What to Know When Planning a Scattering Ceremony

Many people who have chosen to be cremated wish for their ashes to be spread in a certain place. This is often a spot that holds significant meaning for them, whether it’s a favorite vacation spot, or somewhere that a special event in their life took place. After the completion of cremation services near Adelphi, MD, the family will often hold a small scattering ceremony to return their loved ones to this place. If you are planning to do this for your loved one, there are some things you should keep in mind before making your plans.

The main thing to know is that you must find out the rules or regulations when it comes to scattering ashes in a certain area. For example, the private property requires the permission of the property owner. If it is your own property or that of a friend, simply asking their permission will suffice. If it is a larger location, such as a stadium or amusement park, you must speak with the authorities of that venue to get permission.

When it comes to public property, it’s important to find out from local authorities what is allowed. Some examples of public property might be a beach, a local park, or even a state park. It’s important to get in contact with someone of authority, such as the DNR, to find out if, where, and when the scattering of ashes is permitted. When it comes to waterways, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, etc., a similar course must be taken. Find out what your local statues are when it comes to scattering ashes in these areas before making concrete plans to do so. Now, the ocean is a somewhat different matter. It is always legal to scatter ashes in the ocean, but it must be done at least three nautical miles away from shore. As a result, you and your family will need to use or rent a boat to travel the required distance.

Once you have determined the location and the legality of scattering ashes, you can decide how you want your ceremony to go. Some people might hold a very informal gathering of close family and friends, allowing each person to scatter a small number of ashes. This is a good way for everyone to say their own personal goodbye. Others might choose to have someone officiate a short service for those attending before the scattering takes place. There is a great amount of freedom when it comes to planning this, and you should do what works best for your family.

Scattering ashes is a great way for you to honor your loved one’s memory, and you can feel at peace knowing that they have been returned to a location that meant something to them. It’s also an opportunity for family and friends to say goodbye, an important step in the grieving process. Cremation services near Adelphi, MD, allow for the scattering of ashes to happen. If you need help determining where you can go, ask your funeral home or contact local authorities to find out more information.