What is a Burial Urn?

What is a Burial Urn?

Burial cremation urn options for you to consider

A common misconception is that cremation and burial are mutually exclusive options. Many people think that if a loved one chooses cremation, their remains must be scattered or kept in an urn on display. But in reality, cremated remains can also be buried just as traditional casketed remains are.


This post will explore the option of burial urns and how they can be incorporated into a burial service.


What are burial urns?

A burial urn is a container specifically designed to hold cremated remains for burial. These urns act like a casket of sorts and can be buried in a traditional cemetery plot, cremation garden, or even kept at home. The main concern with burying cremated remains has to do with pollution. You don't want to bury plastic or other materials that could potentially leach harmful chemicals into the ground.


As such, it is essential to use a burial urn that is biodegradable or can withstand being buried without polluting.


Choosing a burial urn

At Oaktree, we offer several options for burial urns. Our marble options provide elegance and durability, while our wood urns offer a more natural look. These urns of the Madison, Hudson, and Bleecker lines can be buried directly into the ground. However, all of our burial urns can also be kept in a vault to protect them from the elements.


Pick a design

The first step in choosing a cremation urn is to consider the design. Do you want a traditional rectangular shape or perhaps something more unique, like a nature-inspired sculpture? Our designs are modern and aesthetically pleasing. With various colors and styles to choose from, you will surely find the perfect urn for ashes.


Personalization options

In addition to choosing a design, you may also want to personalize the urn with engravings or artwork. At Oaktree Memorials, we offer laser engraving on our marble and wood urns. This allows you to add a special message to the urn. We have a handful of fonts available, but we can also work with you to create a custom design.


Size considerations

It is also important to consider the size of the urn. Each pound before cremation typically requires one cubic inch of space in the urn. However, if you would like to keep some of the remains separate (such as burying a portion and keeping another part at home), you may want to choose an urn with more space.


Price

When it comes to price, burial urns can range greatly. It largely depends on the material and personalization options chosen. At Oaktree Memorials, our urns range from $165 to $945 and everything in between. We wanted to accommodate various budgets and preferences, so we offer a range of choices.


Final thoughts

The end of life is never easy, but burying a loved one can bring comfort and closure. With the freedom to decide the kind of ceremony to honor them, burial urns provide the option to have a traditional burial, even with cremation. Gather some friends at the deceased's favorite nature spot or say goodbye at a family plot in a cemetery; the choice is yours.


If you have any questions about our burial urns or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help during this difficult time.

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FAQs

What are the shipping options for my memorial?

Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.

How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?

Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.

What do I do if I never received my order?

If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.

Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?

Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.

How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?

If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.

How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?

Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.

How do I choose the right urn size?

Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.

Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?

Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.

Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?

Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.

How do I transfer ashes into my urn?

Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.

How do I order an engraved urn?

To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.

Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?

Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.

Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?

Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.

What materials are Oaktree urns made from?

Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.

Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?

Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.

Can I pre-order an urn for future use?

Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.

Do you offer pet urns?

Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.

How do I clean and maintain my urn?

Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.

Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?

Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.

How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.