Honoring a Loved One with a Scattering Ceremony

It is very common for a person to want their ashes scattered in a special place. After cremation services near College Park, MD, have taken place, their immediate family will receive their ashes back in a temporary urn. From there, they can make plans to memorialize them. Scattering ashes can be very meaningful for both the person who has passed away, as well as for their family and friends. It usually takes place in a location that holds many fond and special memories. It might be somewhere that an important event took place, or it may be somewhere that held many childhood memories. Wherever the ashes are to be scattered, it’s important to consider what will happen on the day of the scattering.

The first thing you will need to do is research the place where you plan to scatter your loved one’s ashes. If they wanted their remains to be spread in a public place, like a park or a beach, then you’ll have to find out what kind of regulations there are when it comes to scattering ashes there. If they wanted to be laid to rest at sea, then you’ll have to procure a way to travel at least three nautical miles away from shore. By ensuring that you have the right permissions to scatter your loved one’s ashes, you will give yourself peace of mind that the eventual day will go without a hitch.

Something else to consider is who you want to attend. Some people will keep it very intimate, with only themselves and one or two other immediate family members. Others will extend the invite out to a slightly larger group, while still others will make it a family and friend affair. Make sure the place you’re planning to go to can accommodate the people you think will attend. Next, consider how you want to spread your loved one’s ashes. You may be the sole person to do the job, or you might invite all of those attending to spread a small number of ashes. This can be a meaningful way for family and friends to say goodbye and connect with their loved ones for a final time.

Another thing to consider is how you want the small service to proceed. Do you want to keep it informal and casual, where everyone is free to chat and reminisce as they please? Would you rather hold a small religious service prior to the scattering? Maybe you want to play a special song or hold a meaningful toast in your loved one’s memory. Perhaps you want to invite those in attendance to step forward and share a special memory. You have the freedom to make it as unique and special as you want.

Having a scattering ceremony is an excellent way to lay your loved one to rest while paying tribute to their memory. Your provider of cremation services near College Park, MD, can help connect you to any resources you might need to make your loved one’s scattering ceremony special and meaningful. Then, you and your family and friends can take a day to celebrate your loved one while returning them to a place that held many fond memories.