Frequently Asked Questionas
Frequently Asked Questions
Cremation Urns
What is a cremation urn?
A cremation urn is a container designed to hold cremated remains, also commonly referred to as ashes.
Urns are available in different sizes, materials, colors, and styles. Some families choose an urn for display at home, while others may use an urn for burial, placement in a columbarium, or another permanent memorial location.
How do I know what size urn I need?
A commonly used guideline is approximately 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for each pound of body weight before cremation.
For example, a person who weighed approximately 180 pounds before cremation would generally require an urn with a capacity of at least 180 cubic inches.
When you are unsure between two sizes, choosing an urn with slightly more capacity is generally recommended.
Please refer to the capacity listed on each individual product page before purchasing.
Are your full-size urns suitable for adult human ashes?
Yes. Our full-size adult cremation urns are designed to hold the cremated remains of an adult, subject to the capacity specified on each product page.
Because the amount of cremated remains can vary from person to person, we recommend comparing the urn's listed capacity with the individual's approximate weight before cremation.
What does “pre-cremation weight” mean?
Pre-cremation weight refers to the person's approximate body weight before cremation.
It is commonly used as a simple way to estimate the urn capacity needed. As a general guideline, approximately one cubic inch of urn capacity is recommended for each pound of pre-cremation body weight.
Should I choose an urn larger than the estimated capacity I need?
If the estimated capacity is very close to the maximum capacity of an urn, choosing a slightly larger urn may be more convenient.
Cremated remains are often provided by the crematory inside a sealed plastic bag, and the shape of that bag may make it difficult to use every cubic inch of available space inside an urn.
Placing Cremated Remains in an Urn
Are ashes placed directly inside the urn?
Cremated remains are commonly provided by a funeral home or crematory inside a sealed plastic bag.
We generally recommend keeping the cremated remains securely contained inside the bag before placing them into the urn rather than pouring loose ashes directly into the urn.
Can I transfer cremated remains into the urn myself?
Yes, many families choose to transfer the sealed bag of cremated remains into the urn themselves.
If you are uncomfortable handling cremated remains, a funeral home or crematory may also be able to assist you.
Do I need a separate bag inside the urn?
Keeping cremated remains inside a securely sealed bag provides an additional layer of protection and makes future handling easier.
If your crematory has already provided the remains in a suitable sealed bag, you may be able to place that bag directly into the urn.
Can I open an urn again after the ashes have been placed inside?
This depends on the design of the urn.
Many cremation urns use a threaded, fitted, removable, or otherwise secure closure that allows the urn to be opened again if necessary.
Please refer to the individual product page for the closure design of a specific urn.
Aluminum Urns
Are aluminum urns durable?
Yes. Aluminum is widely used for cremation urns because it is strong, relatively lightweight, and resistant to breaking compared with more fragile materials such as ceramic or glass.
With normal indoor use and proper care, an aluminum urn can serve as a long-term memorial container.
Can an aluminum urn rust?
Aluminum does not rust in the same way that iron or steel does.
However, the exterior finish can still be affected by scratches, harsh chemicals, excessive moisture, or improper cleaning. We recommend keeping the urn dry and cleaning it gently.
How should I clean an aluminum urn?
Use a soft, clean, dry cloth or a slightly damp microfiber cloth to gently remove dust.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, rough sponges, polishing compounds, solvents, and harsh household chemicals, as they may damage the decorative finish.
Can I travel by airplane with an aluminum urn?
We do not recommend our aluminum urns for air travel.
TSA must be able to clearly screen a cremation container using airport security equipment. Metal containers such as aluminum urns may make screening more difficult and could produce an image that prevents TSA officers from clearly determining what is inside.
If a container cannot be cleared during security screening, it may not be permitted through the checkpoint.
For customers traveling by air with cremated remains, we recommend choosing a wooden urn instead.
Wooden Urns
Are wooden urns suitable for cremated remains?
Yes. Wooden urns are commonly used as permanent containers for adult cremated remains.
They provide a traditional appearance while also being considerably less likely than a metal container to interfere with airport X-ray screening.
Always check the capacity and closure design of the individual urn before purchasing.
Are wooden urns a better choice for air travel?
