Choosing an urn is both a practical step and an emotional one, so it’s no surprise that thousands of people type the same questions into Google every month. Below you’ll find clear, compassionate answers to those top-searched queries — and, where helpful, direct links to products and categories on Cremation Urns Ashes UK so you can move from research to the exact item you’re looking for with a single click.

“How do I know what size urn I need?”

A simple rule of thumb used across the funeral industry is one cubic inch of urn capacity for every pound of pre-cremation body-weight. Because an average UK adult’s ashes measure roughly 183 – 213 cu in (3 – 3.5 L), most full-size urns are built to hold 200 cu in or more. If your loved one was especially tall or you want extra space “just in case,” choosing an extra-large urn is perfectly fine — a little spare room will not affect dignity or display.

Browse options: our Adult Cremation Urns gallery lists capacity on every product page, from standard 200 cu in designs to oversized 250 cu in pieces for larger builds.

“Which urn material is best — metal, wood, ceramic or biodegradable?”

Metal (usually brass or aluminium) is the most popular choice because it’s durable, engravable, and comes in every colour from subtle pewter to vivid sky-blue.
Wood offers warmth and unique grain patterns but should stay indoors unless sealed inside an urn vault.
Ceramic & glass provide artisan beauty — ideal for a living-room memorial nook — yet they’re breakable, so handle with care.
Biodegradable urns (paper, salt, sand, cornstarch) gently return ashes to earth or sea and are welcomed at woodland burials.

Tip: if you plan to fly with an urn, airport security asks for a non-metal container that X-rays can see through, then a sturdier display urn can wait at home.

“Can I keep my loved one’s ashes at home?”

Yes. UK regulations place no restriction on storing ashes in a private residence; you may keep them for a day, a decade, or a lifetime.

Many families create a small memory corner with photos and a decorative urn like the blue-and-gold ‘Marble Leaf’ piece in the carousel above (free next-day UK delivery). See a wider range in Adult Cremation Urns.

“Is it OK to divide the ashes?”

Absolutely. Sharing a small portion with each child or sibling — in Keepsake Urns or Cremation Jewellery — is both common and perfectly respectful. Families also divide ashes when they plan multiple scattering ceremonies (for example, one in Cornwall and another in Scotland) or when a couple wish to be reunited later in a single companion urn.

“Do I need an urn vault if I bury the ashes?”

Traditional UK cemeteries often require a rigid urn vault to prevent the ground sinking and to protect the urn from soil pressure and lawn-mowing equipment. Vaults are usually concrete or polymer and add around £400 – £1,200 to burial costs, but they safeguard the grave for decades. Woodland or green burial grounds tend not to insist on vaults if you choose a biodegradable urn. cremationurnsashes.com

“What’s the difference between a keepsake urn and a scattering urn?”

• Keepsake (mini) urns hold just a tablespoon or two of ashes so each relative can keep a personal memento. Examples: the engraved black and the hand-painted floral keepsakes in the carousel.
• Scattering urns/tubes are lightweight cylinders with a pop-off lid or push-in top that make it easy to pour ashes in a favourite spot. Afterward, many families keep a small keepsake at home to accompany the scattering ritual.

Explore both styles in Keepsake Urns and Scattering Tubes & Biodegradable Urns.

“Can I fly with cremation ashes?”

You can carry ashes on most airlines, but you must:

1. Tell the airline in advance.
2. Use a non-metal urn (wood, paper, plastic) for security scanning.
3. Carry the cremation certificate in hand luggage.

No special permit is needed to bring ashes into the UK, but each destination outside Britain has its own rules, so always double-check before travel. GOV.UK

A simple temporary container from your funeral director works for the flight; on arrival, transfer the ashes into a display urn of your choice.

“Do I have to scatter ashes straight away?”

No. Ashes do not expire and are sterile; you may keep them indefinitely, scatter months or years later, or even hold multiple ceremonies. Whatever feels right for your family is the correct timeline.

Ready to Put Knowledge into Action?

Whether you’re choosing a statement urn for the living room, mini keepsakes for sharing, or a burial-ready urn and vault, Cremation Urns Ashes UK has you covered with:

• Free next-day mainland delivery (order by 3 PM)
• Secure, threaded lids on every urn
• Optional in-house engraving for names, dates and messages

Browse our most-loved collections to see the answers above come to life:

• Adult Cremation Urns – classic brass, artisan ceramic, eco-friendly bamboo
• Keepsake & Mini Urns – perfect for sharing or travel
• Cremation Jewellery – pendants, bracelets & key-rings that hold a pinch of ashes
• Scattering & Biodegradable Urns – graceful tubes and water-soluble designs

Still have a question? Reach out anytime — our compassionate team will guide you from first click to final farewell with expertise and care.