How to Choose the Right Biodegradable Urn: A Simple Guide for Families
When you're preparing to say goodbye, the last thing you need is confusion. Yet many families find themselves overwhelmed by choices: What size do I need? Water or earth burial? What if I want to keep some ashes at home?
I've helped hundreds of families navigate these questions. And I've learned that choosing an urn doesn't need to be complicated—it just needs to feel right.
This guide walks you through the simple decisions that will help you find the urn that honors your loved one and fits your ceremony.
First Question: Water or Earth?
The first decision is where your loved one will rest. This determines what type of urn you need.
Water Burial Urns
Best for: Ocean, lake, river, bay, or cruise ship ceremonies
Water burial urns are designed to:
- Float briefly on the surface (30 seconds to 2 minutes)
- Sink gently as water enters
- Dissolve completely within days
- Leave nothing behind but memory
The floating moment is sacred—it gives families time to watch, reflect, and say a final goodbye before the urn begins its journey beneath the surface.
Choose a water urn if:
- Your loved one felt connected to the ocean or a body of water
- You're planning a ceremony from a boat, beach, dock, or cruise ship
- They requested to be scattered at sea
- You want a visual moment of release
Earth Burial Urns (with Flower Seeds)
Best for: Garden burial, backyard memorial, or planting a living tribute
Earth burial urns are designed to:
- Be buried in soil (garden, forest, or meaningful location)
- Decompose naturally over weeks
- Release wildflower seeds as they break down
- Create a living memorial that blooms over time
Choose an earth urn if:
- Your loved one loved gardening or nature
- You want a memorial you can visit at home
- You prefer a private ceremony in your own space
- You want something living to grow from the goodbye
Second Question: What Size Do I Need?
This is the most common question I receive. Here's a simple guide:
Understanding Ashes Volume
After cremation, the volume of ashes varies based on the person's size. A general guideline:
| Person's weight | Approximate ashes |
|---|---|
| Under 80 lbs | 1.5 - 2.5 lbs |
| 80 - 150 lbs | 2.5 - 4 lbs |
| 150 - 200 lbs | 4 - 5 lbs |
| Over 200 lbs | 5 - 7 lbs |
Pachamama Urn Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Holds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5.5" × 4" × 1.5" | Up to 1 lb | Keepsake, sharing among family, infants, portion of ashes |
| Medium | 8.5" × 6.5" × 3" | Up to 3 lbs | Children, small adults, partial ashes |
| Large | 11.5" × 8.5" × 3.5" | Up to 6 lbs | Most adults |
A Simple Rule
When in doubt, go one size up. It's better to have extra space than to worry about fitting everything.
Third Question: All at Once, or Share?
Many families don't realize they have options beyond a single ceremony. You can:
Option A: One Ceremony, One Urn
All ashes go in one urn for a single ceremony. This is the most common choice—simple, meaningful, complete.
Option B: Share Among Family Members
Divide the ashes so multiple loved ones can each hold a portion. This is especially meaningful when:
- Family members live far apart
- Several people shared a close bond with the deceased
- You want both a ceremony AND a keepsake at home
How families typically share:
- One Large or Medium urn for the main water ceremony
- Two or three Small urns for family members to keep at home
Option C: Ceremony + Keepsake
Many families choose to scatter most of the ashes in a meaningful place while keeping a small portion at home in a keepsake urn.
This offers the best of both worlds:
- A ceremony of release and return to nature
- A physical presence that stays with you
Fourth Question: Do I Need a Certificate?
If you're planning a cruise ship ceremony, the answer is likely yes.
Most cruise lines now require a Certificate of Biodegradability—a document proving your urn is made from eco-friendly materials that won't harm the ocean.
Every Pachamama urn includes this certificate with your order. You can print it or show it digitally to Guest Services.
If you're scattering from a private boat, beach, or at a lake, a certificate typically isn't required—but it's reassuring to have for your own peace of mind.
