We all grieve differently, and keeping the ashes outside can be an excellent choice for some people. It may also be the wish of the one who passed away. Keeping the ashes in a lovely outdoor space can give the loved one a sense of connection and allow them to be at one with nature.
We will now look at different options that might be best for you.
Choosing The Right Urn
This is key to keeping the ashes safe outside. It will also depend on where they are going outside. You want the urn to be weather-resistant and able to withstand the elements.
Different Materials
Stone Urns
Stone urns are the most popular choice, known for their durability and integration with nature. They don’t require much maintenance, and depending on your preference, many different stone options exist.
- Granite - We all know granite is one of the strongest stones available. It is very weather-resistant and will likely never need anything done to it. Different colours are available for these, meaning you can personalize them.
- Marble is another excellent choice that can look elegant. It's not quite as durable as granite, but it should still be okay in most outdoor conditions.
- Sandstone - These look more rustic and at one with nature. These can fit in very easily with garden aesthetics, depending on the look of your garden. They may need maintenance over the years, such as adding a sealant.
Metal Urns
Metal urns can look amazing in the right setting. They are also less likely to crack or break than other materials. If you wanted something custom-made with artwork, e.g., flowers, or if they loved gardening, then a metal urn could be the way to go.
- Bronze - These are likely more expensive than other metals, but they will age well and create a beautiful patina over time. Think of the statues that you see in streets that people take photographs with. Where people have touched them a lot over the years, the colour changes, which can enhance their appeal.
- Stainless Steel - Known for being strong and durable. Your kitchen sink is likely made out of this, and it is exposed to water and other chemicals on a daily basis. This makes it ideal for outdoor use.
- Aluminum - These will be lightweight but durable. They are often coated with a protective finish, which helps keep them resistant to the elements. Aluminium is also easy to shape and design.
Ceramic Urns
Certain urns, in terms of appearance, resemble sandstone urns. People choose these because they are very versatile.
- Terracotta - This has a lovely, warm appearance that fits in well with most people's gardens. It is available in many colours, but many prefer the natural look. Terracotta can weather over time and will need to be treated to last.
- Glazed Ceramic - These are protected by the glaze, which can come in whatever colour suits your garden. This can make them more personal.
Composite and Resin Urns
These are very versatile and can be made to look like wood or stone, but they are much more durable.
- Resin - These are lightweight and very weather resistant. Depending on your preferences, they can be designed to look like stone, metal, or wood.
- Fibrestone - These contain fibreglass with a mix of stone powder to create sturdy and lightweight urns.
Material Considerations
After reviewing the ideas above, you must decide which is best for your needs, as there is much to consider.
Design and personalization
Certain materials like stone might have to be ruled out if you want something personalized. Metal would be your best choice, as you could have something custom-designed that's personal. Stone could be personalized with something engraved on it. Ceramics could be glazed like their favourite rugby or football team colours.
Weight and Stability
You need to think about where it's going. If it's going in the middle of your grass, which is more open to the elements, then something heavy like stone would be best. If it's in the corner of a garden with flowers or plants around it, you can get away with something more lightweight.
Personalizing The Area
After putting so much thought into the urn itself, it's essential to make sure that the surrounding space fits in. You want it to blend in but also stand out. If people look at the area, you want them to know it is a memorial area.
Adding Plants
If your loved one was a keen gardener, you could surround the urn with plenty of flowers or plants to make it stand out.
Bird Feeding Area
This is a great idea. Many people enjoy watching birds, so there's no better place than a bird-feeding area around the urn. It may need more cleaning because of the bird mess, but it's a way to look out in the garden and see them at one with nature.
Alternatives To Outdoor Urns
After reading this, you may have decided that you don’t want an urn outside. There are plenty of other options to consider.
- Memorial Benches - These are popular and could easily fit into most people's gardens. They could add a plaque and place it in your loved one's favourite place in the garden. It's a good spot to sit down and reflect on the memories you had together, and a nice place to enjoy a tea or coffee.
- Scatter the Ashes - You could always scatter the ashes across your garden. A good idea is to create a garden path and spread the ashes.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor urns kept on display for everyone to see are less popular than scattering ashes or burying the ashes inside the urn. However, we are all different, depending on what you (and your loved one) decide to do. We like having a memorial garden with the urn as the centrepiece. It's a good place for comfort and reflection to keep the memory of your loved one alive.
