As the number of people opting for Cremation continues to rise, and burials steadily fall, the question is often asked about what to do with a Loved Ones ashes when they are returned to the family.
For all of us, finding the most meaningful thing to do with a Loved Ones ashes is a deeply personal journey and choice. But the possibilities are endless. I’ve listed a few different options below that you might want to consider, some are traditional, and some, well they are just totally spectacular!
Columbarium or Niche Wall
A Columbarium or Niche Wall is something that you would find at a Cemetery, Crematorium, Church or another hallowed space. They are usually brick, marble or cement walls with a number of plaques dedicated to the ashes that they hold. Just like buying a burial plot, this can be an expensive option, but for those who like tradition, this is a great choice. Most of the time, you would need to speak with the venue where the Columbarium or Niche Walls are located, so either the Cemetery, Crematorium, Church or other Venue. Generally speaking, this option can cost anywhere from a few hundred, to a few thousand dollars depending on the location and who manages the interments at that location.
Burial Interment
A Burial Interment for ashes is where they are buried (or interred) into an existing grave site at a Cemetery. This happens in a few different ways. Some cemeteries use the space underneath the plaque to inter ashes, some open the grave and bury the ashes directly into the earth, the how will depending on the where. This is a great option if you are wanting to reunite the physical remains of family or friends into the same resting place. Just like the Columbarium and Niche Walls, this is something that you would need to arrange directly with the Cemetery. Funeral Director’s can arrange this for you and you can also inter ashes at the same time another Loved One is being buried. Regardless of when you decide to inter the ashes, there are costs associated, so have a chat with your Funeral Director about what is the most affordable option for the interment of ashes into a grave.
Cremation Urn
There are literally hundreds of thousands of different types of cremation urns available to families where ashes can be housed and kept at home if that is your preference. Cremation Urns range is shape, size, material and purpose. There are wooden, ceramic, brass, pewter, glass and a range of other types of urns that you can choose from. Generally the more precious the material, or the more intricate the design, will determine the price of the Cremation Urn. Urns generally start at a few hundred dollars and can go up to several thousands of dollars. Cremation Urns are a great way to memorialise your Loved Ones ashes and keep them close to you, no matter where your life journey may take you.
Memorial Glass
Memorial Glass is a stunning way to use your Loved Ones ashes to create a special and unique tribute. A small quantity of the ashes are used during the firing of the glass and are incorporated into the design of the glass you choose. This could be a sphere, a square, or an elaborate spiral that has your Loved Ones ashes spun into the glass itself. It creates a stunning memorial piece and is definitely a beautiful choice.
Keepsake Jewellery
You might decide that having a little piece of your Loved Ones Ashes close to you is the best option for you. Cremation Jewellery comes in a variety of styles and includes necklaces with pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings and more. The possibilities are endless. It is important to note that when you are choosing memorial jewellery, make sure the quality is second to none. The last thing you want is the chain breaking, the closure opening or the jewellery disintegrating over time because it was a cheaper, lesser quality option.
Cremation Gems
If an everlasting bling memorial is more your style, you might decide to have some of your Loved Ones ashes turned into a precious gemstone, like a sapphire, diamond or ruby. There are a few companies out there who specialise in this type of memorialisation, but you can rest assured, that the privilege of turning ashes into gemstones, is not a cheap option. Never-the-less it is a beautiful option if that is what suits you and your Loved One.
Scattering
We’ve talked about scattering ashes on our blog a few times, so I won’t go into too much detail with Scattering. Just know that it is an option and is a great way to celebrate your Loved One, especially if you choose a location or venue that was special and meaningful to them. We’ve helped families scatter ashes at beaches, in the bush, at a golf courses, on a mountain, in a stream, and so many other places. Scattering tubes are a great way to control the release of ashes when the time comes, however they aren’t essential. You can go to your local stationery store and buy some tubes that you can decorate yourself, making it an even more personal experience and saving some money along the way.
Memorial Garden Rocks
You can have a memorial garden rock placed in your own backyard and inter your Loved Ones ashes right at home. Memorial Rocks are portable and can move with you so you don’t have to worry about leaving your Loved One behind, you might need to organise some help in lifting and moving it though. They are a beautiful sandstone rock usually, that have a section carved out to fit an ashes container. This is then covered with a plaque that secures the ashes in place There are other options, like fibreglass rocks, but I think if you are going for that rock look, nothing beats the natural option. This is a lovely option and definitely a way to keep your Loved One with you at home in a beautiful garden setting. Perfect for the nature lover!
Fireworks
Now this is my most favourite option, I love fireworks and I love the beach. You can take your Loved Ones ashes and turn them into a wonderful, spectacular and exciting display of their life! When it comes time to celebrate my life, I want to have my ashes turned into a small fireworks display, and set off at a beach somewhere. What a way to say goodbye! Your Funeral Director is able to arrange for this to happen for you, so if this is something that you might like, have a chat to us and see what we can arrange. Generally speaking, fireworks will cost you around $75-$100 per pop. So if you wanted 20 pops of sky colour, that will set you back roughly $1500-$2000, but the memories of that memorial would be unforgettable.
No matter what you choose to do with your Loved Ones ashes, the possibilities are endless. Do something that is meaningful to them and their life and incorporate it into their life celebration. So let your imagination run wild and see what you can come up with.
If you have questions about Cremation Urns, Fireworks or ashes in general, or questions about funerals, why not get in touch with us on 1300 043 522 or email [email protected]