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What is Cremation: A Definition, Average Cost and Urn Types

Urn Garden is your go-to site for quality cremation urns, jewelry, and memorial stones. But before you even begin to shop for a cremation urn, it helps to have a clear understanding of what cremation is. Here is our simple guide to cremation – read on to learn about the cremation process, how much it costs, the various types of cremation urns, and how to scatter your loved one’s cremated ashes.

What is Cremation?
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) defines cremation as a mechanical, thermal, or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. These bone fragments are further processed into cremated ashes. Cremation continues to be a popular choice in the US – according to recent statistics, the national cremation rate is projected to be 63.5% in 2025 compared to a burial rate of 30.6%.

The most recognized type of cremation uses flame/heat. Flame-based cremation occurs in a specially designed machine called a cremation chamber (also known as a “retort”). In the primary chamber the temperature can go up to 2,000 °F, which facilitates the body combustion process and produces about 3 – 5 pounds of cremated remains (bone fragments and ash).

Alkaline hydrolysis is an alternative cremation process that uses water instead of flame. Alkaline hydrolysis uses water, heat, pressure, and chemicals to speed up the natural decomposition process. Also called aquamation, this method is considered to be more environmentally-friendly than flame-based cremation and is currently legal in 20 states.

How Much Does Cremation Cost?

As is the case with everything, the cost of cremation depends on what you get. Families that choose direct cremation (where the body is cremated immediately after death without any formal ceremony) often end up paying the least – the total cost of a direct cremation can be as little as $500 depending on your location.

However, adding on options to a direct cremation will cost more. For example, features like a viewing, memorial service, and/or burial of ashes can increase the cremation price to $5,000 or more. Ask your cremation provider to explain what services they offer so you can select what works best for your budget – there a variety of customized cremation features that allow families to personalize a cremation and arrange an affordable memorable service for their loved one. That being said, according to the Cremation Research Council, the average cost of direct cremation in the United States is $1,100.

Different Types of Cremation Urns

After the cremation is complete, the cremated ashes are usually returned to the family in a cremation urn. Cremation urns are used to store cremated ashes and come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and designs. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the variety of options when selecting a cremation urn, but here are a few tips to remember before you go shopping.

First, make sure you pick the right size urn – cremated ashes are surprisingly heavy, so you want to pick an urn that will safely hold all of your loved one’s remains. Cremation urns come in different sizes for adults and children, and there are also urns that can hold two sets of ashes. Pet cremation urns are also available in numerous sizes and designs depending on your personal preferences.

Keep in mind the ultimate purpose of the cremation urn. Are you going to scatter your loved one’s ashes? Lightweight wooden cremation urns work well for scattering because they are easy to carry and hold, and they meet airport security guidelines for traveling with cremated remains.

Are you planning on burying the cremation urn? Many families choose to bury their loved one’s urn in above-ground cremation niches or cremation benches. You can also store a small amount of ashes in a personal keepsake urn or cremation jewelry item.

If you prefer to display the cremation urn at home, there are various display urns that can be customized to represent your loved one’s personality or taste, e.g., a military cremation urn is a great choice for a veteran.

Shopping for Urns

Cremation urns are available in stores or online. However, we strongly recommend doing your research as not all vendors provide quality urns at reasonable prices. In fact, some of the “cheaper” urn sources aren’t so cheap in the long run – see our post on urn shopping online to learn more.

Birds of a Feather: Cardinal Cremation Urn

Way back when we launched the urngarden.com site, we tried to focus on inspirational people and images that would lift us up out of the darkness and hopefully inspire others too.

My grandmother was one of the most impactful people in my life both personally and professionally, Our business name, Urn Garden came from her habit of creating memorial gardens when a loved one died. Back then, she lived on a large farm out in the country and she would dedicate a special planting on her property to honor that person. These spaces were tastefully arranged with flowers, shrubs, or statutory and did NOT look like a graveyard.

Later, she sold the farm, did a major downsize and moved to a condo in town, where she was closer to family and friends. She had a postage stamp size yard still full of flowers, but with more time on her hands, she started amassing a collection of bird figurines, that soon covered every surface in the house.