What's Included with Every Pachamama Urn
You're not just receiving an urn. Each Pachamama kit includes:
- Handcrafted biodegradable urn with paper flower
- Biodegradable ashes bag (dissolves in 1-2 minutes)
- Step-by-step ceremony guide
- Dried flower petals for scattering
- Curated music playlist (via QR code)
- Certificate of Biodegradability (for cruise ships)
Everything arrives ready to use. No assembly, no confusion—just a gentle container for a sacred moment.
Still Not Sure? Here Are the Most Common Scenarios
"My mother loved the ocean. She wanted her ashes scattered at sea."
→ Large Water Urn (or Medium if she was petite)
"Dad passed, and my three siblings each want some ashes."
→ 1 Large Water Urn for the ceremony + 3 Small Urns for each sibling
"We're taking a cruise and want to scatter Grandma's ashes."
→ Medium or Large Water Urn (comes with Certificate of Biodegradability)
"I want to bury my husband's ashes in our garden and plant flowers."
→ Large Earth Burial Urn with Wildflower Seeds
"My wife was small, only 110 pounds."
→ Medium Water Urn (holds up to 3 lbs, plenty of space)
"We're only scattering part of the ashes. Keeping the rest at home."
→ Small or Medium Water Urn for ceremony + Keepsake Urn for home
"It's for an infant."
→ Small Urn (with love and gentleness)
Choosing the Flower Color
Our water urns come adorned with a handcrafted paper flower in soft, natural colors. While the color doesn't change the function, many families choose one that holds meaning:
| Color | Families often choose this for... |
|---|---|
| White | Peace, purity, a classic farewell |
| Ivory/Cream | Warmth, softness, elegance |
| Soft Pink | Mothers, grandmothers, gentle souls |
| Lavender | Grace, devotion, those who loved purple |
| Blue | Ocean lovers, calm spirits, fathers |
There's no wrong choice. Choose what feels like them.
Timeline: When Should I Order?
I recommend ordering at least 5-7 days before your ceremony to allow for shipping and a small buffer.
If you're traveling for a cruise or destination ceremony, order earlier—10-14 days—so the urn arrives before you leave.
Need it sooner? Contact us at hello@pachamamatributes.com. We do our best to accommodate urgent requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size urn to get?
Most adults need a Large urn (holds up to 6 lbs). If your loved one was petite (under 150 lbs), a Medium may be sufficient. When in doubt, choose one size larger—extra space is better than not enough.
Can I put all the ashes in one urn and still keep some at home?
Yes. Many families use a Large or Medium urn for the main ceremony and keep a small portion of ashes in a separate keepsake urn at home.
What's the difference between water and earth burial urns?
Water urns float briefly, then sink and dissolve. Earth urns are buried in soil, decompose over weeks, and release wildflower seeds. Choose based on where your loved one will rest.
Do I need a biodegradability certificate?
For cruise ships, usually yes. For private ceremonies at the beach, lake, or from a boat, typically not required. We include a certificate with every urn just in case.
How long does a biodegradable urn float?
Our water urns float for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before gently sinking. This gives families a meaningful moment to watch and reflect.
Can I travel with the urn on an airplane?
We recommend traveling with ashes in a temporary container and transferring them to the urn at your destination. Our urns are delicate and designed for the ceremony, not for baggage handling.
What if I'm not sure which urn is right?
Email us at hello@pachamamatributes.com. We're here to help you choose with care and without pressure.
This Decision Matters—But It Doesn't Have to Be Hard
Choosing an urn can feel heavy because it represents something profound: the final physical act of honoring someone you love.
But the truth is, there's no wrong choice. A meaningful ceremony isn't about having the perfect urn—it's about showing up with love, presence, and intention.
The urn is simply a container. You bring the meaning.
If you're still uncertain, reach out. I'm here to help you find what feels right—not to sell you something, but to walk beside you in this tender moment.
With warmth,
Virginia