How to choose a cremation urn

Losing a loved one is never easy. One important decision you may have to make is choosing a cremation urn. The urn is where you’ll keep your loved one’s ashes, so it’s important to pick one that is respectful and meaningful. This guide will help you understand your options and find the best urn for your family.

What is a cremation urn?

A cremation urn is a container used to hold the ashes of a loved one after cremation. Urns come in various styles, materials, and sizes, allowing families to select a respectful and meaningful vessel. Whether for display at home, scattering in a special place, or burial, a cremation urn provides a lasting tribute to your loved one’s memory.

Where to place the urn

Deciding where to place the urn is an important step in honouring your loved one’s memory. Many families choose a prominent spot in their home, such as a mantelpiece or dedicated memorial area, to keep their loved one close. Others may prefer a peaceful outdoor location, like a garden, tree or memorial wall, where they can visit and reflect. Cultural and spiritual beliefs often influence this decision. For example, some cultures prefer keeping urns at home, while others may opt for burial or scattering in a meaningful place. 

If you're unsure or want to honour different wishes, splitting the ashes into multiple urns is an option. This allows family members to have a personal keepsake or to place part of the remains in different meaningful locations. When selecting a spot, consider privacy, accessibility, and the significance of the location. Our caring team can provide guidance to help you make a respectful, meaningful choice that aligns with your cultural values and personal preferences.

How to choose the best urn

At the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), we are committed to providing compassionate care for you and your loved ones, both in life and in memory. Cremation memorial urns provide meaningful ways of honouring a loved one. When it comes to honouring your loved one, you can select from a range of designer, classic, memento or scatter memorial urns. Choosing an option that’s right for you and your family is a personal choice that we can help guide you through.

Types of cremation urns

There are many different types of urns to choose from, each designed to suit various preferences, cultural practices, and memorial needs. See more information about our urn options and brochure.

1. Classic Urns

   Typically made from metal, ceramic, or timber, classic urns are traditional, durable and come in many standard designs. Most large urns we offer have a capacity of 3.2 litres, which is suitable to hold the ashes of an average sized adult. These urns are ideal for families seeking a traditional, respectful vessel.

2. Designer urns

   Designer urns are unique, often handcrafted or artistically crafted, offering a contemporary or personalized aesthetic. They come in various materials, finishes, and styles to reflect your loved one’s personality or your family’s taste. These urns serve as beautiful, one-of-a-kind memorial pieces.

3. modUrns™ 

   modUrns™ include access to the Life Story App, should you choose to use it. The Life Story app allows you to view and share memories of your loved one via the secure app anywhere and any time. Visit our demonstration video at vimeo.com/267947344 

4. Memento box urns

   A fitted and secured tray (fastened with subtle finger screws) can hold personal items such as photographs, letters, spectacles, jewellery or a wristwatch - any number of articles to keep the memory of a loved one alive. The lower section underneath comfortably cradles an ashes container. Includes key for privacy.

5. Scatter memorial urns

   These scatter memorial urns are specially designed for scattering ashes in meaningful and natural locations. Often made from biodegradable materials, they allow the ashes to decompose naturally over time, making them an environmentally friendly option for those who wish to return their loved one’s remains to nature. 

6. Keepsake Urns
   Smaller in size, keepsake urns are meant for sharing ashes among family members or for keeping a small token of remembrance at home. They are perfect for loved ones who want to keep a part of their loved one close.

At Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park, dedicated scatter gardens provide tranquil, respectful spaces for saying farewell. Visitors can also record a tribute in the Book of Remembrance, creating a lasting memorial in these peaceful surroundings.

Cremation process at SMCT

SMCT cremations conducted at Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park follow a standard process:

• Post-cremation: Ashes are carefully and respectfully placed in a standard crematorium urn.
• Preparation: Once administrative processes are complete, the ashes are prepared for collection by the authorising person, interment, or other arrangements.
• Memorial urns: If you purchase a memorial urn through us, we will place your loved one’s ashes into it at no additional cost, ensuring a respectful and seamless process.

Policy on urns

SMCT does not allow ashes to be transferred into or out of foreign urns (urns that have not been supplied or purchased through SMCT) to mitigate risk of damage to an irreplaceable urn. SMCT will support the use of a foreign urn only if all the following conditions are met:

1. The foreign urn must be provided at the time the deceased is delivered to the crematorium.
2. The funeral director must provide an indemnity form signed by the applicant authorising the cremation and co-signed by funeral director
3. The funeral director must collect the foreign urn within two days of the cremation.

SMCT is committed to the respectful handling of cremated remains, in accordance with safety standards, cultural considerations, legal obligations under the Cemeteries & Crematoria Act 2003, and the Cemeteries & Crematoria Regulations 2025. 

Need Help?

Our compassionate team is here to help you select an urn that truly reflects your loved one’s life and legacy. You can easily schedule an appointment online with one of our experienced consultants for guidance, whether you’re collecting ashes or choosing the perfect urn. If you would like further assistance with our memorial urn range, please contact 1300 466 904, or email enquiries@smct.org.au.