September 19, 2017 by Miller Funeral & Cremation Services Staff
There are many reasons people choose cremation. Certainly, the process is perceived as more affordable or eco-sensitive, but it also offers people more options in regards to a final resting place.
Whether you feel moved to scatter ashes in a special outdoor ceremony or create something lasting to hold your loved one’s cremated remains at home, we’re always here to help you navigate the various choices.
The Sky’s The Limit
There is truly no limit to what you can do with cremated remains. The following ideas aim to get you started:
- Urns – You can choose from a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Options can include marble, natural stone, nickel, bronze, stainless steel, pewter, ceramic, brass, wood, and even biodegradable urns to hold cremated remains. Urns can also reflect a person’s life. For example, choose a hobby theme or professional theme to help connect with a strong, personable focal point.
- Keepsake urns – If you’re having an ash-scattering ceremony, smaller keepsake urns can be given to close friends and family members to hold onto as a keepsake.
- Jewelry – Pendants, bracelets, charms, or necklaces can be created to hold small amounts of cremated remains or the hair of a loved one. There are many options with settings of gold, silver, platinum or titanium, and the option for the addition of crystals, gemstones, and more. These are a wonderful way to honor the memory of a loved one.
- Memory glass – Another option is to memorialize your loved with a colorful glass orb, pendant, or touchstone. Again, these contain small amounts of cremated remains and are customized to align with the memory of your loved one.
Other Options
Many individuals and families prefer to hold onto cremated remains, while others choose to scatter ashes (or keep half and scatter half). Retaining a portion of the ashes to share with family and friends can offer solace when grieving. It’s also not uncommon for people to bury the urn in a family burial plot so people can easily visit the deceased.
Scattering Cremated Remains
Scattering ashes is gaining popularity across the world and among generations. Surviving family members and friends attend a ceremony where they observe one person casting the ashes down wind. This can be done at a favorite destination of the deceased, provided certain rules and restrictions are carefully followed. The most popular locations are at sea (past 3 nautical miles) or in a garden. Scattering ashes in places that brought the deceased much joy even lead some avid sports fans to choose stadiums or arenas.
Scattering cremated remains can be a deeply personal and meaningful experience, shared by all in attendance. If the decision was made by the deceased before they died, those left behind can join together over for the occasion to cope with loss, pain, and grief.
There are specialty scattering urns that are designed for easy use, while others are biodegrade or dissolve in water. There are even products that can be turned into something beautiful afterward, like a birdhouse.
No Wrong Decisions
It can be intensely difficult to navigate the options regarding cremated remains. If you need someone to talk to, please know our staff is only a phone callaway.
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