We joked about it, glad that it was inanimate objects, and not cats, so we christened her place “The Fowl House”. On one visit, as I sat on the couch in her front room, I started counting the birds within sight. I stopped at 100. It had become an obsession.

Bird & Butterfly Cremation Urns for ashes

That’s how we came up with the Bird and Butterfly collection of cremation urns (she liked butterflies, too) because of how bird crazy she was. She believed that if you loved it, you better put a bird on it.

Cardinal cremation urn for ashes
Cardinal Adult Cremation Urn

Cardinals were probably her favorite, and the Cardinal on Dogwood urn for ashes is a tribute to her. This urn is so beautiful and the old saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Recently, this style has been copied by imposters, so just know that when you buy from us, know that it’s the original design created by Americans that care about your family, and we can offer professional engraving services as well.

For years my grandparents were members of the Silver Eagles and went to conventions and made many friends from around the country. Soaring Free Eagle Cremation Urn is another style that we launched to honor that history.

eagle cremation urn for human ashes

My dear grandmother peacefully died in her sleep three years ago and at her memorial service we put that bird collection out for the guests to take as a keepsake. We were surprised at the turn out, many came from out of town, but she had made a huge impact on others lives as well. I miss her every day. I was lucky enough to inherit a few pieces of her jewelry, one favorite is a chunky turquoise bracelet that I wear when I want to feel the weight of her presence. Before she died, she had made a quilt that I sleep with every night and it feels like a hug. I miss holding hands with her and her gentle loving spirit.

As I’m typing this, a cardinal is perched on a dogwood branch, right outside my window. I can’t tell if it’s a male or female, but that bird is super chirpy this morning. Maybe that’s a sign?

Anyway, imagine my surprise, when I received a handwritten thank you not from a client. This is a rare and welcome gift, as I consider the act of writing a thank you note a dying art. This came from the heartland of America, so that gives me hope. This family in Kansas had recently held a memorial service for their mom who was also known as a sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, and friend.

small cardinal cremation urn for ashes
Small Cardinal Keepsake Urn for Ashes

The cardinal must have meant something to their family as well, because in addition to ordering the cardinal cremation urn, they created a funeral program which featured a poem with a picture of a cardinal. Not gonna lie, I was so touched by not only the gesture, but the poem really spoke to me and I felt myself even get a little misty as I read the words. They reminded me so much of dear Etta, my grandmother. I want to share them with you, too and hope it brings you comfort.

Red Feathered Soul

When you’re lost or feeling down,

Don’t despair, just look around

God made me red so you would see,

I still exist outside your memory.

I make my visits in bright daylight,

You’ll hear my son in distant flight,

My cardinal song is a call to you,

To tell you that I miss you too.

I am everywhere and finally free,

Like love you cannot touch or see,

You’ll see me in the trees and skies,

I didn’t leave, love never dies.

Elle Bee

Celebrity Cremations: Pro-Wrestler “Big Daddy V”

Image Courtesy: WWE

Although this post was intended to focus on the cremation of pro wrestler “Big Daddy V;” it’s more about what his wife Cassandra did with his ashes after his death. I saw it as a window from which we could touch upon a big issue for many families: what to do with cremated remains.

I think people have been in a quandary about what to do with the loved ones ashes ever since cremation became widely available. For generations we buried the casketed or shrouded bodies of our family members in an accepted ritual fashion (visitations, funerals, graveside services). That’s not the norm anymore: the U.S. cremation rate is now over 50% (source). Now it’s common to hear stories about families who have boxes of ashes on shelves and garages and in laundry rooms.

Cremated Ashes in the Cupboard

Hey, I’m one of them…I’ll admit it: my ex-husband’s ashes are in a small freestanding “reliquary” cupboard right behind me. The temporary urn has been there for four years.

I can tell you some rather weak reasons — I’m saving them for the time when they can be co-mingled with my own and then scattered. But where? And why? After all, we were divorced almost as long as we were married.

