Even so, most funeral homes charge a small fortune, have a narrow selection, and charge a fee to pack an urn purchased online. If this describes your funeral home, find a different funeral home.

You can see a broad selection of cremation urns that cost less than $100 on eBay, Amazon, or visit our website, Sunshine Cremation Urns.

What If I Want a Custom-Designed Urn?

Custom urns are a special way to honor a unique life, and in many cases, creating one is entirely possible. However, keep in mind that anything protected by copyright—like logos from major sports teams, comic book heroes, or blockbuster movie characters—won’t fly.

If you have a specific vision, big or small, reach out and share your idea. Many reputable sellers, including those on eBay and Amazon, offer custom options, or you can contact us directly to discuss what you have in mind. We’ll let you know what’s possible and help guide you through the process.

What Do Different Urn Colors and Designs Symbolize?

Choosing a cremation urn isn’t just about practicality—it’s an opportunity to honor your loved one’s memory in a meaningful way. The color and design you select can hold deep symbolic meaning, helping you express your spirit, values, or passions.

Here’s a quick guide to commonly chosen urn colors and their meanings:

White: Often associated with purity, peace, and a free spirit. A white urn can honor someone with a generous heart or a gentle soul.
Red: A bold choice for vibrant personalities. Red exemplifies love, courage, and enduring passion—perfect for celebrating a life lived to the fullest.
Green or Nature-Inspired Themes: Shades of green and designs like hummingbirds or leafy motifs conjure lightness, peace, and renewal. Ideal for nature lovers or those remembered for their joyful spirit.
Metallic Tones (Silver, Gold, Brass): These hues symbolize dignity, strength, and everlasting love. Metal urns are not only durable but also carry a sense of timelessness.
Blue: Calmness, serenity, and deep devotion. Blue urns often appeal to those wanting to reflect a peaceful or contemplative legacy.

Beyond color, the design itself can reflect special interests or values—such as faith symbols, cultural motifs, or personalized engravings. Whether you browse Amazon, eBay, or connect with specialty sellers, you’ll find options suitable for every personality and story.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider what qualities or memories you associate most with your loved one, and let these themes guide your choice.

Do Cremation Urns Need to Be Permanently Sealed?

Whether or not you choose to seal a cremation urn is entirely up to you and depends on your needs. Most urns are designed with a secure lid, so as long as the top is on correctly, there’s little risk of anything spilling out.

If your loved one’s ashes are placed in a bag or plastic liner within the urn (as is standard practice), sealing the urn is not necessary, although some families opt for added peace of mind. Others may prefer to permanently seal the urn, especially if the ashes are poured directly inside rather than kept in a bag. Permanent sealing usually involves an adhesive and is a matter of personal preference rather than a requirement.

Also, airtightness isn’t a must for cremation urns—so you don’t need to worry about finding a urn with a vacuum seal. The key is a well-fitted, secure lid. As long as the top is firmly in place, there’s no risk of ashes escaping or being scattered by accident.

Most metal and stone urns have threaded or snug-fitting lids that do the job perfectly well. Even wooden and ceramic urns usually feature secure closures. If you’re particularly concerned (say, if you’re traveling or plan to move the urn frequently), you can add a tiny bead of silicone or museum gel for extra peace of mind. But for typical display at home, a tight-fitting lid is more than sufficient. If you’re unsure, consider how you’ll use or display the urn. For home display, an unsealed urn with a tight-fitting lid is usually sufficient. If the urn will be transported or buried, a seal might make sense. Either choice is completely valid—just do what feels most appropriate for honoring your loved one’s memory.

Tip #2 – Don’t Accept a Cheap Plastic, Cardboard, or Artificial Wood Urn.

It is disrespectful to the deceased to place them in an ultra-cheap container.

If your funeral home suggests that this is an acceptable practice, find a different funeral home.

Tip #3 – Wooden Urns are “Not Forever” and Have Limited Uses.

Quality wooden urns are beautiful but have a limited lifespan. Over time wood wooden urns will rot. Worse, if you drop a wooden urn, it will break.

Wood is a fine choice for burial, but if burial is not your plan, avoid wood.

