With more families turning to direct cremation as a simple and affordable solution, we are finding that this question is arising more frequently. “What shall we do with the cremation ashes?”. How do you conduct a cremation memorialization? For the bigger picture, see our complete guide to planning a family-led memorial after direct cremation.
In many cases, the family opted for a direct cremation as they had already decided against interment and simply wanted to take care of the immediate disposition of their loved one in an inexpensive, ‘no-fuss’ manner.
Opting for a direct cremation does enable the family to take care of the immediate need and requests to arrange a funeral. But once the temporary urn is made available for collection, some folks aren’t sure of the next steps.
Having a direct cremation does not mean that you cannot memorialize in your own way and in your own time! What can you do to memorialize after a direct cremation?
Conduct an Ash Scattering Memorial
Ash scattering is proving a popular choice for families who feel an interment is unnecessary. Either the deceased specified an ash scattering, or families feel this is a more befitting final rite.
You can scatter all or just some of the cremated remains, and there are many options on where and how. Options include scattering at sea or over water, in a designated memorial garden, from a plane, or just about anywhere you feel appropriate.
Families often ask about the legalities and permits required for scattering, which has thus far been somewhat unregulated.
Certain state and public parks may require a permit, but there are generally no regulations, just a need to regard other people and the environment. Cremated remains are organic and sterile, so they pose no threat to the environment, but it is important to be mindful of other people and how they feel about this as a final rite.
If scattering at sea, EPA regulations stipulate that it should occur at least 3 nautical miles from the shoreline. That being said, it is not uncommon for families to choose to scatter at a beach in the surf on a quiet spot of the coastline.
It is important to think and prepare for an ash scattering. It is final, and there are right and wrong ways of scattering remains. The wind direction plays a major part. We all remember that Big Lebowski blow-back moment! Ensure you and your assembled party are all standing downwind.
Visit our Complete Guide to Scattering Cremated Remains for more detailed guidance.
Hold a Memorial Service
You can conduct your own memorial service. This means you can hold your own service-led and directed by the family. Or you can enlist a person to conduct it for you – a celebrant, minister, or family friend. Again, there are many options regarding where to conduct a memorial service. You can hold it anywhere you feel is appropriate, from home to a community center, church, outdoors, or golf club!
Inter cremation remains in a niche or grave plot
Of course, you can still choose to inter cremated remains, and more cemeteries are adding columbariums to their cemetery estate to accommodate the demand for cremation niches. The cost to inter a cremation urn is generally cheaper than a body and casket, but there are some quite expensive niches out there, too!
Cemeteries sometimes facilitate the opening and closing of an existing cemetery plot to add a cremation urn. The fees for this differ by cemetery.
Create a cremation artifact memorial
Cremation has inspired a new generation of imagination in what we can do with cremation ashes creatively. The possibilities are almost endless, but listed below are some suggestions for artifacts that are made with cremation ashes:
- Memorial reef
- Diamond
- Blown glass
- Birdbath
- Vinyl Record
- Bullets
- Tattoo
Share cremated remains and create family keepsakes
If you are unsure what you want to do with the cremation ashes, you can always opt for sharing between family members with keepsake urns. These are generally a set of small urns and come in various designs and quantities.
If you need a simple, low-cost direct cremation, DFS Memorials has a network of affordable cremation providers nationwide. Select your state and city to find your nearest provider.
Sara Marsden-Ille is the co-founder and editor of DFS Memorials as well as US Funerals Online. She has been writing about funeral planning, consumer rights, and cremation costs since 2003, when US Funerals Online launched — one of the first independent funeral consumer resources in the United States. Sara is responsible for editorial standards across the DFS Memorials network and helps to host the Cremation Nation podcast.
