Urn Size Guide
Which Urn Size Is Right for Your Ceremony?
Choosing the right size is one of the first decisions families face. This guide will help you feel confident in your choice. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@pachamamatributes.com. We're here to help.
Our Three Sizes at a Glance
Large Urn (Adult)
Dimensions: 11.5" x 8.5" x 3.5"
Capacity: Up to 6 lbs of ashes
Best for: A full adult ceremony. This size holds the complete cremated remains of most adults and is our most popular choice for water burial and cruise ship ceremonies.
Medium Urn (Child)
\nDimensions: 8.5" x 6.5" x 3"
Capacity: Up to 3 lbs of ashes
Best for: A child, a partial amount of adult ashes, or families who plan to share ashes among loved ones with the remaining portion in a Large urn for the main ceremony.
Small Urn (Infant or Small Pet)
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4" x 1.5"
Capacity: 8 to 10 ounces of ashes
Best for: An infant, a small pet under 15 pounds, or a keepsake portion of ashes. Many families order several Small urns so that children, siblings, or close friends can each have their own moment of farewell.
How Much Ash Do I Need to Set Aside?
\nThe average adult produces approximately 5 to 7 pounds of cremated remains. If you're planning a single ceremony with all the ashes, the Large urn is the right choice. If you'd like to divide the ashes among family members, many families choose one Large urn for the main ceremony and two or three Small urns for individual farewells.
\nSharing Ashes Among Family Members
\nIt's common and completely natural to share ashes. Some families hold one ceremony together. Others give each person a Small urn to scatter in a place that was meaningful to their loved one, whether that's a favorite lake, beach, garden, or simply a quiet spot they cherished. There is no wrong way to do this. Read our complete guide to sharing ashes for more ideas.
\nHow Long Does the Urn Float?
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All three sizes float between 30 seconds and 2 minutes before gently beginning their journey downward. Float time may vary depending on wind, tides, water movement, and the specific environment. This brief moment on the water gives families a beautiful, peaceful visual as they say their final farewell.
\nEvery Size Includes
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- Biodegradable ash bag (pre-installed inside the urn) \n
- Handcrafted tissue paper flower \n
- Certificate of Biodegradability (USDA BioPreferred®) \n
- Step-by-step ceremony guide \n
- Free US shipping \n
Frequently Asked Questions
\nWhat if I'm not sure how much ash I have?
\nThe funeral home or crematory can tell you the exact weight. If you don't have that information, the Large urn is the safest choice for a full adult ceremony.
\nCan I use the Large urn with a partial amount of ashes?
\nYes. The urn works beautifully whether it's completely full or partially filled. The float time and dissolve process are the same.
\nDo you offer a size for very large adults?
\nOur Large urn accommodates the vast majority of adults. For individuals over 250 lbs, the cremated remains may slightly exceed 6 lbs. In those cases, families often use one Large urn plus one Small urn. Contact us if you'd like guidance.
\nWhich size is right for a pet?
\nFor small pets under 15 pounds (cats, small dogs), the Small urn is the right choice. For larger pets, consider the Medium urn. We also offer our breed-specific 3D-printed pet memorial urns for keeping at home.
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