An NFDA report shows that the U.S. cremation rate is projected to rise by 20.9% between 2023 and 2045.

Many people prefer cremation for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility when planning a memorial. If your loved one’s final wish was to be cremated, you might find yourself wondering about the best things to keep ashes in. Storing ashes in a special way offers a lasting tribute and helps keep their memory alive.

Exploring different memorial options gives you the chance to find one that feels right for you. You may wish to find a memorial that honors their spirit and brings peace to your heart. Keep reading to discover seven beautiful memorials to store your loved one’s ashes with care.

1. Custom Ceramic Urns

Many families choose custom ceramic urns for their timeless appearance and their ability to blend well with home decor. Whether shaped like a vase, sculpture, or simple jar, unique ceramic urns offer both durability and elegance.

Some styles even reflect nature, taking the form of a tree trunk, stone, or ocean wave. Skilled artisans handcraft these pieces, often allowing for custom:

• Colors
• Finishes
• Inscriptions
• Symbols
• Glaze textures

These urns can rest on a mantel, shelf, or personal altar, offering a lasting tribute in your home. For reliable cremation services, consider Lone Star Cremation. We can help your family choose a meaningful memorial that reflects your loved one’s spirit with care and respect.

2. Glass Memorial Orbs

Glass artists have developed a stunning way to incorporate small portions of ashes into blown-glass orbs. These glowing, colorful spheres shimmer with light and emotion. Each orb is handcrafted, and no two are alike.

While they don’t store the entire remains, they are powerful memorial vessels for a symbolic portion of ashes. Some orbs rest on stands, while others can hang by a window to catch the sun.

You may choose a color that matches your loved one’s favorite hue or reflects their personality–gentle blue, vibrant red, or calm green. They double as pieces of art and conversation starters, bringing warmth and meaning to any room.

3. Jewelry for Ash Storage

Cremation jewelry gives you a way to carry your loved one wherever you go and may include:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Lockets
• Keychains

Each piece can hold a tiny amount of ashes inside a small, sealed compartment, offering comfort and connection. Many designs look like ordinary jewelry but hold deep meaning for those who wear them. You can choose shapes such as feathers, teardrops, or even have a fingerprint engraved for a more personal touch.

Cremation keepsakes like these are perfect if you want something discreet yet powerful. Some families choose matching pieces to create a shared memorial, giving everyone a symbol of unity and remembrance that lasts for years to come.

4. Biodegradable Burial Pods

If you prefer a natural approach, consider biodegradable pods, as these special containers let you bury ashes:

• Under a tree
• Beneath a flower bed
• In a memorial garden
• Along a forest path
• Near a favorite outdoor spot

Over time, ash containers like these break down naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new growth. Some include seeds, allowing you to plant a tree or flower as part of the tribute.

Many people find comfort in knowing their loved one helps give life to something new. Biodegradable pods suit green cemeteries or home memorial spaces, offering a peaceful way to honor a life and care for the earth.

5. Decorative Wall Memorials

For a more modern take, many families choose wall-mounted memorials that blend beauty with purpose. These pieces are crafted to look like art while including a hidden space to hold ashes.

Materials often include:

• Wood
• Metal
• Stone
• Acrylic
• Glass

Each design can feature engraved names, birth and passing dates, favorite quotes, or meaningful symbols. Personalized memorials like these offer a subtle and stylish way to remember someone without setting up a traditional urn.

Wall displays work well in homes with limited space, neutral decor, or a minimalist layout. They let you honor your loved one in a quiet, dignified way that feels both intimate and modern.

6. Stuffed Animals with Ash Compartments

Children and even adults sometimes find comfort in softer, more tender forms of remembrance. Specially designed stuffed animals can hold a small portion of ashes inside a secure, zippered pouch hidden within.

They feel warm and comforting, especially during quiet moments or times of grief. These huggable keepsakes provide a physical sense of closeness when emotional support is needed most. Families often personalize these keepsakes by adding:

• Names
• Birthdates
• Special colors
• Personal messages
• Embroidered symbols

Each detail helps create a more meaningful and comforting tribute that reflects the loved one’s memory. Though less traditional, these memorials are profoundly personal and ideal for those who value warmth, comfort, and a more intimate connection to their loved one.