Here’s another ‘more wish than reality’ intention: my ex was an avid scuba diver, and it would be appropriate to have his ashes turned into a reef. That’s a bit expensive, so the thought passes quickly. The bottom line is I don’t know what I really need to do with his ashes; so there they sit.

My indecision is one reason why I’d like look at the question “what to do with cremated remains.” Another is that I know I’m not alone in the dilemma. The phrases “ideas for loved ones ashes” and “what to do with cremated remains” are two popular search terms; tells me that other people really don’t know what they should do with the box of ashes returned to them by the funeral director. Before we go deeper, let’s get back to Big Daddy V’s story.

Nelson Frazier, Jr. “Bid Daddy V” Dies on February 18, 2014

When pro-wrestler Nelson Frazier, Junior, professionally known as “Big Daddy V”, “Mabel,” and “Viscera”, died in 2014 at 43, the event passed unnoticed.

What did catch my eye was what his wife Cassandra did with his cremated remains. In July of that same year, it was announced she had put his ashes into “500 pendants and placed on necklaces, and then she’s going to gift them to his loved ones” (source). The remainder of the ashes went into this beautiful black and gold urn, known as “Black Beauty”.

What a fine idea – memorializing a loved one with cremation jewelry –although this gift giving act was performed on a large scale. Most of us will never have a situation like that arise. Still, it’s a fine example of thinking “outside the box” (pun intended). it’s certainly something any one of us could do: gifting a cremation pendant or keepsake urn to those who’d appreciate it most. What else can you do with cremated remains?

Sometimes though, even though you think it’s a good idea to gift a loved ones ashes in a piece of jewelry, not everyone is on board with it. Over the years, we’ve had customers report that the gift of cremation jewelry backfired when the recipient was less than thrilled with the idea of wearing the decedents ashes around their neck.

Things to Do with Cremated Ashes

Perhaps the most common thing people do with the ashes of a loved one is to scatter them in a special place — or even more than one place. Unfortunately, people often break laws when they scatter ashes.

I can share a story with you: a friend recently arranged a scattering ceremony for her oldest daughter at a local state beach. She didn’t know the legalities of her decision. While nothing was said to her by authorities, it’s always smart to check with the state or local offices and get proper permits.

You’ll find dozens of online articles about what you can do with a loved one’s ashes. One author, Jenn Savedge, The author of a 2016 Mother Nature Network online article made a very good point with her second suggestion: bury or inter the ashes in “a local cemetery or columbarium.”

This is especially important to Catholics, she notes, as the Vatican declared it to be the only option sanctioned by the Catholic Church. The Vatican recently released a statement reminding Catholics that the ashes of the dead should be kept in “sacred places.” They are not to be kept at home or scattered on “unholy ground.” It can be costly though; a columbarium niche can set you back over $700 – and it can cost closer to $3,000 for an urn burial plot depending on where you live.

Another suggestion gets us right back where we started: store them at home. One would hope that you wouldn’t just keep the ashes on a laundry room shelf or in a small cupboard with the table lamp on as in my case. Instead you choose a beautiful cremation urn and you would create a small sacred space in your home where you could memorialize your loved one. (Check out our blog post, “DIY Memorials: How to Create a memorial Shrine” for ideas.)

What other things can you do with cremated remains? Ms. Savedge noted a few others some of which seem a little trendy and maybe not even very smart. I refer directly to her comment that you could turn your loved one into a memorial tattoo. There’s plenty of information on the internet on how this process is achieved. Other ideas included to aforementioned ocean reef thought regarding my ex husband Matt’s ashes; along with suggestions like these:

Blown glass sculptures made in the colorful shapes of spheres or starfish are also popular ways to infuse the cremains into a work of art. It just takes a small amount of ashes and several weeks of production time, but the results are stunning.

• Send them into the wild blue yonder via sky scattering services like Celestis, Mesoloft
• Turn them into a vinyl record using a service like Advinyly.
• Turn them into a diamond via LifeGem or similar service

All of these seen just a bit contrived; and are pretty good evidence that, as a society, we just don’t know what we should do with our loved one’s ashes.

