Cremation Ashes at Rest

Cremation fireworks, also known as scattering or memorial fireworks, are professionally crafted, commercial-level fireworks that integrate approximately three tablespoons of cremated remains into the composition of a firework to create a safe, stable and spectacular display. They make a unique tribute to the life of your loved one — often an array of traditional fireworks will be set off with the shells of cremation fireworks serving as the finale.  

Purchasing cremation fireworks

Because of various state laws surrounding ash-scattering locations as well as those about buying or setting off fireworks, it’s quite rare for companies in the US to offer memorial fireworks. Missouri-based Greenlawn Funeral Home may be the only location in the country to create this kind of fireworks display, and it must occur on their property (they are unable to ship cremation fireworks). The price for a firework and musical display ranges from $3,895 for a 2-3 minute tribute, to $12,995 for a 15-minute tribute. It is important to note that the types of fireworks available for in-store purchase are not strong enough to support the weight of cremains, and it is not safe to try to make your own.

Sources

“Honor Them with Flair: Cremation Fireworks”. Tulip Cremation. https://www.tulipcremation.com/articles/tulip-expert-guides/memorial-services/honor-them-with-flair-cremation-fireworks.html 

“Yep, You Can Really Make a Fireworks Display From Cremated Remains”. Slate. https://slate.com/culture/2019/05/memorial-fireworks-human-ashes-cremation-poms-movie.html 

“Fireworks Display”. Green Lawn Funeral Home. https://greenlawnfuneralhome.com/services/fireworks-display/ 

The cost of a burial plot for ashes typically varies based on location and whether the cremated remains will be buried in a public or private cemetery. On average, the cost of a burial plot for ashes in a public cemetery is at least $350, whereas it would be at least $1000 at a private cemetery. If the ashes may be buried in an existing plot, there is an additional fee for opening and closing the grave. In a public cemetery, this would cost around $1000 but can cost up to $3000 in a private cemetery. 

Another consideration that can influence the cost of a burial plot for ashes is whether an urn vault or burial container is used. Urn vaults are generally recommended to protect the urn and the cremated remains from exposure to environmental elements and the overall soil pressure. Many cemeteries require that consumers purchase these items, which can cost up to several hundred dollars, along with the burial plot.

Finally, much like burial plots for caskets, burial plots for cremated remains are available in a variety of sizes. Some plots can accommodate multiple urns depending on the agreement that you have made with the cemetery. If you already own a family plot or a companion plot and you are interested in incorporating a burial plot for the cremated remains of a loved one or yourself, it is worth reaching out to the cemetery to determine whether they can accommodate this request with one of the existing plots.

Sources

“How Much is a Burial Plot for Ashes?” Ever Loved. https://everloved.com/articles/funeral-planning/how-much-burial-plot-ashes/ 

“How Much Does it Cost to Bury Cremated Remains in a Cemetery?” Trigard. https://www.trigard.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-bury-cremated-remains-in-a-cemetery/ 

Yes, it is possible to send your ashes into space, although the practice isn’t commonplace at this time. As of this writing, two companies, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights and Elysium Space will each transport a “symbolic” amount of a person’s cremated ashes (typically less than an ounce) into space. Celestis offers several different “experiences,” including a low-orbit, zero-gravity space journey followed by a return to Earth; a Moon landing; and a journey into deep space. Elysium doesn’t offer a trip to deep space (yet) but will send cremains into orbit or to the Moon. 

With that being said, transporting cremation ashes into space isn’t currently something that’s done every day. Because of the technological and monetary challenges of launching a spacecraft, scheduled flights are few and far between. As of November 2021, Celestis has three flights scheduled for 2022, one that features a brief trip into the earth’s atmosphere followed by return to the launch site; one in which the ashes will be placed on the moon, and one (tentatively scheduled for June 2222) into deep space. Prices range from $2,495 for a quick trip to see the stars to $12,500 for a trip out of the earth/moon orbit into deep space. 