7. Floating Water Memorials

For those who felt a deep connection to the sea, lakes, or rivers, a water-based memorial may feel most meaningful. Floating urns are specially designed to dissolve slowly, allowing ashes to release gently during a farewell ceremony.

Family members often gather at a calm waterfront location to:

• Reflect
• Share memories
• Release the urn together
• Offer prayers or blessings
• Play meaningful songs

Each action helps create a peaceful and personal farewell surrounded by nature’s calming presence. Each floating urn is crafted to remain steady on the water’s surface for a few minutes before gradually sinking and breaking down. The ceremony creates a quiet, respectful goodbye–one that honors your loved one’s spirit and love for the water.

Meaningful Things to Keep Ashes In for Lasting Tribute

Choosing the right things to keep ashes in is an important part of honoring your loved one’s memory. From classic urns to modern keepsakes and nature-inspired memorials, each option offers a unique way to preserve their spirit. Exploring different designs can help you find something that brings both comfort and meaning to your family.

Founded in 2004, we at Lone Star Cremation bring over two decades of experience helping families like yours. You can complete everything online in under 20 minutes. Let us guide you through this process with respect, simplicity, and heartfelt support.

An NFDA report shows that the U.S. cremation rate is projected to rise by 20.9% between 2023 and 2045.

Many people prefer cremation for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility when planning a memorial. If your loved one’s final wish was to be cremated, you might find yourself wondering about the best things to keep ashes in. Storing ashes in a special way offers a lasting tribute and helps keep their memory alive.

Exploring different memorial options gives you the chance to find one that feels right for you. You may wish to find a memorial that honors their spirit and brings peace to your heart. Keep reading to discover seven beautiful memorials to store your loved one’s ashes with care.

1. Custom Ceramic Urns

Many families choose custom ceramic urns for their timeless appearance and their ability to blend well with home decor. Whether shaped like a vase, sculpture, or simple jar, unique ceramic urns offer both durability and elegance.

Some styles even reflect nature, taking the form of a tree trunk, stone, or ocean wave. Skilled artisans handcraft these pieces, often allowing for custom:

• Colors
• Finishes
• Inscriptions
• Symbols
• Glaze textures

These urns can rest on a mantel, shelf, or personal altar, offering a lasting tribute in your home. For reliable cremation services, consider Lone Star Cremation. We can help your family choose a meaningful memorial that reflects your loved one’s spirit with care and respect.

2. Glass Memorial Orbs

Glass artists have developed a stunning way to incorporate small portions of ashes into blown-glass orbs. These glowing, colorful spheres shimmer with light and emotion. Each orb is handcrafted, and no two are alike.

While they don’t store the entire remains, they are powerful memorial vessels for a symbolic portion of ashes. Some orbs rest on stands, while others can hang by a window to catch the sun.

You may choose a color that matches your loved one’s favorite hue or reflects their personality–gentle blue, vibrant red, or calm green. They double as pieces of art and conversation starters, bringing warmth and meaning to any room.

3. Jewelry for Ash Storage

Cremation jewelry gives you a way to carry your loved one wherever you go and may include:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Lockets
• Keychains

Each piece can hold a tiny amount of ashes inside a small, sealed compartment, offering comfort and connection. Many designs look like ordinary jewelry but hold deep meaning for those who wear them. You can choose shapes such as feathers, teardrops, or even have a fingerprint engraved for a more personal touch.

Cremation keepsakes like these are perfect if you want something discreet yet powerful. Some families choose matching pieces to create a shared memorial, giving everyone a symbol of unity and remembrance that lasts for years to come.

4. Biodegradable Burial Pods

If you prefer a natural approach, consider biodegradable pods, as these special containers let you bury ashes:

• Under a tree
• Beneath a flower bed
• In a memorial garden
• Along a forest path
• Near a favorite outdoor spot

Over time, ash containers like these break down naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new growth. Some include seeds, allowing you to plant a tree or flower as part of the tribute.

Many people find comfort in knowing their loved one helps give life to something new. Biodegradable pods suit green cemeteries or home memorial spaces, offering a peaceful way to honor a life and care for the earth.

5. Decorative Wall Memorials

For a more modern take, many families choose wall-mounted memorials that blend beauty with purpose. These pieces are crafted to look like art while including a hidden space to hold ashes.

