Ashes and Cremated Remains – Things to Do With Them

Ashes and Cremated Remains: Thoughtful and Meaningful Things to Do With Them

After a cremation, many families wonder what to do with their loved one’s ashes and cremated remains.

The choice can feel emotional and sometimes a little overwhelming, but it also provides an opportunity to create a personal and lasting tribute.

There is no “right” or “wrong” answer.

Instead, there are many meaningful options that reflect different beliefs, personalities and family traditions.

This guide explores a wide range of ideas, from classic choices to more creative and modern alternatives.

Traditional Ways to Honour Cremated Remains

Scattering in a Garden of Remembrance

Most crematoria offer carefully maintained Gardens of Remembrance where ashes can be scattered. These spaces are peaceful, private and open year-round.

Many families appreciate the tranquillity and the chance to return as often as they wish.

Burial in a Cremation Plot

Burying ashes in a dedicated plot provides a permanent memorial that future generations can visit. Cremation plots usually come with options for headstones, plaques or engraved tablets.

Cemeteries throughout the UK offer both single and shared plots, giving families flexibility depending on their needs.

Keeping at a Columbarium

A Columbarium is a specifically designed structure with a series of niches or pigeon holes that allow urns with ashes and cremated remain to be stored. They can be found in many crematoria and cemeteries.

Keeping the Urn at Home

Some families take comfort in keeping the urn at home. This offers a personal and intimate way to remember a loved one. Decorative urns come in many styles, including ceramic, wooden, glass and biodegradable materials.

Modern Memorial Ideas

Memorial Jewellery

Ashes can be used to create pendants, rings, bracelets or glass charms. This keeps a small, discreet part of your loved one close at all times. Many jewellers offer bespoke designs that can be personalised with colours, engravings or gemstones.

Tree or Woodland Burial

Eco-friendly memorials are becoming increasingly popular. Ashes can be placed beneath a tree or wildflower planting area in a natural burial ground. This creates a living, growing tribute that supports local wildlife and provides a peaceful place to visit.

Scattering at Sea or Along the Coast

With the appropriate permissions, families may scatter ashes at sea or along certain coastal areas. This option is often chosen by those who loved the ocean, sailing or coastal walks.

Creative and Unique Options

Memorial Fireworks

A small portion of ashes can be incorporated into fireworks, creating a dramatic and emotional tribute. Families choose this option to mark a significant date or celebration of life.

Whilst still quite unusual in the UK there are a few companies that can assist such as Heavenly Stars. You can access their website here.

Glass Art, Paperweights or Sculptures

Skilled artists can blend ashes into hand-crafted glass sculptures or paperweights. These pieces are decorative, subtle and long-lasting, making them ideal for display at home.

Sharing Ashes Among Family Members

It’s common for families to divide ashes into smaller urns or keepsake jewellery so that several people can hold a physical connection to their loved one.

Miniature urns, pendants and keepsake boxes make this easy and discreet.

Practical Considerations When Choosing

Legal Guidance on Scattering Ashes

In the UK, there are no strict laws against scattering ashes, but you must obtain permission from the landowner or organisation managing the site. This is especially important if you wish to scatter in public parks or rivers etc.

It is also important to choose a location that is environmentally appropriate and meaningful to the family.

Think About Long-Term Access

When selecting a memorial option, consider how easy it will be for future generations to visit.

For example, a dedicated plot or memorial wall plaque will be accessible for many years to come.

FAQs About Cremated Remains