When your loved one chooses cremation rather than a burial, you'll need to decide what to do with their ashes. Usually, this is an emotive decision that requires a lot of discussion with family members and friends. Here are some ideas for approaching the task.
1. Interring Ashes
Rather than scattering the ashes, you may decide that you want to inter them instead. Some people inter ashes in an individual plot that they will visit in the same way they would visit a grave. Others choose to inter ashes in an existing plot, which is usually a family one.
If you feel as though interring the ashes is right for you, discuss your plans with your funeral home. They will help you examine the logistical aspects of completing the task and they may be able to assist with any religious elements surrounding it.
2. Scattering on Private Property
If you want to scatter ashes on a property you own, that's easy. However, if it's private land belonging to someone else, you need to discuss your wishes with them before doing so.
As part of the ash scattering, you may want to choose a ceremony. Some prefer to focus on a private ceremony where only a few people are in attendance. Others focus on having a memorial-like ceremony, where more than just close family are in attendance.
4. Scattering on Public Land
If your loved one enjoyed visiting a particular place or monument, you may want to scatter their ashes on public land. It's always worth checking whether you need permission from a local authority to do this.
In many cases, you don't need permission to scatter ashes publicly. However, you should take a careful approach. Steer away from public areas such as pavements and roads. And if the area you're choosing attracts a lot of visitors, try going at a time when it isn't busy. For example, consider conducting the ceremony when first daylight breaks through.
5. Scattering on Water
Always do your research before scattering on water. Reservoirs aren't suitable and lakes that are popular with swimmers will at least require discretion. No matter which body of water you scatter ashes on, it's wise to do a thorough check before pressing ahead.
If you're scattering at sea, you'll probably find that there are no barriers to doing so. Much like when you're scattering in a public place, it's a good idea to make sure the area isn't busy before pressing ahead. That way, you can say goodbye to your loved one's ashes without interruptions.
Share26 June 2020
It's incredibly hard to plan a funeral for teenagers. They should have their whole life ahead of them, and even if they have had a terminal diagnosis, often their parents cannot believe that they could actually be gone. When my niece passed away, I worked with her friends to make sure that the funeral worked for them and gave them a chance to grieve as well. It was great to see how much impact my niece had made on the world in such a short time, with her friends and family coming together to pay tribute to the beautiful young woman she had been. This blog has tips for other people planning funerals for teens.