Materials often include:

• Wood
• Metal
• Stone
• Acrylic
• Glass

Each design can feature engraved names, birth and passing dates, favorite quotes, or meaningful symbols. Personalized memorials like these offer a subtle and stylish way to remember someone without setting up a traditional urn.

Wall displays work well in homes with limited space, neutral decor, or a minimalist layout. They let you honor your loved one in a quiet, dignified way that feels both intimate and modern.

6. Stuffed Animals with Ash Compartments

Children and even adults sometimes find comfort in softer, more tender forms of remembrance. Specially designed stuffed animals can hold a small portion of ashes inside a secure, zippered pouch hidden within.

They feel warm and comforting, especially during quiet moments or times of grief. These huggable keepsakes provide a physical sense of closeness when emotional support is needed most. Families often personalize these keepsakes by adding:

• Names
• Birthdates
• Special colors
• Personal messages
• Embroidered symbols

Each detail helps create a more meaningful and comforting tribute that reflects the loved one’s memory. Though less traditional, these memorials are profoundly personal and ideal for those who value warmth, comfort, and a more intimate connection to their loved one.

7. Floating Water Memorials

For those who felt a deep connection to the sea, lakes, or rivers, a water-based memorial may feel most meaningful. Floating urns are specially designed to dissolve slowly, allowing ashes to release gently during a farewell ceremony.

Family members often gather at a calm waterfront location to:

• Reflect
• Share memories
• Release the urn together
• Offer prayers or blessings
• Play meaningful songs

Each action helps create a peaceful and personal farewell surrounded by nature’s calming presence. Each floating urn is crafted to remain steady on the water’s surface for a few minutes before gradually sinking and breaking down. The ceremony creates a quiet, respectful goodbye–one that honors your loved one’s spirit and love for the water.

Meaningful Things to Keep Ashes In for Lasting Tribute

Choosing the right things to keep ashes in is an important part of honoring your loved one’s memory. From classic urns to modern keepsakes and nature-inspired memorials, each option offers a unique way to preserve their spirit. Exploring different designs can help you find something that brings both comfort and meaning to your family.

Founded in 2004, we at Lone Star Cremation bring over two decades of experience helping families like yours. You can complete everything online in under 20 minutes. Let us guide you through this process with respect, simplicity, and heartfelt support.

After cremation, where does the urn go?

Many families choose to bury the urn. This is handled much like a traditional burial, but in a smaller space. The urn is placed into a protective vault, buried, and marked with a headstone.

Others choose to scatter the ashes. This can be a lovely gesture, sending your loved one’s remains “back to the earth” with a simple scattering ceremony.

But often families will keep the urn

At the Cemetery: Mausoleum, Columbarium, Niche

These three terms—mausoleum, columbarium, and niche—usually refer to the same thing: a compartment in which to store an urn.

A mausoleum is any building in which cremated remains are stored. Mausoleums are generally a part of a funeral home or cemetery.

A columbarium is a structure with small spaces for placement of urns or other approved containers. It may be outdoors, as its own building, or as a separate wing of a mausoleum.

A columbarium niche is exactly what it sounds like: a small compartment for holding a cremation urn, usually one of many on a wall in a columbarium. Sometimes a niche can have a glass door, so that the urn can be visibly displayed; more often, the niches are designed along the lines of a decorative safety deposit box with a metal door for permanent storage of the urn.

If you are placing the urn in a niche, be sure to find out the exact dimensions of the urn vault or niche before you purchase a cremation urn. Many of our urns here or at Urns Northwest will fit into standard columbarium urn niches, and some can be modified to fit.

At Home: Traditional & Creative Options

Urns can be stored or displayed at home; for storage in an out-of-the-way location such as a closet or drawer you can use the box provided from the crematorium, or choose a simple and affordable urn from our wide selection. We have many urns that don’t look like urns to help expand your display options.

As you consider how to create a memorial space in your home, be aware of the size restrictions for where you want to display the urn. Make sure to choose an urn with a fitting design that will honor the individual no matter where the urn is placed.

Here are some places to display or store the urn at home:

• Fireplace mantle
• Bookshelf
• Display cabinet
• Bedside table
• Dresser
• Dedicated memorial room
• Floating shelf
• Closet
• Cabinet
• Bay window*

*Note: Exposure to sunlight can warp or damage wooden urns, and may discolor other types of materials.