It’s a very personal decision. It’s got to be meaningful; it’s got to be worthy of your loved one’s memory. I’m especially fond of cremation jewelry and there’s certainly nothing more beautiful than a well- chosen cremation urn. If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out the articles in the Urn Garden Learning Center as well as other posts in the Urn Garden blog.

Urns for Mothers, Beauty from the Ashes

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re going to look at cremation urns for mothers. And, in the process, I’d like to skirt gracefully around the edges of that oh-so-complex relationship we have with our mothers. It doesn’t seem to matter who you are – and what type of mother you had – the connection we have to ‘mom’ is a life-long one. We’ve written before about some of the memorial urn styles that families have selected for mom and you can read about that too.

Types of Mothers
Psychologists argue there are different types of mothers. Some say there are five types: the perfectionist; the unpredictable mom, the mother who strives to be a child’s best friend; the self-centered “me-first” mom, and that ideal of motherhood, the “complete” mother. Others claim there are ten or fifteen different types of mothers. No matter the number – or the names given to them – there’s no denying our mothers pay a very part in preparing us for adulthood.

A Bit about Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, albeit on different days of the year. In Afghanistan, as in other areas in the Middle East, it’s celebrated in March; in Luxemburg, the importance of motherhood is acknowledged in June. (Source: ChartsBin.com) Here in the United States (and dozens of other nations) it always falls on the second Sunday in May – this year; the date is May 12th and whether you celebrate the day or not–its arrival is sure to stir up memories and emotions.

Usually, families gather together to acknowledge and celebrate the mother who spent years raising us. We toast to her health and happiness, kiss her on the cheek, and we may even have arrived with a small gift. Or maybe we send flowers. But, when Mom is gone – as mine has been for the past 30 years – Mother’s Day isn’t the same. We struggle to find meaningful ways to do those things we always did: show mom how much we love and appreciate her presence in our lives. This Mother’s Day, it may be appropriate – and personally healing – to select the perfect cremation urn for mother. Let’s take a closer look.

Consider the charming Mom Urn Necklace. Made of durable stainless steel, it measures 1-1/4? L x 3/4? W x 1/4?; comes with a 22? chain and microfiber jewelry pouch.

mom urn necklace


The next two cremation urns for mothers include the image of a cardinal. If you’re not already aware, the cardinal is deeply symbolic. Many believe cardinals are messengers from someone who has died. Certainly, the male’s brilliant cardinal red color, and (to Christians) is symbolic of the blood of Christ, And red is symbolic of steadfast faith and love.

Cardinal on Dogwood Flower Urn

This full-size adult cardinal cremation urn is classically styled, and features the image of a cardinal sitting on the branch of a dogwood tree. Like the cardinal, the dogwood is also a symbol for Christians: “It is said that the wood of the dogwood tree is the hardest and that it was chosen to be used in the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.”(Source:hunker.com.) It’s a very popular urn and the reviews we’ve received are heartwarming.

Just last month, Kayla wrote “The loss of my grandma was very sudden and we were not prepared for all of the decisions you have to make when someone leaves us. Urn Garden made one of the hardest decisions into one of the easiest. The urn is absolutely stunning. The engraving looks phenomenal and the quality is top notch for an incredibly affordable price. Thank you so much. She would have absolutely loved it.”

These same customers appreciate the Jeweled Cardinal Keepsake Urn. Beautifully detailed, this diminutive keepsake urn (it’s just 3” high) is a gorgeous tribute to mother.

small cardinal cremation urn for ashes
Small Cardinal Keepsake Urn for Ashes


If the symbolism of the Cardinal isn’t a ‘good fit” with the memories you hold of “Mom”, consider the Hummingbird Mini-Urn for Ashes. It’s a bit larger than the previous keepsake urn, measuring 5″ x 3-1/2″.

Hummingbirds are believed by many to o be messengers between deceased and the living. And in Native American cultures, hummingbirds are seen as healers and bringers of love, good luck and joy” (Source: wootandhammy.com.)

Siesta Key Beach Cremation Urn

Ocean beach cremation urn for ashes
Siesta Key Ocean Beach Urn

If your mom loved the ocean, then Siesta Key Beach Urn is the perfect full-sized cremation urn to honor her memory. It stands almost 11” high, and the colors are deep and rich. Like the earlier full-sized urn, this cremation urn can be engraved, personalizing your memorial.