Yes. If you plan to fly with cremated remains, we recommend a wooden urn rather than an aluminum urn.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration recommends cremation containers made from lighter-weight materials that can be successfully screened, specifically mentioning materials such as wood or plastic.
However, no urn can be guaranteed to pass airport security screening. The final decision remains with TSA officers at the security checkpoint.
Are your wooden urns “TSA approved”?
We do not describe any urn as individually “TSA approved,” because TSA does not individually certify or approve our urn products.
Instead, our wooden urns are recommended for air travel based on TSA guidance regarding cremation containers and security screening.
All cremation containers remain subject to TSA screening and airline requirements.
Traveling With Cremated Remains
Can I bring cremated remains on an airplane?
According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), cremated remains may be transported in both carry-on and checked baggage, subject to special screening instructions.
However, TSA also notes that some airlines may have their own restrictions regarding cremated remains in checked baggage.
We strongly recommend checking with your airline before traveling.
What type of urn does TSA recommend?
TSA recommends using a temporary or permanent cremation container made from a lighter-weight material, such as wood or plastic, to help facilitate security screening.
For this reason, we recommend our wooden urns for customers who expect to travel by air and do not recommend aluminum urns for this purpose.
Why can a metal urn cause problems at airport security?
Airport security officers must be able to obtain a clear image of the contents of the cremation container.
According to TSA, if a container produces an image that is too opaque for officers to determine what is inside, the container will not be allowed through security.
Because aluminum is a metal, we do not recommend relying on an aluminum urn for airport travel.
Will TSA open an urn containing cremated remains?
According to TSA guidance, TSA officers will not open a cremation container, even if requested by the passenger, out of respect for the deceased.
This is why it is important that the container itself can be successfully screened by airport security equipment.
What does TSA say about cremated remains?
The following guidance is excerpted from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
“...a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic.”
TSA also explains that a container that produces an opaque image and cannot be clearly screened will not be permitted through security, and TSA officers will not open the cremation container.
Source: U.S. Transportation Security Administration — “Cremated Remains”
TSA's guidance also states that the final decision rests with the TSA officer as to whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Does using a wooden urn guarantee that I can take it through TSA?
No.
Wood is specifically identified by TSA as an example of a lighter-weight material suitable for facilitating screening, which is why we recommend wooden urns for air travel.
However, security screening procedures, equipment, airline policies, and individual circumstances can vary. We cannot guarantee that any specific urn will be permitted through a security checkpoint.
Always verify current TSA and airline requirements before traveling.
Should I put cremated remains in my carry-on or checked baggage?
TSA lists cremated remains as permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage with special instructions.
However, TSA specifically advises travelers to check with their airline because some airlines may not allow cremated remains in checked baggage.
We recommend contacting your airline before departure to confirm its current policy.
Do I need documents when flying with cremated remains?
Documentation requirements can vary by airline, destination, state, or country.
Your airline, funeral home, or crematory can help you determine whether you should carry documents such as a death certificate, certificate of cremation, burial transit permit, or other documentation.
For international travel, additional requirements may apply.
Can I travel internationally with cremated remains?
Possibly, but requirements vary significantly by country.
In addition to TSA and airline requirements, the destination country may require specific documents, permits, certificates, or packaging.
We strongly recommend contacting the airline and the appropriate embassy or consulate before international travel with cremated remains.
Keepsake Urns
What is a keepsake urn?
A keepsake urn is a small cremation urn designed to hold only a portion of cremated remains.
Keepsake urns are commonly used when family members wish to share cremated remains among several loved ones or keep a small memorial in multiple locations.
Can a keepsake urn hold all of an adult's ashes?
No.
Keepsake urns have a much smaller capacity than full-size adult urns and are intended to hold only a small portion of cremated remains.
For the complete cremated remains of an adult, choose a full-size urn with sufficient capacity.
How much can a keepsake urn hold?
Capacity varies by product.
Please refer to the listed cubic-inch capacity on the individual product page. Because keepsake urns are intended for a small portion of cremated remains, they should not be used as a substitute for a full-size adult urn.
Why do people use multiple keepsake urns?
Some families choose to divide a small portion of cremated remains among children, siblings, relatives, or other loved ones.
