How to Choose an Urn for a Spouse - A Simple Guide

The right urn for a spouse depends on the type, capacity, material, design, and placement. Consider how you want to keep the cremated remains and choose a design that reflects your spouse and the type of memorial you have in mind.

You can choose an individual cremation urn for their ashes if you plan to keep the remains separately. If you want to keep both spouses’ ashes together, a companion urn or two-person urn offers a shared option.

1. Decide How You Want to Keep the Ashes

Start by deciding where you plan to keep your spouse's urn. The location can help you choose the right size, material, and design.

If you plan to keep the urn at home, choose a design that fits naturally into the space. A shelf, bedroom, living room, or another private area can provide a suitable place for a memorial urn.

If you plan to bury the urn, check the cemetery's requirements before purchasing. Some cemeteries may have specific rules about urn dimensions, materials, or burial containers.

For a columbarium, check the niche dimensions first. The urn must fit comfortably inside the available space.

If you plan to scatter the ashes, choose an urn that securely holds the cremated remains until you are ready for the scattering ceremony.

2. Choose the Right Urn Size

The urn must have enough capacity to hold your spouse's cremated remains. A common guideline is about one cubic inch of urn capacity for each pound of pre-cremation body weight.

For example, if your spouse weighed 150 pounds before cremation, an urn with at least 150 cubic inches of capacity is generally a suitable starting point.

Always check the urn's stated capacity before buying because cremation remains and urn capacities can vary.

If you want to keep both spouses' ashes together, you will need more capacity. A companion urn or double cremation urn designed for two people may provide enough space for both sets of remains.

For example, if one spouse weighed 150 pounds and the other weighed 170 pounds, you could start by looking for an urn with approximately 320 cubic inches of capacity.

3. Consider a Companion Urn for Couples

The material and style of the urn can reflect your spouse's personality and the way you want to remember them.

Common cremation urn materials include aluminum, brass, bronze, wood, marble, ceramic, and biodegradable materials. Each material offers different designs and uses.

You can also choose from many styles, including:

• Simple and traditional urns
  
• Floral urns
  
• Nature-inspired designs
  
• Religious urns
  
• Heart-themed urns
  
• Butterfly designs
  
• Photo or portrait urns
  
• Decorative memorial urns

Think about what your spouse enjoyed and what reminds you of them. A favorite hobby, place, animal, flower, or color can help you choose a meaningful design.

Shared or Divided Companion Urn?

A shared-chamber companion urn keeps both people's ashes in one interior space. A divided companion urn has separate compartments for each person.

Choose a shared chamber if you want one combined memorial. Choose a divided companion urn if you prefer to keep each person's ashes in a separate section while using one urn.

4. Select a Style That Reflects Your Relationship

The design does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. A simple urn can work just as well as a detailed decorative urn.

Think about your spouse's personality, interests, and the memories you shared.

For example, you might choose a nature-themed urn for someone who loved the outdoors, a floral design for someone who enjoyed gardening, or a religious design if faith was an important part of their life.

You can also choose a portrait urn that displays a favorite photograph.

The most important thing is that the urn feels appropriate for the person you are remembering.

5. Add Personalization

Personalization can make a cremation urn more specific to your spouse.

Depending on the urn, you may be able to add:

• Their name
  
• Birth and passing dates
  
• A nickname
  
• A short message
  
• A meaningful quote
  
• A photograph

A personalized urn can create a simple and lasting memorial without requiring a long inscription.

If you are choosing an urn for a husband or wife, you could include their name and an important date or a short phrase that has special meaning to your family.

6. Think About Keepsake Urns and Cremation Jewelry

Some couples want to keep their cremated remains together in one memorial. If this is your preference, consider a companion urn, also called a two-person urn or double urn.

A companion urn is designed to hold the cremated remains of two people. Couples may choose this option when they want their ashes kept together.

There are two common interior designs.

A shared-chamber urn holds both people's remains in one interior space. A divided companion urn has separate compartments for each person's ashes.

Choose the design that matches your preference. A shared chamber keeps the remains together, while separate compartments allow each person's ashes to remain in their own section.

Before choosing a two-person urn, check its total capacity and make sure it can hold both sets of cremated remains.

7. Choose an Urn That Feels Right for You

You do not always have to keep all the ashes in one urn. Some families choose to keep the main portion in an adult urn and place a small portion in keepsake urns.

A keepsake urn can allow children, siblings, or other close family members to keep a small amount of cremated remains.

Cremation jewelry provides another option. Some cremation jewelry can hold a small portion of ashes in a pendant or other wearable memorial.

If you choose a companion urn for two spouses, keepsake urns can also allow other family members to have a small memorial of their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best urn for a spouse?

The best urn for a spouse depends on how you plan to keep the ashes, the required capacity, your preferred material, and the design that feels meaningful to you.

What is a companion urn?

A companion urn is a larger cremation urn designed to hold the ashes of two people. It is often chosen by couples who want their cremated remains kept together.

What size urn is needed for two people?

A two-person urn size depends on the amount of ashes being placed inside. Check the urn's total cubic-inch capacity and make sure it is large enough for both people.

Can two people share the same cremation urn?

Yes. A shared urn for ashes can be designed to hold the remains of two people. Some use one shared chamber, while others have separate compartments.

What is the difference between a companion urn and a double urn?

Both terms can describe an urn made for two people. However, designs can vary. Some companion urns have separate chambers, while others use one larger shared chamber.

Conclusion

Choosing an urn for a spouse becomes easier when you consider the size, material, design, placement, and personalization. If you want to keep both ashes together, a companion urn for couples is a meaningful option.

At Yatskia, you can explore cremation urns in different styles and materials to find a memorial that reflects your spouse and the memories you shared.