Deciding what to do with cremated ashes can be incredibly personal and often challenging. Many people understand cremation as an option but may feel lost about the next steps. This guide is here to help you explore your choices.
Keeping the ashes at home
For many, keeping ashes at home offers comfort, allowing you to feel connected to your loved one during this difficult time. You might choose to display the urn prominently or keep it in a more private space. When selecting an urn, pick one that resonates with you and feels beautiful — not just traditional.
Scattering the ashes
Scattering ashes can be a heartfelt way to honour your loved one. Choosing a location that held significance — a beloved beach, a favourite mountain, or a cherished garden — can transform those places into lasting symbols of remembrance.
There is often a sense of freedom that comes with scattering, as it can signify your loved one becoming part of something much larger. For many, this act provides a sense of closure that keeping ashes at home may not always offer.
You can also keep a small portion in a keepsake urn as a way to hold onto a piece of them — many families do exactly this.
Remember to check local regulations on scattering before you proceed, particularly for public land or water.
Splitting ashes between family members
Dividing ashes can be a meaningful solution, especially for families wanting to honour their loved one in their own ways. There is no rule requiring ashes to stay together — each family member can create their own unique memorial.
While some planning is required, once you've determined this feels right, it can be a straightforward and fulfilling way to navigate the decision together.
Many families combine approaches — keeping some ashes at home, scattering others in meaningful places, and sharing portions with relatives. You are not alone in this; it's a common path.
Burial
For some, having a permanent place to visit — like a cemetery plot or columbarium niche — can bring great comfort. It creates a physical place of remembrance that family and friends can return to, now and in the future.
For families who hold strong religious or cultural beliefs surrounding burial, this option often feels profoundly significant, allowing them to honour cherished traditions while embracing the flexibility that cremation offers.
Make sure to check with the cemetery about their urn requirements — most require an outer vault for in-ground placement, and niche dimensions vary between facilities.
Take your time
It's vital to remember that you don't have to rush your decision. Keeping ashes at home for an extended period can give you time to reflect on what feels right. Many find they need months, or even longer, before they reach a place of clarity.
If you made a decision during a service, keep in mind that it doesn't have to be permanent. People often revisit their choices as they navigate their grief, and it's completely normal for this to be an evolving process.
Grief is a personal journey and the ashes will wait patiently as you find your way. If you feel uncertain now, it's okay to wait. The right decision will become clearer when you're ready.
Fauna urns are modern cremation urns designed and made to order in Vancouver, Canada. Available in six sizes and eight colours, with free shipping and free returns.
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