Holding an ash scattering ceremony can be a beautiful way to celebrate your loved one’s life following cremation. Some families may opt to hold an ash scattering ceremony as part of a memorial, following a traditional funeral and cremation, or as an independent event that may aim to provide closure or honor a date of significance. In this article, we have gathered tips for planning an ash scattering ceremony that we hope will help you begin curating an event that is deeply personalized to your loved one.
Taking the Time to Plan
One of the first considerations in planning an ash scattering ceremony is choosing when to hold the ceremony. While tradition can often lead us to feel that something should be planned immediately following the passing of a loved one, Lighten believes you can take all the time that you need to plan something unique. Allotting an extended period of time to plan gives you an opportunity to add more meaning and customization, source locations, and provide advance notice for the event than you may have otherwise had with an immediate ceremony. Additionally, allowing for an extended period of time means you can choose a date of significance, such as your loved one’s birthday, wedding anniversary, or one-year death anniversary. Whenever you choose to host your loved one’s ash scattering ceremony, we hope the following suggestions are helpful in planning something as meaningful as your loved one’s legacy.
Where to Host an Ash Scattering Ceremony
The location in which you choose to hold an ash scattering ceremony can be one of the biggest factors in representing your loved one’s unique identity. Choosing a location that reflects their interests, personality, or favorite things is a wonderful way to celebrate your loved one’s life. Here are three examples of locations and the meanings they might have:
On the Water – Streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans are often associated with constant motion and/or long journeys. If your loved one was passionate about being in or along the water, this could be a perfect opportunity to plan something deeply personal. Holding an ash scattering ceremony along the water or from a boat also has the potential to be representative of the continuing journey your loved one will take even after life, paying respect to the lasting legacy your loved one may have wanted to leave.
In the Garden – The growth of new life can be a beautiful way to honor the passing of someone we love. If your loved one was a gardening or nature enthusiast, this statement may be all the more true. Scattering your loved one’s ashes around the base of a tree or amongst a bed of their favorite flowers means their legacy can live on within new life.
In a Forever Location – Did your loved one have a favorite spot in the world? Some families opt to bury their loved one’s cremated remains in a place where they will rest forever. Before doing so, it’s important to check with local regulations or property owners to gain permission.
Documenting the Ceremony
To create a lasting keepsake of your loved one’s ash scattering ceremony, you may hire a photographer or videographer to document the day. They can capture other elements that can be included in the ceremony, such as readings, poems, or tributes. A recording of the ceremony may also be used if you decide to hold a memorial after scattering the ashes, incorporating a viewing of the video as part of the memorial program.
Lighten helps families plan memorials that celebrate the unique life of their loved one. If you are planning a ceremony, Lighten can help you curate a personalized event.
