For the purposes of the paperwork which is required to be completed at the time of the funeral arrangement, you will be asked whether you want to have the ashes retained or, depending on the Crematorium, scattered or buried in the Garden of Remembrance.
Ashes
Further Information
Ashes scattered or interred in the Garden of Remembrance
Choosing to have the ashes in the Garden of Remembrance means they will be scattered or buried by the crematorium staff 24 hours after the cremation service has taken place. Normally, this is carried out without family attending, however depending on the Crematorium, there may be an option for witnessing the act of scattering or burial, although this will usually incur a charge to do so.
It is important to be aware that if you choose this option, once they are scattered or buried, it is a final act and cannot be undone. You will also not be able to place a marker or any other memorial item in that area.
The Crematorium will have other options to consider if you wish to have a memorial to your loved one in the crematorium grounds and your arranger will be able to provide you with guidance and advice on these.
Retaining the Ashes
If you are uncertain on what you would like to do at this early stage, our advice would be to request that the ashes are retained. We will collect the ashes from the Crematorium, bring them back to our funeral home and contact you to let you know we have them in our care. This gives you time to fully consider all the options and if you feel later that you do want the ashes to go back to the Crematorium, your wishes can still be carried out although you will be required to complete a form or write a letter of authorisation regarding the change of ashes instruction.
If you know that you want the ashes back, but still not sure what to do next, there are countless different and creative options available to choose from to dispose of them in a meaningful way.
Scattering
You can simply scatter them in a place that’s significant to you or your loved one. It is important however to be aware that there are some places where the scattering of ashes is not permitted or restricted. You should also consider whether the crematorium container is suitable for scattering ashes. You may not feel comfortable physically handling them so we can suggest some alternatives that allow you to scatter the ashes in a dignified and respectful manner.
Burying
You may wish to consider burying the ashes. There are several local cemeteries where you can purchase an ashes lair, and which can hold up to six ashes interments. Alternatively, if you have a family lair somewhere, ashes can be interred there even if it is closed for any further full coffin burials. In both instances, you then have somewhere to visit to lay flowers or just spend some quiet time. We can help you to choose an appropriate headstone or other marker or arrange for an added inscription to an existing headstone.
Ashes could also be buried in your own garden or out at sea.
Other Ideas
Ashes can also be made into beautiful keepsakes, like jewellery or paperweights or kept in a casket, urn or wooden heart for display. They can even be incorporated into a firework or placed on a floating replica Viking ship which is set alight to drift gently out to sea or on a still pond.
If you wish any further advice or guidance on what else you can do with your loved one’s ashes, speak to one of our experienced staff or see the section Keepsakes and Jewellery.
”Thank you for all your help and support in arranging the perfect funeral for my mum. I am very grateful to all the staff and especially Lesley-Ann who was wonderful. I would recommend your services as very professional and caring, my thanks to you all.
Angela Daly