If you are considering ground burial, just about any urn can be buried directly in the earth. However, some cemeteries may ask that you use a protective urn vault, especially for non-stone urns. Cultured marble or natural stone urns are often accepted for burial without the need for an additional vault. For those who prefer a more environmentally conscious option, eco-friendly biodegradable urns are also available—they naturally return the remains to the earth over time.

But again, if you’re not planning on burial, steer clear of wood. Over the years, wood will deteriorate, and it simply isn’t as durable as other materials—especially if you want the urn to be displayed or kept at home for generations to come.

Tip #4 – Consider Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Urns for Burial.

If your goal is to make a green choice, you’ll be glad to know there are biodegradable urns specifically designed for ground burial. These urns are made from materials like recycled paper, salt, sand, or natural plant fibers. Over time, they naturally break down and return the remains to the earth—no fuss, no pollution.

Popular options include the “Bios Urn,” which incorporates a tree seed to create a living memorial, as well as paper-based urns and salt urns (perfect for water burials, too). No plastic, no preservatives—just a gentle way to honor the environment and your loved one’s wishes.

Large bamboo water scattering urn. 10 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Cremation Urn

Most cemeteries allow biodegradable urns, especially in green burial sections. If you’re interested in a natural farewell, check with your cemetery about their requirements so you can choose an urn that meets both your values and the rules.

Tip #5 – Metal Urns are Usually the Best Choice.

Metal urns will last forever and will not break if dropped.

Metal urns can be used for scattering (simply by unscrewing the top), burial, placement in a mausoleum niche, keeping at home, or any other use.

When choosing an urn, it’s helpful to consider how you plan to use it. Most cremation urns are designed for display in your home, but you might also be considering interment in a cemetery niche, ground burial, scattering, travel, or dividing the remains among family members.

Display at home: Metal urns look elegant on a shelf or mantle and are easy to care for.
Interment in a niche: Make sure to check the size requirements of the niche. Metal urns are durable and come in a range of sizes.
Ground burial: Any urn can technically be buried, but cemeteries sometimes require an urn vault for added protection. Metal urns are a solid choice, though eco-friendly biodegradable options are also available if you prefer a natural return to the earth.
Scattering ashes: While most urns can be used for scattering, metal urns with screw-top lids make the process simple and secure.
Travel or temporary storage: Traveling with ashes (especially by air) means the urn must pass security screenings. Metal urns are generally accepted, but avoid any with metal embellishments that could cause issues at airport security.
Sharing among relatives: If you plan to divide the remains, look for smaller keepsake urns that match the main urn’s design.

Consider your needs and preferences—metal urns offer flexibility and peace of mind for nearly every situation.

Even better, high-quality metal urns come in infinite sizes, styles, colors, and decorative designs.

Many of the metal urns we offer at Sunshine Cremation are works of art, and many other beautiful urns can be purchased on the internet for less than $100.

a silver metal urn with an engraved rose

Tip #6 – Consider Your Lifestyle When Choosing an Urn Material.

If you have children or grandchildren who might play or roam near the urn, material matters more than you’d think. A ceramic urn, for example, can easily be knocked over and shatter if you have little ones running around. In that case, opt for something sturdier—heavy granite or thick wood can offer a bit more resilience against the bumps and tumbles of family life.

Think about the everyday environment. Will the urn sit on a low shelf or table? Will people be around it often, or is it tucked safely away? Households with pets or active kids benefit from urns made of tough, durable materials—think metal or stone. These are less likely to tip, crack, or break if jostled.

No matter which material you choose, all offer a dignified way to honor your loved one. The key is picking the one that best fits your home and your family’s daily routine.

Tip #7 – If You Select a Metal Urn, Stick With Aluminum.

The weight of the urn is a factor if you ever need to carry or transport it.

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that never corrodes and is very strong. Many of the metal urns sold in the United States are aluminum.

On the other hand, steel or brass is also used for urns. These materials are much heavier and, because of their weight, difficult to handle.

Brass and steel urns look the same as aluminum urns and have no strength advantages over aluminum.