Elysium has even fewer offerings available at this time. Its website says a moon landing is scheduled for 2021, but the date has yet to be announced. (The quoted cost of the lunar landing flight is $9,950). The company also offers a trip into the Earth’s orbit where a space capsule will circle the Earth with your or a loved one’s ashes for about 2 years before turning into a “shooting star.” It does not appear that this flight is scheduled at this time.

With all that being said, space travel is entering an exciting new era, with private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin making trips into space a possibility for anyone who can afford the price. So don’t be surprised if more and more people are able to launch their ashes into space in the coming years.

Sources

Celestis Memorial Spaceflights. https://www.celestis.com/ 

Elysium Space. https://elysiumspace.com/ 

Blue Origin. https://www.blueorigin.com/ 

SpaceX. https://www.spacex.com/ 

Numerous companies specialize in creating memorial jewelry from the cremated remains of loved ones. Most companies offer different options and customizable elements to ensure that individuals can create a meaningful piece of jewelry that will accurately honor the memory of their loved ones. Due to the increase in demand for these keepsakes, it is highly recommended to spend some time researching reputable companies before making a purchase. 

You will need to send the ashes of your loved one to the provider that you select, so it is crucial to choose a company with an established reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and customer service. Searching for an appropriate memorial jewelry company or provider often means spending a considerable amount of time reviewing past reviews, seeking recommendations, and viewing photos of finished products that other clients received. While this can be a time-consuming process, it increases the likelihood of achieving a beautiful and long-lasting keepsake.  

After selecting a provider, the next step is to spend time exploring the types of jewelry available and any associated customizations. This can also ensure that you receive an accurate estimate of the potential cost for the finalized piece of jewelry, which is helpful for those who need to stay within a specific budget. It’s important to spend time carefully customizing the jewelry to ensure it accurately reflects the memory of the person who died. There are many types of cremation jewelry, including cremation beads, cremation diamonds, and urn jewelry. 

When the jewelry design has been selected and paid for, you will need to send the ashes to the company. Most companies will request a small amount of ashes and will provide specific instructions indicating how the ashes should be sent. Although it can be emotional to gather the ashes to send to the provider, it can be helpful to remember that these companies specialize in handling ashes with care and respect. 

Finally, once the company receives the ashes, they will work on incorporating them into the selected jewelry design according to their process. This process can vary depending on the jewelry that has been selected and the provider’s method for incorporating the ashes into the design. For example, some common options include infusing ashes into gemstones or sealing them in resin. Communication is encouraged throughout the process to ensure that the jewelry is made according to each client’s expectations. Ultimately, transforming a loved one’s ashes into memorial jewelry is a meaningful and creative way to create a tribute that will be cherished for years to come.

Sources

“How to Make Cremation Jewelry From the Ashes of a Loved One”. Eterneva. https://www.eterneva.com/resources/turn-ashes-into-jewelry 

“Turning Ashes into Jewelry”. Better Place Forests. https://www.betterplaceforests.com/blog/turning-ashes-into-jewelry/ 

One wonderful aspect of ash scattering ceremonies is that they can take place almost anywhere and can be designed in almost any way you wish. You can scatter ashes over water from a boat or an airplane. You can scatter ashes from a remote mountain top or in your or your loved one’s favorite park. You can scatter ashes in many different places, giving each person in your loved one’s circle a small amount of ash to scatter wherever they wish. You can invite a large group of family and friends and ask each one to participate in some way. Or you can make the ceremony more intimate, with just one or two loved ones present to say their last goodbyes. 

