Choosing an Urn in Perth: A Complete and Thoughtful Guide for Families After Cremation 2025
This guide has been written by Mayfair Funeral Directors Perth for the families we are honoured to care for across Western Australia. Choosing an urn after cremation is a deeply personal decision and often one of the most meaningful choices a family makes following loss. At Mayfair, we understand this decision is not about an object alone. It is about memory, connection and honour. We offer a carefully selected range of urns as part of our cremation services in Perth, and we also fully support families who wish to source or create their own urn, provided it is structurally sound, secure and respectful.
An urn is the container that holds the cremated remains of a loved one. After cremation, ashes are returned in a secure temporary container. Families may choose to transfer ashes into a permanent urn immediately or may take time before selecting one. An urn may be kept at home, placed in a memorial niche, used for scattering at a meaningful location, or shared among family members using keepsake urns. There is no single correct choice. What matters is that the decision reflects the wishes of the family and honours the person who has died following direct cremation or a cremation service with a ceremony.
An urn may be required straight away if ashes are to be placed into a niche wall or memorial location soon after cremation. If ashes are being kept at home, families may take time before choosing a permanent urn. If ashes are being shared between family members, multiple keepsake urns may be selected. If ashes are being scattered, a simple scattering urn may be chosen. Mayfair provides guidance on timing so families do not feel rushed when making this decision.
Classic display urns are the most traditional style and are designed for home display or niche placement. They are commonly made from ceramic, metal, stone, marble and timber. These urns often have smooth rounded forms with discreet openings and secure seals. Colour options commonly include ivory, pearl white, charcoal, deep red, forest green, navy, brushed brass, silver tone and matte black.
Decorative urns allow families to reflect personality, symbolism and values. Designs often include Tree of Life patterns symbolising connection and continuity, dove imagery representing peace, swallows and birds symbolising freedom and journey, and soft floral etching symbolising love and remembrance. Decorative finishes may include soft gold accents, mother of pearl inlays, hand painted detailing and textured stone effects. These urns are often chosen when families wish to display an urn as part of a remembrance space in their home.
Timber urns offer a warm, natural and understated appearance. They may be crafted from oak, walnut, jarrah, pine, bamboo and other hardwoods. Some feature visible grain patterns while others are stained to a rich polished finish. Timber urns are often chosen for their simplicity and organic feel and are best suited to indoor display.
Biodegradable urns are chosen when families wish for ashes to return gently to nature through approved water or earth scattering areas. These urns are made from materials such as salt, sand, recycled paper and plant fibre. Over time, these materials dissolve naturally and are often selected by families with strong environmental values or those planning an environmentally conscious farewell following funeral services in Perth.
Keepsake urns are smaller urns designed to hold a portion of ashes. These allow multiple family members to each retain a personal memorial. Keepsake urns are available in classic, decorative and timber styles and often match the design of the full size urn.
Companion urns are designed to hold the ashes of two people together and are most often chosen by couples who wish for their ashes to be held together in a single vessel. These urns are larger and are available in classic and decorative finishes.
Urns are measured by internal volume rather than the weight of the person. A standard adult urn usually holds between three and four litres of ashes. Companion urns hold approximately double this volume, while keepsake urns hold a smaller portion only. If families are unsure which size is required, Mayfair provides guidance before selection.
When ashes are to be placed into a niche wall or memorial space, there may be specific size and material requirements set by cemetery authorities in Western Australia. Some niche areas require urns to fit precise dimensions, some specify metal or sealed materials for longevity, and some natural remembrance areas require biodegradable materials. Mayfair liaises directly with the memorial authority to confirm requirements before any urn is selected so families can proceed with confidence.
When families choose to keep ashes at home, considerations may include where the urn will be placed, whether it will be displayed or kept privately, colour and finish preferences that reflect the home environment, and whether the urn may one day be placed into a memorial location. Some families keep ashes at home permanently while others do so for a period of time. There is no obligation to decide immediately.
Some families choose to create their own urn as a meaningful personal tribute. Mayfair supports hand made urns provided they are structurally sound, secure, respectful in appearance and suitable for their intended purpose. Hand made urns may be crafted from timber, ceramic, clay or stone, and Mayfair can assist in checking suitability where families are unsure.
Choosing an urn can be unexpectedly emotional. Many families tell us it feels like the final act of care they can give their loved one. Some families choose quickly while others take time to reflect. At Mayfair, we never rush this process unless timing is required for a memorial placement, and families are always encouraged to proceed at their own pace.
When ashes are being transported interstate or overseas, airline and customs regulations may apply. Certain urn materials are more suitable for scanning and transit, and travel documentation may be required. Mayfair assists families with appropriate urn selection and required documentation for travel.
Mayfair Funeral Directors Perth supplies a carefully selected range of urns that meet memorial authority requirements and suit a wide range of family preferences. We assist families by explaining urn types and suitability, confirming memorial regulations, coordinating ashes collection, arranging memorial placement, advising on travel documentation, and supporting families who choose to supply their own urn.
Choosing an urn is not about selecting an object. It is about choosing how you wish to honour your loved one’s memory in a way that feels right for you. At Mayfair, we consider it a privilege to guide families through this decision with care, clarity and respect.
