What to Consider When Planning a Scattering Ceremony

Many families and friends find closure in scattering their loved one’s ashes after receiving them from a Westbury, NY cremation service.

If you’re planning a similar ceremony to say your final goodbye to your loved one, here are the things you should keep in mind.

Choose a location

When it comes to a scattering ceremony, the key to having a meaningful one is to have it in a place that means something to you or the deceased. Without the restriction of saying goodbye in a cemetery, family and friends can choose wherever they want.

It can be a restaurant, beach, theater, stadium, or private property. Or even in a different country if it holds significance to you or the deceased.

Wherever you decide, make sure you and your potential guests are well prepared. Find out if the location requires a permit for scattering ashes and what other practical needs you might have.

Good walking shoes? Lifejackets? Sunscreen? Comfortable clothes? Whatever you and your guests need for a smooth ceremony.

Decide the type of service you want

The actual scattering can happen in different ways. Currently, it’s common for people to pour the ashes and let the wind carry them. This is known as a casting ceremony, but there are other options, such as:

Trenching: involves digging a hole in any shape and pouring the ashes in. Typically happens on a beach, but it can be done anywhere (if allowed).

Sky or Aerial release: it’s like a casting ceremony except it occurs at a higher altitude. Perfect for when you want to symbolically spread the ashes over a geographical area. It could be with an airplane, helicopter, or from the top of a tall building.

Water scattering: involves placing the ashes in a water-soluble urn and letting the urn float until it dissolves, and the water carries the ashes away. Water scattering can happen on a lake, sea, or ocean.

There are several other creative ways to scatter the ashes. The right one depends on the location and which one best represents the personality and life of your loved one.

Have a schedule and decide who will speak at the ceremony

Finally, have a plan for the ceremony’s proceedings. When will you and your guests arrive? What’s on the agenda? You don’t necessarily need to include other activities, but having them can infuse extra layers of meaning and catharsis to the event.

Possible activities include readings, poems, prayers, and eulogy. You can also share stories and memories of the deceased.

Doing all this will require someone to host the ceremony and direct the service. It can be a friend, religious leader, or family member. Make sure to tell them ahead of time.

Also, inform those who have to speak at the ceremony. Not everyone can share a story impromptu. Informing them beforehand will allow everyone to prepare for their part of the ceremony.

This also includes deciding who will spread the ashes. It can be an individual or a shared action between guests. If you prefer the latter, get a decorative scoop for each person to spread their portion of the ashes.

That’s how to plan a meaningful ash-scattering ceremony. Instead of doing it all by yourself, you can hire a funeral director to help.

Reach out to us if you need one to help you manage this part and other cremation services in Westbury, NY. With decades of experience to call upon, our funeral director can help bring your vision for your loved one’s final farewell to life. Call us now to get started.