Whether you’re in the midst of arranging a funeral or immediately after, the challenge of what to do with the ashes of a loved one is often the final hurdle in, what may have felt like a marathon of decisions. In this blog we explore the different options to consider.
Scattering
Choose a place of significance to scatter ashes. Whether that’s at the bottom of the garden, under a favourite tree, off a mountain peak, to an often visited beauty spot, there are plenty of options. Ensure that the landowner’s permission is obtained, where relevant. Consider the wind direction, strength and also consider the environment, particularly if the place you choose is a public spot.
We can provide a range of scatter tubes featuring a variety of styles, designed to travel safely and scatter easily.
Keeping them close
For those that want to keep their loved one’s nearby, we recommend urns or caskets. Both are designed to store ashes safely and the variety of styles and materials can accommodate long term plans for display as well as bio-degradable preferences. Some can be very personalised from engraving to bespoke designs, commissioned marble, glass or pottery. It’s common for caskets to be made from the same wood as the coffin. Depending on your choice of urn or casket, display options may also can be interred at a future date.
Interred
If you have a family plot, or want to purchase space in a cemetery for interring ashes, that can be arranged at any time – in some cases we make arrangements for families many years after the funeral when they are ready to do so. You can also bury caskets and urns on your own land, or with the landowner’s permission.
Memorials
For interred and scattered ashes you may want to consider a memorial stone or marker that permanently records the burial. Memorials can be significant for generations to come; somewhere to gather centrally to pay tribute to a loved one.
Keepsakes
Ashes can be shared amongst family members with some urns offering smaller versions of the main design to enable children, siblings or friends an opportunity to keep their loved one close.
Contemporary Alternatives
Memorial trees and plants, jewellery, fireworks, vinyl LPs, and sculptures are just some of the options families can choose when it comes to storing or disposing of ashes. So long as it’s legal and decent, we’ll explore any option that works for you.
Ashes Library
In Edinburgh, we have an ashes library for those who want their loved one’s ashes stored safely. They can visit the library in private reflection, leaving messages in our book of remembrance. For some it provides safe space and others time to agree what to do at a time they are ready. This may be where partners want their ashes interred together after both of their deaths.
Whatever you choose, we’re here to help guide and support you. Click here to see our range of urns and keepsakes.