After the cremation of a loved one, deciding what to do with their ashes can feel like a deeply personal and emotional choice. Each family and individual has unique traditions and sentiments that can guide them in choosing the best option to honour their loved one. Here are several thoughtful ways to keep your loved one’s memory alive after the cremation.
Scattering Ashes at a Meaningful Location
One of the most traditional and heartfelt options is scattering the ashes in a place that was meaningful to the person. Whether it’s a favourite beach, a hiking trail, or somewhere that held special memories, this symbolic act allows you to reconnect with nature while paying tribute to your loved one.
When choosing this option, it’s important to check local laws and permissions. Many parks and nature reserves have regulations regarding where ashes can be scattered, so it’s worth investigating to ensure you’re compliant. Scattering ashes at a meaningful location can also provide a tranquil place for family and friends to revisit and reflect.
Memorial Gardens
For families seeking a permanent, peaceful location to visit, laying their ashes to rest in a memorial garden is a wonderful choice. Memorial gardens provide a tranquil setting where ashes can be buried or stored in a niche. This gives loved ones a designated place to honour the deceased, with the added comfort of knowing that the site will be maintained in perpetuity.
Interment in a memorial garden ensures that the memory of your loved one will be preserved for generations. Many families take comfort in knowing they can return to a beautifully tended space, often surrounded by flowers and greenery, to pay their respects whenever they wish.
Burying Ashes with a Family Member
Another meaningful option is to bury the ashes alongside a family member. If your family has a burial plot, this can be a powerful way to maintain a sense of togetherness even in death. This option not only strengthens family ties but also allows future generations to visit and reflect on the collective memory of their ancestors.
Combining ashes with a loved one in the same resting place can provide closure and bring comfort in knowing that family members remain together. This choice offers a tangible connection to family history and continuity across generations.
Creating a Garden Memorial at Home
For those who want to keep their loved ones close, burying the ashes in a home garden is a popular option. A private garden memorial can serve as a peaceful reminder of the person, and it allows family members to visit any time they feel the need for reflection or to celebrate special occasions in memory of the deceased.
You could also create a living tribute by planting a tree or a favourite plant above the ashes, creating a lasting and natural monument. A garden memorial not only brings a sense of closeness but can also be a beautiful way to keep the memory of a loved one growing and thriving in the space where they once lived.
Storing Ashes in an Urn at Home
Many families choose to store the ashes in an urn at home. This option is particularly appealing for those who want a tangible reminder of their loved one nearby. Urns come in a variety of designs and materials, allowing you to select one that best represents the person’s personality or style.
You can also choose to divide the ashes between family members, giving each person their own keepsake urn to hold onto. This is a comforting way for everyone to feel close to the deceased and can also make it easier for family members who live far apart to maintain a connection with their loved one.
Cremation Jewellery
For those looking for a personal and discreet way to keep a loved one’s memory close, cremation jewellery provides a beautiful solution. Small portions of the ashes can be incorporated into pendants, rings, bracelets, or lockets, allowing you to wear your loved one close to your heart.
Cremation jewellery serves as a unique memento that combines sentiment with elegance. Each piece can be customized, whether you prefer something subtle or a more intricate design. This option is perfect for those who want a daily reminder of their loved one that they can carry with them wherever they go.
How to Choose the Best Option
Ultimately, the choice of what to do with the ashes after cremation is highly personal. Some families may prefer a combination of these options, such as scattering some ashes while keeping a portion in an urn or jewellery. The key is to select an option that feels right for you and your family, providing comfort and peace in how you honour your loved one.
It’s also essential to consider the preferences and wishes of the deceased if they were discussed before their passing. Taking the time to reflect on what would best honour their memory can help guide you toward the right decision.
Call for Compassionate Support
Deciding what to do with the ashes of a loved one can be a difficult task, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. The team at Dignified Cremations is here to provide compassionate support and guidance every step of the way. Whether you need assistance with planning, legal considerations, or choosing the perfect option for your loved one, we are here to help.
Call us today at 1800 11 33 55 to speak with one of our caring professionals.
