When someone we love dies, one of the most difficult things to do is decide how to honour their memory. If you’ve lost a loved one who was cremated, you might be wondering, “Should I bury or scatter my loved one’s ashes?” The answer to this question depends on a few different factors—how your family feels about burial vs scattering and what kind of ceremony you want to have in order to commemorate your loved one’s life. Below are some ideas for what you can do with your loved ones’ ashes that will help you create an homage they’ll be proud of.
Scattering ashes
Scattering ashes is a simple process, but there are many places you shouldn’t scatter them. You might think that scattering someone’s ashes in public is no big deal, but it can be highly disrespectful to family members and friends who want to visit the site of their loved one’s final resting place. Even if the person was cremated due to illness or other health issues – for example, they have cancer – some people may not want their loved one’s remains scattered near a park where children play.
You should also avoid scattering ashes:
● In water (such as oceans or lakes) because they will eventually sink into the earth
● In cemeteries because this could disturb other gravesites
● On someone else’s private property without permission
● Near roads or highways where they may be blown away by winds
Burying ashes
The first thing to consider when choosing where to bury your loved one’s ashes is whether or not you are going through a funeral home. If so, there is likely a place for them on the grounds of the funeral home that requires no extra work from you. If not, then it’s time for some research! Cremation urns come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re looking at burial options outside of your local cemetery or crematorium (if they do this kind of thing), they don’t always offer an option other than keeping them in an urn on hand. So before deciding whether or not to bury ashes at home, check with local cemeteries about how much space their plots require and what their policies are regarding additional containers such as vases or bowls.
Bury ashes as a tree
You can bury your loved one’s ashes in a tree. This is a great way to help the environment while also doing something meaningful for your loved one. The smoke from cremation turns into carbon dioxide and water, which are used by plants to grow.
Using for DIY projects
● Use ashes in art projects. You can make a piece of jewellery or even use them to create a portrait or sculpture. We work with a company we can recommend to you that can create beautiful jewellery pieces to keep your loved one close by, called Ashes Into Glass.
● Create a memorial wall. This is a great way to honour your loved one’s memory if they were an artist and you want to preserve their work on canvas, paper, metal or wood.
● Create a memorial garden. If you have access to space outside, consider creating a garden that can grow over time with your loved one’s ashes incorporated into the soil so they may enrich it as well as provide comfort when blooms appear each spring/summer/fall (or all four seasons!).
● Make an outdoor bench in memory of someone who loved being outdoors by building them their own personal outdoor resting place where they could read books or watch birds from their favourite spot during warmer months when it was too hot inside! This would also be perfect for pets who spent most of their time outside.
There are so many different options available to you for your loved ones ashes. It is important that you take your time to decide which option is best for you and your family. We are always on hand to give advice and answer any questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 01452 617892.