Losing a loved one is never easy – and neither are the decisions you’ll have to make in the aftermath of their passing. Cremation is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and for several reasons, including the environmental friendliness, the inexpensiveness, and the flexible options associated with the process.
But this introduces a new dilemma, and a new set of decisions to make: if your loved one is cremated, what can you do with the ashes? And how do you decide which option is best?
The Cremation Process
You’ll usually be in a position to receive the ashes of your loved one a few days or a couple of weeks after initial authorization of cremation. In some states, you may be subject to a short waiting period. And in rare cases, there may be delays. Still, you can usually expect to receive ashes roughly a week after cremation authorization.
You’ll have the option to choose a permanent storage vessel before receiving the ashes. If you don’t have such a receptacle ready, you’ll receive the ashes in a temporary, yet secure box. From there, it’s up to you to do with the remains.
Storing and Displaying the Ashes
One mainstream option is storing and displaying the ashes. This creates a permanent memento of your loved one, which you can see and interact with on a regular basis. Some people prefer this option because it allows them to feel the presence of the loved one they lost. Others prefer it because it allows the remains to be housed in a genuine work of art.
- Engraved urns. Engraved cremation urns allow you to customize a message on the outside of a beautiful urn. You can include basic information like the person’s name and dates of birth and death, but also personal touches like an excerpt of their favorite poem or a personal motto they always said.
- Total custom urns. If you want something that perfectly fits your loved one’s personality, you can choose to create a totally custom urn. Urns come in many shapes and sizes, but you’ll have unlimited flexibility if you’re willing to design your own from scratch.
- Jewelry. If you don’t like the idea of displaying an urn on a mantle in the traditional way, or if you want your loved one to feel closer to you on a regular basis, you can have the ashes converted into jewelry. You can wear a necklace, or a ring, or some other piece of jewelry every day – and carry the memory of your loved one with you.
Scattering Ashes
Another popular option for handling your loved one’s ashes is scattering them. There are many ways to scatter cremation ashes, but they all serve the same purpose: returning the ashes to the earth in a memorable or significant location.
- Traveling. Before scattering, some people travel with the ashes. It’s a way to see the world with your loved one, one last time. You can also consider scattering the ashes, bit by bit, in several different locations.
- Water. Burial at sea is legally permitted, and it’s a favorite for people who love the water. Head to your favorite ocean, sea, or lake and return the ashes to the depths.
- Forests/nature. Some people love the idea of scattering the ashes in a forest, or some other natural landscape. It’s powerful to think about the ashes returning to the earth and nourishing new generations of plants, animals, and fungi.
- A favorite location (or several). Ashes don’t have to be scattered in natural locations. You could also choose a favorite location of your loved one, such as a stadium or a monument (if you have permission to do so).
Other Options
There are many other options for how to manage cremation ashes:
- Distributing the ashes. You can divide the ashes up and store them in different containers, so multiple people can store them and remember them.
- Planting. Biodegradable urns can be used to plant a tree, or another plant species, along with the ashes.
- Art. If you’re willing to turn some of the ashes into ink, you can use the ink to create beautiful works of art – even tattoos!
- Fireworks. If you want your loved one to go out with a “bang,” you can even combine the ashes with fireworks.
- Space. Space burials weren’t a thing until 1992, but they’re becoming more accessible and popular. If your loved one was fascinated by outer space, it could be the perfect send-off.
As you can see, there are countless creative and emotional options available to people looking for a significant way to store or distribute cremation ashes. There are no right or wrong ways to approach this; what matters is that you find something your loved one would have wanted, and something that brings you peace.
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