How to Personalize a Cremation Urn
Jill Darby 
A former colleague of mine once asked the question, “You wouldn’t purchase a grave marker without a name and set of dates so why would you buy a cremation urn that doesn’t have the person’s name and dates?”
This question has stuck with me through the years as I am a firm believer in personalization when memorializing the life of a loved one – especially with a cremation urn. My assumption is you are reading this blog because you share a similar belief.
Personalization has the power to transform a basic receptacle into a one-of-a-kind tribute. While a basic urn that is solely intended to house cremated remains may be adequate, one that reflects the deceased’s character is a true representation of a person’s life story.
Whether you are reading this blog because you are interested in a simple engraved urn or one that is fully customized, having some general knowledge will ensure you are pleased with the final product.
Below is some useful information regarding how to personalize a cremation urn.
The Basics of Customization
Art galleries are full of paintings and not blank canvases. A canvas is the instrument that allows the artist to express their feelings and create something entirely unique.
You can think of the urn as a canvas to express your emotions about the individual being commemorated.
Just as an artist has a palette of colors, you have a palette of personalization options available to you.
Standard Engraving
A personalized urn usually includes some form of engraving and generally follows this standard format:
Line 1: Name(s) of Deceased
Line 2: Date(s) of Birth and Death
Line 3: Words of Endearment
It’s also common for the words “In Memory Of” or “In Loving Memory” to be inscribed above the person’s name.
If you will be purchasing a companion or dual capacity urn that commemorates two individuals the layout may slightly differ from the traditional layout.
Font Type
You will most likely be given the choice of a couple different font types. Legibility and style are the most important factors to consider when making this decision.
Basic fonts are the most common and easiest read. Script and italicized text can have more eye appeal but might not be legible as others.
When it comes to style, it’s all about your taste. Thinking about whether you want a modern, classic, or minimalist font is a good place to start.
Fonts can also be selected with a person’s personality in mind. For example, a formal font would be more fitting for someone who was very serious than it would be for a light-hearted person.
Some of the more popular fonts are:
- Arial – clean, easy to read, and considered a safe choice
- Raleway Italic – professional, yet has a little personality
- Times New Roman – an “older” style, very recognizable
- Souvenir – friendly, soft, and undemanding
- Lydian – offers a handwritten, calligraphic feel
- Murray Hill – delicate and elegant
Words of Endearment
You will need to decide whether the engraving will include words of endearment. Carefully chosen sentiments are a meaningful way to offer a glimpse into a person’s life.
An urn typically has enough space for up to 5 to 7 words, depending on its size and design. A companion urn will likely have room for a few additional descriptive words.
These short inscriptions vary greatly. You may prefer a simple tribute or a more specific one that reflects a person’s religious affiliations, familial relations, or military service.
Below is short list of regularly used words of endearment:
- In loving memory
- In God’s care
- Gone but not forgotten
- Loving mother (father, sister, brother, etc.)
- Rest in peace
- Forever in our heart
Specialized Urn Customization
There are several things you should know about the more individualized types of customization offerings.
Photos
An urn that showcases a favorite photo(s) allows a loved one’s memory to be preserved for years to come.
Before purchasing an urn that features any type of printed imagery, you will want to confirm its overall durability and make certain that the image will maintain its appearance over time.
If you are looking for the ultimate in personalization and superior quality, Trigard offers solid bronze portrait and collage-style photo urns in Brilliant Impressions® and traditional oxide. Wood photo urns are also available.
Regardless of how the picture will be incorporated into the urn, there are a few guidelines to follow when picking out a photo.
- Select a high-resolution image that isn’t dark or blurry
- If possible, choose a picture that was taken on an actual camera rather than a smartphone
- Never use a screenshot (even if it appears clear and vibrant)
- Original photos are preferred over copied and scanned images
Emblems
An emblem can be added to most any urn that can be personalized. Don’t be surprised if you are given literally hundreds of designs to choose from.
Emblems are usually broken down into categories such as religion, hobbies/interests, military, animals, and music. Reflecting on special memories and time spent with the deceased may be helpful if you are having trouble narrowing down your choices.
If you find an emblem online that you like, don’t hesitate to ask if it can be used. Or, if you wish to design one yourself that may be possible as well.
Medallions
Remembrance medallions can sometimes be added to the front of an urn to add value and enhance its beauty.
If you have selected a Trigard urn, the medallion will be made from solid bronze and come in either full color or oxide. These decorative enhancements can also be made from other materials such as ceramic or resin.
A medallion that features a detailed rendition of a loved one’s likeness or signifies military service makes a profound statement. They are elegant, timeless, and dignified.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to honor a loved one with a personalized urn is a caring choice that will allow their legacy to live on.
To ensure you are happy with the final product, always request a proof of the urn. If its appearance doesn’t meet your expectations you can always make changes and request a revision.
There is no greater satisfaction than receiving the finished product that was designed with your vision and love.
Looking for unique personalized urns for your loved ones or yourself? Find a local Trigard urn dealer to have us create a custom urn with a personality to match.
Jill Darby
Jill is a member of the Marketing Team and copywriter for Trigard Memorials and all affiliated Greenwood Inc. companies. She grew up in the funeral industry, as her family owned funeral homes in the Midwest. After graduating from Miami University, Ohio in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Jill worked in sales and customer relations for a global funeral product manufacturer. Her experience also includes merchandising, cemetery operations, and aftercare. Jill and her husband, Rich enjoy spending time with family, traveling, watching college basketball, and spoiling their 5 grandchildren.
4 responses to “How to Personalize a Cremation Urn”
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Can an urn be engraved with the ashes in it
This is a really good question. In most cases, an urn is engraved before the cremated remains (ashes) are placed inside it. If you are interested in having an urn engraved, I recommend contacting the funeral home or company you purchased the urn from. They should be able to explain your options and guide you in the right direction.
We purchased the urn before and gave it to the funeral home. We forgot to have it engraved. Can we do it now after the remains are in it?
Hi Christine, Thanks for reaching out. I suggest contacting the company where you purchased the urn. It can likely still be engraved, but your loved one’s cremated remains will probably need to be temporarily removed beforehand. Hopefully, your request can be accommodated. Take care, Jill