Others may keep the primary urn in one location while using keepsake urns to create smaller memorials in different homes.
There is no single correct way to memorialize a loved one; the choice is personal to each family.
Burial & Memorial Placement
Can cremation urns be buried?
Many cremation urns can be buried, but cemetery requirements vary.
Some cemeteries require an urn vault or outer burial container to protect the urn and prevent the ground from settling.
Before purchasing an urn for burial, contact the cemetery or funeral home to confirm its specific requirements.
Do I need an urn vault?
That depends on where the urn will be buried.
Some cemeteries require an urn vault, while others do not. Cemetery rules may also differ depending on the material of the urn and the type of burial space.
Always check with the cemetery before burial.
Can an urn be placed in a columbarium?
Many urns can be placed inside a columbarium niche, but niche dimensions vary.
Before purchasing an urn for a columbarium, obtain the interior dimensions of the niche and compare them carefully with the urn's listed dimensions.
Remember to check the urn's width, height, and depth—not only its capacity.
Can I keep an urn at home?
Yes.
Many families choose to keep cremation urns at home as a permanent memorial.
Choose a stable location away from areas where the urn could easily be knocked over, exposed to excessive moisture, or damaged by direct contact.
Materials & Appearance
Will every urn look exactly the same?
Small variations can occur between individual urns because of differences in manufacturing, finishing, polishing, wood grain, decorative patterns, and other characteristics.
These variations do not normally affect the function of the urn.
Will a wooden urn look exactly like the product photos?
Natural wood varies in grain, pattern, and tone.
For this reason, each wooden urn may have its own natural appearance and may not look identical to the example shown in product photographs.
Natural variation is a normal characteristic of real wood.
Can the color of an urn look different in person?
Slight color differences are possible.
Computer monitors, phones, lighting conditions, photography, and individual product finishes can all affect how a color appears on screen.
We make every effort to represent our products accurately, but exact color matching cannot be guaranteed.
Care & Storage
Where should I keep a cremation urn?
For indoor display, place the urn on a stable, level surface where it is unlikely to be knocked over.
Avoid excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Can I use household cleaners on my urn?
We generally recommend avoiding strong household cleaners, abrasives, solvents, and polishing chemicals.
A soft microfiber cloth is usually sufficient for routine dusting and cleaning.
Care instructions may vary depending on the material of the urn.
Shipping & Orders
How long does it take for my order to ship?
Processing and shipping times vary by product, shipping method, and destination.
The estimated delivery information shown during checkout provides the best estimate for your order.
Will I receive tracking information?
When tracking is available, you will receive shipment information after your order has been dispatched.
Tracking updates are controlled by the shipping carrier and may occasionally take time to appear after the package has been accepted.
What should I do if my urn arrives damaged?
Please contact us as soon as possible.
To help us resolve the issue quickly, please keep the item and its original packaging and provide clear photographs showing:
- The damaged area of the urn
- The complete urn
- The interior packaging
- The shipping box
- Any visible damage to the exterior of the package
We will review the situation and assist you with the appropriate resolution.
What should I do if I receive the wrong item?
Please contact us with your order information and a photograph of the item you received.
We will review the order and help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
What if my package appears to be lost?
If tracking has stopped updating or the package has not arrived within the expected delivery period, please contact us.
We can review the available tracking information and help determine the appropriate next step.
Returns & Cancellations
Can I return an urn?
Return eligibility depends on the condition of the item, the product, and the applicable return policy.
Please review our current Return & Refund Policy for complete details before returning an item.
Can I cancel my order?
If your order has not yet entered processing or shipped, cancellation may be possible.
Please contact us as soon as possible. Once an order has been processed or shipped, we may no longer be able to cancel it.
What should I do if I am unsure which urn to purchase?
Please contact us before ordering.
We are happy to help you understand the differences between urn sizes, materials, capacities, keepsake urns, adult urns, wooden urns, and aluminum urns so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.
Still Have Questions?
How can I contact Evergreen Memorials?
If you have questions about urn capacity, materials, keepsake urns, wooden urns, aluminum urns, shipping, or an existing order, please visit our Contact Us page.
We understand that choosing a memorial for someone you love is an important decision, and we are here to provide clear product information and assistance throughout the process.