If your loved one’s final resting place is in a columbarium niche but you would still like to have something to display in honor of the memory of your loved one, we offer small keepsake urns to hold a tiny amount of remains. These are ideal for display in a wide variety of places, such as a fireplace mantle, a bookshelf, or end table, while remaining small and unobtrusive.

Read Next: 25 Weird and Unusual Things to Do with Ashes

March 24, 2025

Funerals are an emotionally challenging time, and floral arrangements play a crucial role in expressing condolences, offering comfort, and honoring the memory of the deceased. Whether you are planning a tribute or selecting flowers to send, the arrangement you choose can convey sentiments of sympathy, remembrance, and love. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the selection process thoughtfully and respectfully. Understand the Purpose of Funeral Flowers Funeral flowers have long been associated with expressing sympathy, love, and reverence for the deceased. They provide a visual representation of the support and empathy being extended to grieving families. Floral arrangements can also enhance the atmosphere, offering a sense of peace, comfort, and beauty amidst sorrow. When selecting funeral flowers, think about the emotions you wish to convey. A well-chosen arrangement can serve as a tribute to the life of the deceased and a source of solace for those mourning. Types of Funeral Floral Arrangements There are various floral arrangements, each serving a distinct purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options: Casket Sprays: Typically placed directly on the casket, these large, elegant arrangements are often the most prominent floral tribute. They can be designed in various colors and styles, including traditional or more contemporary themes. Standing Sprays: These arrangements are often displayed at the front of the ceremony or in a prominent location and are typically mounted on an easel. Wreaths: Circular in shape, wreaths symbolize eternity and the circle of life. They can be placed near the casket or at the memorial site. Wreaths are particularly popular for religious ceremonies. Sympathy Bouquets and Basket Arrangements: These smaller arrangements are often sent directly to the family’s home after the funeral. Funeral Crosses: These floral arrangements take the shape of a cross, providing a religious and solemn tribute. Selecting Flowers for the Arrangement The type of flowers chosen for a funeral arrangement can add another layer of meaning. Some flowers have traditional associations with funerals and carry symbolic meanings that make them particularly appropriate for these occasions. Lilies: Often regarded as a symbol of the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased, lilies are a popular choice for funerals. They convey purity and peace. Roses: Different colors of roses convey different meanings. Red roses symbolize love and respect, while white roses represent purity, innocence, and reverence. Yellow roses can symbolize friendship, making them a thoughtful choice for someone who was a dear friend. Chrysanthemums: Particularly popular in many cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize death and are often associated with the honor and remembrance of the deceased. Carnations: Known for their long-lasting qualities, carnations are often used in funeral arrangements to symbolize love and remembrance. Red carnations are associated with admiration, while white carnations represent a love that is eternal. Orchids: An elegant choice, orchids are often associated with beauty, strength, and love. They are a fitting tribute to someone whose beauty or strength left a lasting impression. Daisies: Known for their simplicity and purity, daisies symbolize innocence and are often chosen for someone who led a kind and pure life. Color Choices The color of the flowers can convey different sentiments. Generally, soft pastel tones such as white, pale pink, lavender, and soft yellow are seen as respectful and peaceful. Darker hues like deep reds, purples, or burgundy can symbolize deeper emotions of mourning and respect. Consider the emotional tone you wish to set when selecting the color scheme. White and Light Colors: These colors are symbolic of purity, innocence, and peace. They are ideal for creating a calming, reflective atmosphere. Rich Colors: Darker flowers like deep reds and purples are more somber and convey respect, admiration, and heartfelt mourning. Mixed Colors: A mix of colors can be used to celebrate the life and personality of the deceased, particularly if they enjoy vibrant colors. Selecting funeral flowers is a meaningful way to show respect and offer comfort during a time of loss. When choosing an arrangement, think about the message you want to convey and the emotions you wish to express. From elegant lilies and roses to more personalized arrangements, flowers provide a beautiful tribute to the deceased and a heartfelt gesture for grieving families. Whether you opt for traditional arrangements like casket sprays and wreaths or choose simpler options like sympathy bouquets, your selection can help honor a life lived and provide solace to those mourning the loss. Thoughtfully chosen funeral flowers will offer comfort during one of life’s most challenging moments.