It can be difficult to pick out the “Right” urn for a loved one, as there are seemingly endless choices to pick from. When we work with families who have experienced a loss, we understand that too many choices can be overwhelming, and we try to help those making decisions find an urn that not only has significance to their family, but is also appropriate to the loved one who is being remembered.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing an urn are:
- Kind of material: Would your family want a metal, marble, wood, or biodegradable urn? Will the urn be viewed (such as in a glass front columbarium or placed in one’s home on a mantel), or will the cremated remains be scattered?
- Size: Will all of the remains be placed in a single urn, or would your family members want to apportion the remains into keepsake urns or memorial jewelry? A full set of cremated remains occupies approximately 200 cubic inches. This is important to keep in mind when a family is supplying their own urn, as some containers cannot hold the entire amount of ashes.
- Engraving: Would your family want an epitaph or design to be engraved? Many families will have their loved one’s name, date of birth and date of death engraved on the urn, but it is also popular to include a phrase of remembrance. Please be aware that not all urn are made of a material that is able to be engraved, and if this is something your family desires, you may also have a metal plaque engraved to place beside the urn.
Cascade Memorial has a wide range of urns to choose from. Please let us know if you would like to view our urn selection; we can send you a catalog, or you are always welcome to visit our office in Bellevue during hours of operation. We would be happy to help serve you and your family.




