How to choose a small urn for cremation ashes

Most urns come in a standard size capable of storing the ashes of the average adult. However, there are instances in which smaller urns are necessary, so here is what you need to know to choose a small urn correctly.

Below we have outlined different types of small urns, what they are used for, and what to consider when picking one out.

Mini and Micro Urns

Mini and micro urns are smaller urns designed to hold a tiny portion of a person's ashes. It can also store other objects to remember the deceased, such as a lock of hair or dirt from a grave site.

Mini or micro urns come in a variety of sizes and styles. A standard type is a miniature version of traditional-sized urn. Micro or mini urns can also come in different shapes, such as hearts, doves, stars, etc. These can often be customized to the family's wishes.

These urns can vary significantly in capacity but usually fall within the 1 to 35 cubic inch range (16.3 cubic cm to 573 cubic cm).

You can find mini/micro urns options on our online store (click here), most have a 20 cubic inch (327 cubic cm) capacity. Prices range from $75 to $100.

Infant Urns

Infant urns hold the remains of an infant that has died. These are typically smaller urns and display a theme related to children, such as angels, hearts, animals, or similar.

Infant urns tend to have a smaller capacity because not as many ashes are created in the cremation process. Unlike mini or micro urns, infant urns are usually designed to hold all the ashes instead of a small portion. However, there are smaller options for those who would like to split the ashes (e.g., between parents). Therefore, the range is typically around 5 to 70 cubic inches (82 to 1147 cubic cm).

Eirene offers a variety of infant ashes in many sizes and style options. Prices range from $100 to $600 (click here to see infant urns).

Keepsake Urns

A keepsake urn holds a smaller amount of the deceased's cremated remains. The ashes get divided into smaller urns to be kept in multiple locations, allowing for the sharing of remains among members of a family. It is also an excellent option for scattering remains or when some ashes are scattered, and some will be kept.

Keepsake jewelry is another option for families that would like to share or divide ashes. These typically contain a small portion of the deceased's ashes or have the deceased's fingerprint on it.

Like mini or micro urns, keepsake urns typically have a capacity ranging from 1 to 35 cubic inches (16.3 cubic cm to 573 cubic cm). However, keepsake jewelry will typically have a capacity under 5 cubic inches (82 cubic cm).

The Eirene online catalog has several keepsake urn options to choose from in various styles, themes, and materials. The price ranges from $50 to $175 (click here).

Options for keepsake jewelry in the catalog include necklaces, bracelets, and keychains. These come in various styles and materials, such as silver and gold. Prices range from $85 to $990 (click here to see our keepsake urns).

Tealight Urns

A tealight urn is essentially a candle holder that contains a small portion of a deceased's ashes. On top of the holder is a candle that family members can light on special occasions to remember their loved ones. It also allows for the family to display their loved one's ashes in a way that honours their memory.

These urns come in a variety of colours, designs, and imagery. Tealight urns also usually have a capacity of 1 to 35 cubic inches (16.3 cubic cm to 573 cubic cm).

In the Eirene online catalog, you will find a nice variety of tealight urn options, most with a 20 cubic inch (327 cubic inches) capacity. Prices range from $125 to $160 (see all tealight urns).

Choosing the right urn size

When it comes to choosing an urn, families have many options, and it is relatively easy to find an urn design that will cater to the wishes of the family. However, it is crucial that the urn is the right size to contain the ashes.

Here is a general guideline you can follow:

Before cremation, each pound (or half a kilogram) of body weight equals approximately one cubic inch (16.3 cubic cm) of ashes. T

Therefore, if someone was 150 lbs before cremation, they would need an urn with a capacity of at least 150 cubic inches (2458 cubic cm).

Questions about this topic?

If you have a question about urns or funerals or cremation or anything in this online store contact our experts at support@eirene.ca