What to do with Ashes after Cremation

After the loss of a loved one, deciding what to do with their ashes can be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging decision. At F.P. Gaunt & Sons, we understand the importance of honouring your loved one in a way that feels right for you and your family. Whether you choose to keep the ashes close or find a special place to lay them to rest, here are some meaningful options to consider.

Keep the Ashes at Home

For many, keeping a loved one’s ashes at home offers comfort and a continued sense of closeness. You can choose a decorative urn that reflects their personality, style, or a shared memory. Display the urn in a place of significance, such as a mantelpiece, a family room, or a special corner that brings you peace.

Scatter the Ashes

Scattering ashes is a popular choice for families looking to return their loved one to nature or a place that held special meaning. In the UK, there are several options:

• In a Favourite Spot: Scatter the ashes in a location that is important to your loved one, such as a favourite park, beach, or countryside spot. While UK law does not generally prohibit scattering ashes on private land (with the landowner’s permission) or public spaces, it’s always advisable to check local regulations.
• At Sea: Scattering ashes at sea is a beautiful way to honour a loved one who had a connection to the water. In the UK, you can scatter ashes at sea without a licence, but it's important to follow guidelines, such as choosing a location away from beaches or busy harbours.
• In a Memorial Garden: Many cemeteries and crematoriums across the UK offer dedicated ash scattering gardens, providing a serene and permanent place for remembrance.

Create a Memorial

Transforming your loved one’s ashes into a lasting tribute is another meaningful way to honour their memory. Consider these unique options:

• Memorial Jewellery: Keep a part of your loved one close by encasing a small portion of the ashes in a pendant, ring, or bracelet.
• Glass Art or Sculpture: Ashes can be incorporated into custom glass art, creating a beautiful piece that can be displayed in your home.
• Plant a Tree: In the UK, ashes can be mixed with soil to plant a tree, symbolising life continuing. Many woodland memorial sites offer tree planting as part of a remembrance service, creating a living tribute in a peaceful, natural setting.

Bury the Ashes

Burying ashes in a cemetery or memorial site provides a permanent place of rest where family and friends can visit. Some families choose a burial plot alongside other relatives, while others might prefer a private or family-owned site.

• Columbarium: A columbarium is a structure with niches designed to hold urns. This option is available in many cemeteries, offering a secure and permanent resting place where loved ones can visit.
• Ash Garden: Many cemeteries and crematoriums offer ash gardens, where ashes are buried or scattered in a tranquil, garden-like setting, often with a memorial plaque or marker.

Divide the Ashes

If your family members have different wishes for the ashes, they can be divided into multiple urns or keepsakes. This allows each person to honour their loved one in their own way, whether through keeping an urn at home, scattering in a special place, or creating a personal memorial.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing what to do with ashes after cremation is a deeply personal decision that should reflect your loved one’s wishes and your own feelings. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or something more unique, there’s no right or wrong choice—only what feels right for you and your family.

At F.P. Gaunt & Sons, we’re here to support you through every step of the process. If you need guidance or assistance in making these decisions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you create a meaningful tribute that honours your loved one’s life and legacy.

Contact us today to learn more about the options available in the UK and how we can assist you in this important decision-making process.