Popular Urns
What Is the Difference Between a Cremation Urn and a Keepsake Urn?
When dealing with the loss of a loved one, choosing the right type of cremation urn for ashes is a meaningful step in the grieving process. Among the most common options are cremation urns and keepsake urns, each serving a unique purpose in memorializing someone special. While both are designed to hold cremated remains, they differ in size, purpose, design, and usage.
In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between a cremation urn and a keepsake urn, helping you make an informed decision during this emotional time. Whether you're looking to preserve ashes at home or share a part of them with family members, understanding these urns will bring clarity and comfort.
What Is a Cremation Urn?
A cremation urn is a specially crafted container designed to hold the entire amount of ashes of an adult after cremation. It typically has a capacity of 180 to 220 cubic inches, depending on the size and material. These cremation urns are intended to serve as the primary and final resting place for the ashes.
Cremation urns come in a wide range of materials, including wood, metal (such as aluminum or brass), ceramic, stone, and even biodegradable materials. They are available in many designs, from traditional to modern, and often allow for customization with names, dates, or religious symbols.
Key Features of Cremation Urns:
- Designed to hold 100% of the ashes from one individual
- Commonly used for burial, home display, or columbarium placement
- Available in various sizes, shapes, and themes
- Often sealed with a secure, threaded or airtight lid
- Can be personalized for meaningful remembrance
What Is a Keepsake Urn?
A keepsake urn is a smaller version of a cremation urn, intended to hold a small portion of ashes, often ranging from 1 to 25 cubic inches. These miniature urns are perfect for families who wish to divide ashes among multiple people or keep a symbolic amount of their loved one close.
Keepsake urns are often used in conjunction with a full-size urn, especially during ceremonies where ashes are shared, scattered, or used to create memorial jewelry.
Key Features of Keepsake Urns:
- Holds a symbolic or small portion of ashes
- Ideal for sharing among family members
- Commonly used as memorial gifts
- Small enough to be placed on shelves, desks, or altars
- Available in sets or individually
Main Differences Between Cremation Urns and Keepsake Urns
Let’s break down the key differences between these two types of urns in a simple and clear format:
| Feature | Cremation Urn | Keepsake Urn |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 180–220 cubic inches | 1–25 cubic inches |
| Purpose | Holds entire ashes of one person | Holds a portion of ashes |
| Use Case | Burial, home display, columbarium | Sharing ashes, keepsakes, tokens |
| Size | Large (8–12 inches tall) | Small (2–5 inches tall) |
| Personalization | Engravings, photos, inscriptions | Limited personalization options |
| Material Options | Wide variety (metal, wood, stone) | Mostly metal, ceramic, or resin |
| Cost | Higher price range | Affordable, available in sets |
When Should You Choose a Cremation Urn?
A cremation urn for ashes is ideal if you plan to:
- Store the ashes in one central location
- Display the urn at home or place it in a columbarium niche
- Bury the urn in a cemetery or family plot
- Honor the deceased with a personalized memorial urn
Cremation urns offer both function and sentiment, becoming a lasting tribute to your loved one.
When Is a Keepsake Urn the Better Choice?
A keepsake urn is perfect if you:
- Want to divide ashes among several family members
- Plan to scatter most ashes but keep a symbolic amount
- Need a small, portable urn for travel or private remembrance
- Wish to give memorial gifts to close friends or children
Keepsake urns are also ideal for those who may want to incorporate ashes into memorial jewelry or other creative remembrance options.
Why Do Families Use Both?
Many families choose to use both types of urns. For instance:
- The primary cremation urn is placed at a memorial site, and keepsake urns are gifted to family members.
- Ashes are divided, with portions stored in mini urns while the rest are scattered or buried.
- A companion urn holds two people's ashes, while keepsakes honor children, siblings, or friends.
Using both provides flexibility and comfort in honoring a loved one in multiple meaningful ways.
Personalization Options for Cremation and Keepsake Urns
Both types of urns can often be personalized, although full-size cremation urns have more space for detailed inscriptions. You can choose:
- Names and dates
- Inspirational quotes
- Symbols like crosses, doves, or religious icons
- Photographs
Keepsake urns can be engraved with initials, symbols, or short messages, making them perfect memorial gifts for family members.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a cremation urn and a keepsake urn depends on your needs, traditions, and the way you wish to remember your loved one. Some may prefer a single urn that holds all ashes, while others find comfort in sharing the ashes across keepsakes. In many cases, using both ensures that every member of the family has a personal connection to the memory.
At Yatskia Urns, we offer a wide selection of both full-size cremation urns for ashes and mini keepsake urns, all crafted with care and designed for dignity. Explore our collection to find the perfect memorial urn that reflects love, life, and lasting tribute.
