
Learn how simplified cremation options support clarity and peace of mind with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call (207) 907-7318 to get trusted guidance today.
cremation service Kennebunk, ME
December 17, 2025
Families deserve clarity and care during loss. Cremation of Southern Maine provides compassionate support. Call us at (207) 907-7318 to know your options now.
cremation service Biddeford, ME
December 15, 2025
Understand the advantages of choosing direct cremation with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call us at (207) 907-7318 to get support when you need it the most.
cremation service Portland, ME
December 8, 2025
Learn whether a simple cremation with memorial service fits your needs with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call (207) 907-7318 today for support and guidance.
cremation service Windham, ME
November 24, 2025
Simple cremation helps families focus on what matters most. Cremation of Southern Maine offers clear guidance and support when you call us at (207) 907-7318.
cremation service Scarborough, ME
November 17, 2025
Families today are rethinking how they want to honor a loved one while managing emotional and practical realities. Many find that cremation service Scarborough, ME provides a balance of simplicity, flexibility, and personal choice that feels appropriate for modern life. This approach allows families to focus on remembrance and healing rather than navigating layers of unnecessary decisions during an already difficult time. Life today looks very different from it did generations ago. Families are often spread across multiple locations, schedules are full, and beliefs about end-of-life care continue to evolve. These realities shape how people make decisions during moments of loss. Cremation offers adaptable planning that aligns with these changes, which is why Cremation of Southern Maine supports families who value transparency, understanding, and respectful guidance throughout the process. Simplicity eases emotional strain. When families are grieving, clarity can provide comfort. A simplified arrangement process helps reduce emotional overload and removes pressure to make rapid decisions. Cremation allows families to slow down, giving them time to process loss without feeling rushed into commitments that may not feel right. This simplicity does not diminish meaning. Instead, it creates space for thoughtful reflection and personal remembrance. Families often appreciate having fewer immediate decisions so they can focus on supporting one another. Knowing that arrangements are handled clearly and calmly can provide a sense of stability during an uncertain time. Evolving values influence decisions. Beliefs around remembrance and legacy are changing. Many families now prioritize authenticity over formality, choosing options that reflect personal values rather than long-standing customs. Cremation supports a wide range of cultural, spiritual, and non-religious perspectives without imposing a specific structure. For families seeking reassurance, understanding why others choose this path can be helpful. Insight into direct cremation basics helps explain why simplicity, transparency, and control resonate with people who want arrangements that feel intentional rather than traditional. Flexibility supports modern families. Today’s families are often geographically dispersed. Coordinating schedules during a time of grief can be challenging, especially when travel is involved. Cremation allows families to plan moments of remembrance later, when emotions have settled, and logistics are easier to manage. This flexibility also benefits families with different preferences. Some may prefer quiet reflection, while others may want to gather at a later time. When reviewing simple cremation options , families often appreciate knowing arrangements can adapt to real-life needs without sacrificing dignity or care. Clear communication builds confidence. Transparency is essential when trust matters most. Families want to understand what will happen, when it will happen, and who is involved. Clear communication helps reduce anxiety and allows families to feel supported rather than uncertain. When information is shared plainly and respectfully, families gain confidence in their decisions. Knowing what to expect allows them to focus on healing instead of worrying about unanswered questions. This sense of clarity often makes a meaningful difference during an emotional time.  At Cremation of Southern Maine, we believe families deserve guidance rooted in understanding and respect. If you are considering a cremation service in Scarborough, ME, learning more about our values and approach can help you move forward with confidence. Helpful information about our philosophy and how we support families is available through our about our team . Know your options and choose a path that feels right for your family.