Miniature Urns vs Full-Size Urns: When Each Makes Sense
What is a miniature urn, and when do you need one? Knowing when you need a miniature urn vs a full-size urn can be challenging. In short, if you’re looking for a token or a keepsake for your departed loved one, then a miniature urn is perfect, but if you’re storing a full person’s cremated remains, then you need a full size urn. There’s more to it, of course, which we get into below in The Living Urn’s guide to miniature urns vs. full sized urns.
Understanding the Role of an Urn
An urn is a secure container used to hold cremation ashes for scattering, display, storage or burial. An urn, technically, can be any container. However, there are containers specially designed for holding ashes. These containers, and their design, take into account the urn's purpose, which, above all else, is keeping something precious secure.
Scattering urns are used during ash scattering ceremonies. While it may seem superfluous to some, anyone who has ever sown seeds or shaken a layer of cinnamon or cheese over dough can tell you that scattering something dry and powdered can be complicated. Avoid the error of ashes going to unintended places with a scattering urn and lay your loved one to rest with respect and honor.
Many people use urns to display the ashes of their loved ones, often for comfort and remembrance. These urns range from the classic curved vase style to more modern, artistic designs that blend with any decor. A display urn can be indistinguishable or you can make it a centerpiece; it’s genuinely whatever you’d like to have.
Storing your loved one's ashes in an urn and using a secure container can bring peace of mind when placing ashes in storage. This way you know they’ll be there, safe and sound, when you are ready. Often, some time passes before a burial or scattering ceremony, or it might be a while before you’re ready for display, and that’s exactly when to use an urn for storage.
Burial urns are typically quite ornate, larger or shaped like a classic urn. Modern and equally beautiful urn options are, of course, available for burial. Burial, like scattering or display, is simply one of the many ways to be laid to rest with an urn. Many people find the simplicity of an urn burial appealing, or want to avoid the environmental impact of a traditional casket burial.
Keepsakes are another way urns are used, specifically miniature urns. When multiple people love someone who passed and was cremated, miniature urns are available to divvy out smaller portions of cremation ashes, hair, or personal belongings as a special keepsake. Often, a primary, full size urn is still used for scattering, burial or display, because only a small amount of ashes are used for miniature keepsake urns.
What Makes a Miniature Urn Special
Miniature urns are special for a variety of reasons; the primary benefit, however, is their flexibility. Miniature urns are ideal for large families and friend groups, offering families the flexibility to scatter, bury, or display the majority of the ashes in a manner that suits their preferences, while still offering individuals the option of a keepsake.
For example, you could bury the main portion of ashes and keep a miniature urn for storage or display. Alternatively, the main portion of ashes could be scattered, and a small portion reserved for multiple miniature urns to be distributed among family and friends. A miniature urn essentially has all of the meaning and utility of a full-size urn; it’s simply smaller.
When a Full-Size Urn May Be the Right Choice
If you like to display or bury your loved one’s ashes, then a full-size urn is necessary simply due to the volume of cremation ashes. Any activity involving the use of the majority of the ashes, whether scattering, burial, or display, requires a full-size urn. If you want to do anything with more than one person’s ashes, two-person urns are available.
Choosing Between a Miniature vs a Full-Size Urn
You’ll want a full-size urn if you plan on performing any activity with all or most of a loved one’s ashes. Even with storage, a simple urn is recommended, as it helps prevent spills. If you want to share ashes with a large group of people, or simply reserve a small portion of cremation ashes for yourself, then that’s when miniature urns become the best choice. Creating a large number of keepsakes is where miniature urns truly shine. Additionally, if you live in a small home or frequently travel and want a small memorial for your loved one, consider a miniature urn.
Explore Beautiful Urns with The Living Urn®
With a beautiful and varied selection of miniature urns, the Living Urn offers miniature urns in glass, metal, ceramic, and wood. Choose from a classic blown glass keepsake urn, a paper scattering urn, or beautiful statement ceramic miniature urns, such as the Venezia or Infinite Love sculptures. Plant lovers will enjoy the artisan-crafted wooden miniature planter urn, or place this stunning blown glass songbird urn on your desk for company. With a wide array of miniature and full-size urns, find the perfect memorial for your loved one here at the Living Urn.