What to do with Ashes after Cremation in the UK: a Comprehensive Guide
Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for funerals in the UK. According to statistics from the Cremation Society of Great Britain, over 77% of all funerals in the UK are cremations. With this rise in popularity, more people are faced with a question that wasn’t as common in previous generations: what should you do with the ashes of a loved one after cremation?
This guide will walk you through the various options available in the UK for what to do with ashes after cremation, from traditional approaches to more creative and meaningful methods.
1. Keeping Ashes at Home: Creating a Personal Memorial
One of the most common choices for families is to keep the ashes at home. This option allows you to maintain a physical connection with your loved one and create a personal memorial space.
Displaying Ashes in a Decorative Urn for Ashes
A decorative urn can be a beautiful way to honour and remember a loved one. legendURN offers a range of Cremation Urns for Ashes, from traditional to modern designs, and in various materials, including bronze, ceramic, glass, wood, and metal. When choosing an urn, consider the size and shape that will best suit your home and personal taste.
There are also biodegradable urns for those who wish to eventually scatter the ashes in a natural setting but would like to hold onto them for a period of time first.
Creating a Special Memorial Space
If you’re looking to keep the ashes at home but prefer not to display them prominently, you can create a dedicated memorial area. This could be a quiet spot in the garden or a special shelf indoors where you keep the urn, a photo of your loved one, and some meaningful mementos. Having a dedicated space to reflect on your loved one can provide comfort during the grieving process. Tip! How To Display Urns At Home.
2. Scattering Ashes: Symbolic, Legal and Meaningful Locations
Scattering ashes is one of the most traditional and symbolic ways to say goodbye to a loved one. However, it’s important to be aware of UK laws and regulations regarding scattering ashes in public spaces and on private property.
Scattering Ashes in Nature
Many families choose to scatter ashes in a location that held special significance for the deceased. Popular choices include:
- At sea or on a river: You can scatter ashes on a body of water, but you’ll need to be mindful of certain environmental guidelines. In the UK, scattering ashes at sea is legal, but it's recommended to do so at least three miles from the shore. You don’t need permission to scatter ashes on a river or in the sea, but it’s important to ensure you’re not near areas where people swim or fish. In the following category, you will find our biodegradable urns for water burial.
- In a forest or woodland area: Woodland burials are growing in popularity, and scattering ashes in a peaceful forest or woodland area can be a meaningful way to return your loved one to nature. Some designated areas for woodland burials also allow the scattering of ashes.
- On a mountain or hill: Many people request that their ashes be scattered in a place where they enjoyed spending time. Mountains and hilltops can provide a scenic and peaceful location for scattering ashes, and for some, this can symbolize a return to nature or a high point in life.
Scattering Ashes in Public Spaces
When considering scattering ashes in a public park, beach, or beauty spot, it’s important to check local regulations. In the UK, there are no national laws against scattering ashes in public spaces, but it’s a good idea to seek permission from the local authority or landowner to avoid any disruption or legal issues. In the following article, you will find more information about scattering ashes and the law.
Scattering Cremation Ashes in a Memorial Garden
If you’re not sure where to scatter ashes or want a formal, serene location, most crematoria offer memorial gardens. These are peaceful areas set aside for families to scatter cremation ashes, and they often have benches and memorial plaques available to help create a lasting tribute.
3. Burial of Ashes: A Permanent Resting Place
Some families prefer a permanent resting place for their loved one’s ashes. In the UK, there are several options for the burial of ashes.
Burying Ashes in a Cemetery or Churchyard
Many cemeteries and churchyards in the UK offer designated areas for the burial of cremated remains. A small plot or niche can be purchased, and families can install a headstone or memorial plaque to mark the site. This provides a permanent location where friends and family can visit to pay their respects.
Some people choose to have their ashes buried alongside other family members, while others opt for burial in a more natural setting. If you wish to bury ashes in a churchyard or cemetery, you’ll need to check with the church or local council regarding their specific rules and fees.
