Ash Containers for Cremated Remains: Types and How to Choose

An "ash container" broadly refers to any vessel designed to hold cremated remains — from the simple temporary container provided by a crematorium, through to permanent urns, keepsakes, and cremation jewellery. Choosing the right one comes down to how much capacity you need and what the ashes' long-term home will be.

Types of ash containers, from temporary to permanent

  • Temporary containers — provided by the crematorium immediately after cremation; functional rather than decorative, and not usually intended as a long-term solution.
  • Permanent urns — the main long-term vessel for a full set of ashes, available across every material and style.
  • Keepsake containers — smaller vessels for a portion of ashes, suited to sharing among family.
  • Wearable containers — cremation jewellery, holding a very small amount close to the body.
  • Scattering containers or tubes — designed specifically to make scattering ashes easier and more controlled.

How to choose the right ash container

  1. Decide on the ashes' long-term plan — burial, niche placement, home display, or scattering — as this affects which container type suits best.
  2. Confirm the required capacity in litres, based on who the container is for.
  3. Choose a material and style that feels right for your family and the intended setting.
  4. Consider whether multiple containers are needed, for example if ashes will be divided among family members.

Buying an ash container in Australia

See our guide on where to buy cremation urns in Australia for a full overview of where to shop, and our full urns collection to browse the complete range.

It's fine to use more than one type

Many families end up using several types of ash container across a single memorial — for example, a permanent urn for the main portion, a keepsake for a sibling, and jewellery for a spouse. There's no rule requiring a single container type, and choosing a combination that suits each family member individually is entirely normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an 'ash container'?

Any vessel designed to hold cremated remains — including temporary crematorium containers, permanent urns, keepsakes, jewellery, and scattering tubes.

Do I have to transfer ashes out of the temporary container?

There's no strict requirement or deadline, though most families do transfer ashes into a permanent urn or chosen container at some point, whenever feels right.

How do I choose the right type of ash container?

Start by deciding the ashes' long-term plan (burial, display, niche, or scattering), then confirm the capacity needed and choose a material and style that suits.

Can I use more than one type of ash container for the same person?

Yes, many families combine a main urn with keepsakes or jewellery for different family members — there's no rule requiring just one container type.

At Premium Urns, we help Australian families find a memorial that feels right, without any pressure. Explore our full range of cremation urns online, or get in touch with our team if you'd like a hand choosing.

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