Even better, aluminum urns are less expensive.

When narrowing down urn options, keep these key factors in mind:

Cost: Aluminum offers great value for money, thanks to its affordable price point compared to steel or brass—especially handy if you’re also purchasing space in a columbarium.
Material Quality: Aluminum is non-magnetic, lightweight, and naturally corrosion-resistant, ensuring your urn stands up beautifully over time.
Durability: Despite being pliable and easy to handle, aluminum urns remain strong and long-lasting without the extra weight of other metals.
Customer Reviews: Many families choose aluminum urns for their practicality and positive feedback regarding both appearance and ease of use.

In short, aluminum urns combine affordability, durability, and ease of handling—making them a smart and popular choice.

Recommended Lightweight Aluminum Urns

If you’re looking for a lightweight urn that’s easy to handle—especially for display, transport, or travel—aluminum is a fantastic choice. Here are some highly regarded options to consider, each offering a blend of beauty, strength, and affordability:

White “Tree of Life” Urn
A popular choice for its simple elegance and meaningful design, this urn features the symbolic tree of life, representing remembrance and connection. Its lighter weight makes it effortless to move when needed.
Classic Brushed Aluminum Styles
For those who appreciate timeless simplicity, a brushed aluminum urn offers a dignified look that suits any décor. These urns are widely available from trusted brands such as Lenox, Stardust Memorials, and OneWorld Memorials.
Lavender or Pastel-Colored Urns
If you’d like a softer, more personal touch, look for lavender or pastel-hued aluminum urns. Eternal Peace by OneWorld Memorials is one example, combining gentle color with durability.
Nature-Inspired Aluminum Urns
Many families choose urns adorned with nature scenes—like hummingbirds, doves, or peaceful landscapes. These designs can add a layer of comfort and symbolism.
Elegant White or Silver Lined Urns
Sleek, contemporary white urns with silver accents (such as Silver Linings from Stardust Memorials) bring understated sophistication to any space.

Each of these options strikes a balance between visual appeal, practicality, and cost—typically available for under $100 online or from Sunshine Cremation Services. Choose the design that feels most meaningful for your family, knowing that any of these lightweight aluminum urns will provide a secure and lasting tribute.

Tip #8 – Consider Keepsake Urns If You Wish To Share Ashes Among Family.

If several family members would like to keep a portion of your loved one’s ashes, keepsake urns are an ideal solution. These are smaller versions of standard urns, designed specifically for dividing ashes among relatives or close friends.

Many full-size urn styles have matching smaller keepsake options available, so everyone can select a design that feels personal or meaningful. You can find a wide selection—and often affordable options—on sites like Amazon and eBay, as well as specialty retailers. Some families choose to keep most of the ashes in one central urn and allocate keepsakes for those who’d like a small memento. This offers a meaningful way for several people to stay connected to the memory of your loved one.

Tip #9 – Purchase An Urn That Reminds You of, and Will Honor Your Loved One.

Perhaps this is an obvious tip, but so many families are too upset to realize that they have hundreds of urn choices from which to select, and if selecting a metal urn, there is an urn that can be purchased for under $100 that will honor their loved one.

Tip #10 – One Size Fits All. Only Purchase a Full-Size Adult Urn.

All adult-sized urns have the same interior size and hold the same amount of cremains. When purchasing an urn, only purchase a full-size adult urn. Smaller urns offer no meaningful cost, size, or other advantages.
Do not judge how large an urn you need to be based on the size of the deceased. The weight and size of the deceased before cremation are not a predictor of the volume of cremains that need to go into the urn after cremation.

Avoid Stone Urns

Stone urns tend to be very heavy and, despite being made of stone, fragile. If a stone urn is dropped, it may shatter, while if an aluminum urn is dropped, it will be structurally undamaged. So, my advice is to avoid stone urns. If you have urn selection questions, please call us at 561-717-2876.

If you’re still unsure or if your specific concerns haven’t been addressed above, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always here to help guide you through the process and answer any remaining questions you might have—no matter how big or small. We want to make sure you feel confident and supported in your decision.

10 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Cremation Urn

Mark Sunshine