Honor Your Relationship with Mother

My mother died 30 years ago. I have only 3 pictures of her, and my memories of her are very mixed. So, next time, I’d l like to explore the ways we can honor our deceased mothers on Mother’s Day while, at the same time, dealing with the emotions – love, grief, anger, loneliness – raised each year by holidays such as this.

As I said earlier, my mother died almost 30 years ago. Still, every Mother’s Day, I think of her – and take time to make a list of all the wonderful attributes she instilled in me. Why dwell on the negatives? If she were still alive, I’d like share this (albeit short) list with her:

1. You taught me to love the history and power of words.
2. You showed me how the act of writing can heal emotional wounds.
3. You shared your love of gardening with me – a gift I still enjoy.
4. Through contrasting behavior, you showed me how to be a compassionate, caring, attentive mother.

This Mother’s Day, why not write your own “gratitude” list? If your mother is still alive, share it with her. If, as in my case, she’s no longer alive; simply speak the words aloud. In doing so, you acknowledge her gifts to you; and energize your on-going relationship with (the memories of) your mother.

Green Cremation Urns: Beauty from the Ashes:

Green is the Color of Taurus

Last time, in Astrology and Birthstones: April, I mentioned green was the color assigned to the astrological sign, Taurus. Signs of the zodiac aside, green also signifies the harmony of nature. (As you know from experience, colors are powerful influences in our emotional lives. How we react to various colors is very personal. Color psychology is the study of the relationship between a color or hue and a person’s behavior. According to experts in the field, the color green:

• Creates a feeling of safety
• Has significant healing power
• Suggests stability and endurance
• Considered beneficial to both mind and body
• Produces a tranquil, calming effect.

When it comes to the symbolism of the color green; these same experts found it represents “trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.” It’s also “used to symbolize piety and sincerity.” (Source: Color Psychology.com)

Browse Our Collection of Green Cremation Urns

The diversity of this collection will surprise you. Our selection of green urns includes full-size urns, keepsake urns, and cremation jewelry. Some are very classically designed, others are whimsical. Some can simply be described as elegant. Here’s a look at three of my personal favorites.

Let’s talk about full-sized urns first.

green mother of pearl adult cremation urn
green mother of pearl adult cremation urn for ashes
Green Adult Urn for Ashes
celtic cross cremation urns for ashes
Celtic Cross Cremation Urn
Green Marble box for ashes
Green Marble Cremation Box

The green urn collection includes over 20 full-sized urns, made of a diversity of materials: marble, metal, and hand-thrown pottery. There’s a diversity of hue as well; ranging from a rich emerald green to a delicate sea foam green.

Small Keepsake Urns for Ashes

Remember what I said some of our green cremation urns were “whimsical?” Take a look at these two keepsake urns, designed to hold a small amount of ashes and you’ll understand me better.

green butterfly cremation urn small

Hummingbird Mini-Urn

Birthstone Cremation Jewelry


You might appreciate the simplicity of the Emerald Green Vial for Ashes Necklace. Beautifully styled, this piece measures just 1? L x 3/8? W x 3/8? D and includes the chain.

Sage Green Adult Urn

So, What’s Your Favorite Color?
Getting back briefly to the subject of color psychology, I’d you to ask yourself that question and then do a bit of research into what your response says about you. It’s not an easy question to answer; I think the response varies (to some degree anyway) depending on your mood at the time. And it can change according to how well you see color. Because of my failing eyesight, yellow has become my favorite color –simply because I can see it!

Why not has a bit of fun in this pursuit of self-discovery? I had a great time completing the quiz “What’s the Secret Meaning Behind Your Favorite Color? Find Out.” You might, too. (By the way, according to the results, my favorite color – at the moment – is purple. The quiz results stated “purple is the color of spirituality and mysticism. But in today’s polarized world, it also represents opposing sides coming together. You’re an emotional person who cares about the people in your world. Although being perfect is unattainable, you set your standards high!”