Burying Ashes in a Private Garden
In the UK, there are no laws preventing the burial of ashes in a private garden. If your loved one had a particular affinity for their home and garden, this can be a comforting and personal way to create a lasting memorial. However, it's important to consider future implications, such as if the property is sold or changes ownership.
When burying ashes in a private garden, you may wish to mark the spot with a simple stone, plaque, or plant a tree or flowers as a living memorial. Here you will find more information about burying ashes in the garden.
4. Memorial Jewellery and Keepsake Urns: Carrying a Part of Your Loved One
Memorial jewelry is an increasingly popular option, allowing you to keep a small part of your loved one close to you at all times. Various companies offer jewellery designs that incorporate a tiny amount of ashes, so you can carry them wherever you go.
Types of Memorial Jewellery
- Ashes into glass or crystal: in this process, a small amount of ashes is fused into a piece of glass or crystal to create a beautiful keepsake. This can be crafted into rings, pendants, or other jewellery items.
- Ashes pendants: we offer pendants that can hold a small amount of ashes. These can be worn as pendants, necklaces, bracelets, charms or keychains.
- Fingerprint jewellery: another unique option is jewellery that features the fingerprint of your loved one, with or without incorporating ashes. This is a deeply personal way to remember someone.
Keepsake Items
Aside from jewellery, there are many other keepsake items that can hold a small portion of ashes. For example, miniature urns, keepsake boxes, or even decorative art pieces can be designed to store a small amount of ashes, providing a comforting reminder of your loved one.
5. Creative and Unique Options for Ashes
For those looking for something a bit different, there are many creative options for what to do with cremated ashes. Here are a few unique ideas:
Incorporating Ashes into Artwork
Some artists offer the service of incorporating ashes into paintings or sculptures. The ashes are mixed with paint or other materials to create a lasting piece of art that can be displayed in your home. This can be a powerful way to remember a loved one and celebrate their life through art.
Planting Ashes with a Memorial Tree
For those who love the idea of giving back to nature, you can use a portion of ashes to plant a memorial tree. There are biodegradable urns that contain seeds and a portion of your loved one’s ashes, which will eventually grow into a tree. This is a beautiful and environmentally friendly way to create a living memorial.
Sending Ashes into Space
If your loved one was passionate about the stars or astronomy, there are companies in the UK that offer space burials, sending a small portion of the ashes into space. While this option is more expensive and requires specialized services, it can be a fitting tribute for someone with a lifelong love of space exploration.
Memorial Fireworks
For a truly spectacular send-off, some companies in the UK can incorporate ashes into fireworks. The ashes are placed inside the fireworks, which are then set off in a memorial display. This can be a celebratory way to honour the life of a loved one and create a lasting memory for those left behind.
6. Dividing Ashes among Family Members
In some cases, more than one family member may wish to keep a portion of the ashes. Dividing ashes is a common practice, and there are several options available to facilitate this.
- Mini urns: We offer sets of smaller urns, allowing each family member to keep a portion of the ashes.
- Ashes Jewellery or keepsakes: As mentioned earlier, ashes can be incorporated into jewellery or small keepsakes, providing a way for multiple family members to keep a part of the loved one close.
It’s important to approach this decision thoughtfully, as it can sometimes lead to disagreements within families. Open communication and planning ahead can help avoid conflicts.
Final Thoughts: Honouring Your Loved One’s Memory
The decision of what to do with ashes after cremation is deeply personal, and there is no right or wrong choice. Whether you choose to keep the ashes at home, scatter them in a meaningful location, or explore a creative option like memorial jewellery or fireworks, the most important thing is that the decision reflects the wishes of your loved one and feels right for you and your family.
By considering the various options available in the UK and thinking carefully about what will bring you comfort and peace, you can create a lasting and meaningful tribute that honours your loved one’s life and legacy.
If you have any questions, comments or according to you certain information is missing after reading this article, feel free to contact us via the contact form.
