Water Urns vs Land Urns: Choosing the Right Urn for the Location
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A water urn is specifically designed to float briefly then dissolve, making it suited to sea or lake scattering ceremonies, while a land urn (which includes most traditional and biodegradable options) is designed for burial or ground placement. Choosing between them mainly comes down to where the ceremony will take place.
Side-by-side comparison
| Water urns | Land urns | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Floating briefly, then dissolving in water | Ground burial or garden placement |
| Materials | Water-soluble paper, salt, or biodegradable compounds | Biodegradable timber composites, bamboo, cornstarch |
| Typical setting | Sea, lake, or river scattering ceremony | Memorial garden, tree planting, or family plot |
Choosing a water urn
Water urns are designed to be placed gently on the water's surface, where they float briefly before dissolving and releasing the ashes. They're a beautiful, ceremonial option for families planning a scattering at sea, a lake, or a river. See our full guide to water urns for sea scattering.
Choosing a land urn
Land-based biodegradable urns are designed to break down in soil over time, and are often paired with a tree planting as a living memorial. See our guide on how tree urns work if this appeals to your family.
Choosing the right one for your plans
If your ceremony is happening on or near water, a purpose-built water urn will handle the occasion far more gracefully than a standard urn. If you're planning a burial or tree planting on land, a land-based biodegradable urn is the appropriate choice instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a water urn for a land burial?
Water urns are specifically designed to dissolve in water and aren't intended for ground burial; a land-based biodegradable urn is the better choice for that purpose.
How long does a water urn float before it sinks?
This varies by design, but most water urns are designed to float for several minutes before gently dissolving and releasing the ashes.
Can a land urn be used for water scattering instead?
It's not recommended, as land urns aren't designed to dissolve in water and may not release the ashes cleanly or break down appropriately in that setting.
At Premium Urns, we help Australian families find a memorial that feels right, without any pressure. Explore our water and ocean urns online, or get in touch with our team if you'd like a hand choosing.
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