Cremation of your remains continues to grow in popularity among funeral pre-planners. But once you make the big decision to choose cremation instead of burial or other options, what do you want to be done with the actual ashes? This is a personal decision, but it impacts how you're memorialized and how your surviving family will mourn.
To help you find the right final resting place, here's a brief guide to four of the most common choices.
1. Placement in a Columbarium or Mausoleum
A columbarium is a location set aside in a cemetery or church strictly for the permanent placement of ashes in urns. It provides a cost-effective, long-lasting location for your loved ones to come and remember you.
A mausoleum is a structure that entombs bodies and ashes alike. The larger structure is more expensive than a columbarium, but it is preferred by some religions.
2. Burial in a Cemetery
Did you know that just because you choose cremation doesn't mean you can't be buried in a plot? The burial of ashes also creates a permanent memorial, and it allows you to be buried with family, a spouse, or in a particular cemetery you prefer. However, you'll need to secure the plot so this is often a more expensive option than many others.
3. Conversion of Ashes
Those who wish to leave a unique memorial or to leave their ashes to more than one person are increasingly choosing to have their ashes turned into other items. The most common include jewelry and artwork. Companies can turn the actual ashes into glass or diamonds, while the ashes can also be integrated into inks, dyes, and even pencils for specific memorial uses.
4. Scattering the Ashes
The least expensive option is generally to have your ashes scattered in a particular, meaningful location. The ocean and the mountains are popular choices, depending on your personal interests.
Want to combine scattering with a permanent memorial? Plant them at the base of a tree or under a memorial stone, plaque, or bench. Most states allow you to spread ashes on any private property with the owner's permission. (So don't ask your family to try to sneak your ashes into Disneyland.)
Where to Start
There are clearly many options for your final remains. The choice depends on factors like your budget, your desire for a permanent memorial, and your interests. Contact a local cremation provider to learn more.
It can be a difficult time for the entire family after a loved one passes away. While some people pre-plan their funerals to make it easier for their loved ones after they pass away or create legal wills that outline how they would like their funerals performed, others leave the funeral planning process up to their loved ones.
Thankfully, this process does not have to be difficult when you learn all of the funeral planning steps ahead of time and tackle each step with confidence. The firs step to planning a funeral is choosing a funeral home. The funeral home staff can assist you with the funeral planning process every step of the way.
We created this blog to help people like you learn how to tackle the funeral planning process with ease. We hope we can make planning your loved one's funeral easier and less stressful.