Color—especially finding the perfect shade—often captivates people who are selecting an urn for a loved one. Stately navy blue. Bold red. Beyond style or price, colors evoke deep meaning and emotion, from calm and classic to lively and unconventional. One legendary musician, for example, rests in a cremation urn of an unmistakably eccentric hue.
Knowing that color can influence how a family feels about a memorial is an important insight for your guidance to them. You can talk about a loved one's personality traits that might be evoked by a particular color or how he/she might appreciate being honored by the symbolism associated with certain colors. Drawing on years of purchase data, Reflections Urns and Memorials has a clear view of what colors are always sought after and colors that are trending now with today's families.
Blue Engraved Butterfly Brass Urn: MRG-119 | View >
Shades that Resonate
BLUE: Best in Show
You may have guessed it—blue remains the most popular urn color year after year. Universally appealing and endlessly versatile, it conveys peace, stability, and a grounded presence. Families often gravitate toward deep shades like navy for their classic strength with lighter blues such as cobalt close behind.
WHITE: Pure and Clean
From classic to contemporary, white is timeless. It conveys innocence, renewal, and peace—symbolized by doves and angels—and is often chosen for memorials of mothers, grandmothers, and children. Softer neutral tones such as off-white and ivory are adaptable, pairing beautifully with wood, stone, and other natural elements.
Classic Onyx Brass Urn: MTH-586 | View >
BLACK, GRAY, AND SILVER: Always in Style
Modern and powerful and a universal symbol of death/grief, black urns urns convey the depth of the loss but also strength and dignity. Black can be chosen by families who want something bold and striking—as the color stands alone. Cool grays and silvers add elegance without the intensity of black. Each of these colors is gender fluid—suiting both masculine and feminine tastes.
RED: Lively and Lavish
Bold, vibrant, and passionate, red celebrates both life and love. Families consistently choose red as a powerful, standout tribute. The color also embodies confidence, leadership, and assertiveness—and in many cultures, luck and prosperity.
GOLD: On the Rise
Popular throughout history, gold is making a comeback thanks to interior design trends—mirrors, hardware, and accents. A gold cremation urn will fit seamlessly into many homes for those looking to display it. In jewelry, too, gold is seen as classic and lasting. Families who choose gold often want something elegant and decorative, a tribute that feels both current and enduring.
Colors Off the Chart
PURPLE: A Personal Statement
That unforgettable musician? None other than Prince, honored in a custom-made urn featuring his signature shade—purple.* A truly distinctive color, families who choose purple are often expressing individuality. It also carries associations with spirituality, creativity, and even royalty.
Callia Pink Rose Urn: MAF-114 | View >
PINK: Pretty and Poignant
Pink is another color families request more often than you might expect. Some choose it to honor mothers or grandmothers, while others value its symbolism of warmth, gentleness, and love. However it’s chosen, it stands out as a truly personal tribute.
TEAL: A Touch of Distinction
While teal isn’t broadly popular, it resonates deeply with families who have strong ties to water or coastal life and is often chosen for its softer, feminine appeal. When guiding families toward teal, lean toward blue-based tones like turquoise—too much green can quickly lose its charm.
GREEN: Rare in Remembrance
Although green is traditionally linked to nature, renewal, and harmony, it tends to be overlooked in urn selections. Families who do choose shades of green are often drawn by a personal connection to the outdoors or environmental values.
YELLOW, ORANGE, AND BROWN: The Missing Hues
While bright and cheerful in many settings, yellow and orange are rarely chosen for memorials, except perhaps as metallic gold or as accents in floral motifs. Brown also doesn’t appear prominently as a primary color, aside from the grain and finish of wooden urns.
Regent Brass Urns in various colors | View >
Helping Families Find the Right Hue
Regent Brass Urns: Stately Shades > With their solid brass construction and enduring design, Regent Urns convey strength, durability, and a sense of permanence. Often selected to honor a father or grandfather, these urns balance tradition with a contemporary edge. Available in shades of black, navy, azure, and green, the collection offers families a palette that feels both classic and modern.
Grace Brass Urns: Lively & Light > The Grace Collection brings artistry and expression to memorial choices. Its elegant brass urns are well suited for honoring someone who cherished beauty or flowers. With distinctive colors such as dark pink, turquoise, lavender, and pearl white, these urns lean toward unique and feminine tributes that celebrate individuality.
Marble: Every Color Covered > Cultured and genuine marble urns offer timeless elegance paired with natural texture. Families who choose marble are often drawn to its weight, permanence, and classic beauty. Color options span from best sellers like Navy Classic, Carrera, and Cobalt to more distinctive choices such as Ruby Classic and Amethyst.
After all the choices are considered, color is often what feels most personal. Whether it’s the calm of blue, the strength of black, the vibrancy of red, or the individuality of purple, the right color transforms an urn into more than a vessel—it becomes a lasting reflection of the life it represents. Recognizing this connection allows you to use color as a gentle tool in guiding families toward what will bring them the most comfort.