With that being said, below we have listed a few suggestions that can make your ash-scattering ceremony unique. For more ideas, visit the Practical Tips Column in our online magazine, or visit our section on Memorial Service Ideas under the heading Learn About End of Life

• Mix the ashes with a bit of garden soil and perennial wildflower seeds. When the seeds grow, you will have a lovely wildflower garden to remember your loved one by. 
• Scatter the ashes along with flower petals on a lake or pond. 
• Handcraft small paper boats of biodegradable paper. Add some of your loved one’s ashes to each one and release them in a river or stream and watch them float away.
• Hire a professional fireworks company to place some of the ashes in fireworks, and then send them off in a spectacular display over the ocean or a lake. Check with the fire marshall in the area first, since this may not be legal in locations where the fire danger is high. 
• Release the ashes alongside biodegradable sky lanterns. This is a particularly lovely experience when you hold the service at night.
• Include a butterfly release in your ash-scattering ceremony. The Butterfly Release Company will supply you with up to 60 butterflies of your choosing to release at your memorial. (Note: This option requires temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.) 
• Release doves during the ceremony to symbolize the spirit taking flight. 

Of course, these are just a few suggestions that we at SevenPonds are especially fond of. If you use your imagination, you can probably come up with many more!

Sources

Butterfly Release Company. https://butterflyreleasecompany.com/ 

As cremation has become a more popular option for final disposition, many people are choosing to scatter the ashes of their loved ones in a ceremony held sometime after the person’s death. How, when, and where you choose to do this is a personal decision that can be made before or after the person dies. If a loved one is terminally ill and has made the choice to be cremated, it’s a good idea to discuss what they would like done with their ashes when they’re gone. Many people have a preference, but are hesitant to bring it up. 

There are few legal restrictions regarding where you can scatter a loved one’s ashes, but it’s important to know what those few are. For example, scattering ashes at sea is allowed, but the Environmental Protection Agency has established a few ground rules. For instance: 

• Ashes may be scattered from a boat or an airplane
• Ashes can only be placed in the ocean at least 3 nautical miles from land 
• If you are disposing of the ashes in an urn, only biodegradable urns are allowed.
• No permit is required, but you must notify the EPA that you scattered the ashes within 30 days.

Additionally, most national parks allow ash scattering, says David Skidmore of the Chicago Tribune. However, you need permission first, since each park has its own rules. (For example, Yosemite National Park limits ash scattering to areas not visible to the public.) To request permission, mail your request to the office that manages the park. You can get this information from the National Park Service or the Bureau of Land Management. They can also supply you with applicable rules. (For state park information, contact the park service for that state.)

If you’d like to scatter your loved one’s ashes on private property (for example, on a golf course, or a ball field) you should probably contact the owner or property manager to get permission before you proceed. (Warning: it probably won’t be granted). Depending on the resources available in your area, there are some services that will scatter ashes on your behalf at an appropriate location

Ashes can also be scattered in a scattering garden. These are scenic locations, typically attached to a cemetery, where families can gather and hold an ash-scattering ceremony in a designated spot. The location of the ashes is recorded (this is required by law) and can usually be marked with a small plaque, a stone or even a garden bench. For those seeking a more natural resting place, Better Place Forests has a network of conservation forests across the country where you can scatter your loved one’s ashes beneath a tree that you select. 

Sources

“Burial at Sea”. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea 

National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/index.htm 

Bureau of Land Management. https://www.blm.gov/ 

Better Place Forests. https://www.betterplaceforests.com/ 

A scattering garden, or scatter garden, is a designated area for the scattering of ashes after cremation that is visually appealing and nicely landscaped or designed. It may be part of a traditional cemetery or a standalone location. As cremation continues growing in popularity, a scattering garden presents an alternative to traditional burials and offers a more environmentally friendly choice (sans burial vessels or embalming fluids) for those who wish to have their final resting place in nature.

Scattering gardens provide a location for people to visit their loved one who died — many feature markers or plaques to memorialize those whose cremated remains have been scattered there. The garden is generally a beautiful, peaceful setting, planted with flowers and trees, and often features seating areas that allow for quiet reflection and remembrance. If a loved one wanted their ashes scattered by various people or in different locations, small portions of their cremated remains can be placed into different scattering gardens to allow for multiple areas of remembrance.

Sources
“Where Can You Scatter Ashes?” Memorial Planning. https://www.memorialplanning.com/resources/cremation/where-can-you-scatter-ashes/