With the median price for a traditional burial being around $7,600, cremation can be a more affordable option with a cost as low as $350. It’s also more environmentally friendly and allows you the freedom of choosing what to do with the cremation ashes. If you haven’t yet decided on the way you wish to honor your loved one’s ashes, we’ve compiled some options for you to consider.
Scatter the Ashes
The act of scattering your loved one’s ashes can be a symbolic, spiritual deed. The physical act of letting go of the remains can feel like letting go of your grief and allowing your loved one to return to the earth.
Start by selecting a location that would be meaningful to the deceased. Need some ideas? Here are a few creative ways of dispersing your loved one’s cremation ashes.
Visit Somewhere Special
The easiest and most popular way to honor your loved one’s ashes is to release them into nature. Most national parks and private properties require a permit to scatter ashes, so make sure you secure permission beforehand.
Depending on how far you are from your destination of choice, air travel may be required. You can bring cremation ashes on a plane, but you’ll want to check that the urn is secure and TSA compliant.
Note that scattering ashes can get messy if it’s a windy day. A walking stick urn like TOLAD solves this problem by releasing small amounts of ashes over a one-mile memorial hike.
Burial at Sea
Scattering one’s remains into the ocean is a timeless practice that is popular to this day. If you’re spreading ashes at least three nautical miles from the shore, you don’t even need a permit – just a boat to get you there.
Another option is to purchase a biodegradable urn that will naturally break down and release the remains into the sea.
A more unique alternative for marine lovers is to have your remains transformed into a coral reef for fish and plants to inhabit. By combining cremated ashes with marine grade concrete, companies like Eternal Reefs create artificial reef formations that allow your loved one to become part of the ecosystem.
Take to the Sky
The sky’s the limit when it comes to methods of scattering ashes. Memorialize your loved one by releasing their remains from a plane, drone or hot air balloon. Companies like Celestis even allow you to launch the ashes into space!
Turn Their Memory Into Art
Celebrate your loved ones by turning their ashes into something beautiful. From jewelry to paintings to tattoos, there are countless options for how to integrate cremation ashes into works of art.
- Many companies are turning cremains into diamonds by extracting and purifying the carbon from the cremated ashes in an 8-10 month process. You can choose the size, color and cut of the diamond to create a customized result.
- For a more physical reminder of your loved one, get their ashes infused into tattoo ink and commemorate them with a tattoo.
- Music lovers can get their ashes pressed into a vinyl record, thanks to companies like Vinyly. You can even select their favorite songs to include on the record.
- Commission a custom painting, piece of pottery or glass sculpture incorporating the remains of your loved one.
Keep Them Nearby
In an Urn
It may bring you peace of mind to simply keep your loved one’s ashes in your home. An urn is a classic choice for protecting their remains. Choose from a wide variety of urns in different styles, shapes and materials to match your preferences. You can also purchase a custom 3D printed urn through companies like Foreverence, which created Prince’s famous Paisley Park urn.
Cremated ashes can also be stored in other types of vessels, from hourglasses to holiday ornaments to paperweights. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Cremation Burial
Burying cremated remains is another way of keeping your loved one close. Whether you choose to bury on private land, in an urn garden or in a cemetery, this location will serve as a special place to visit the deceased.
Companies like Bios Urn offer a biodegradable urn, which combines the cremated ashes with seeds of your choice. This allows your loved one to grow into a tree upon burial.
Final Expense Insurance From Americo Senior Life
No matter what option you choose, know that Americo Senior Life offers whole life insurance policies that can help you ease the stress of managing end-of-life costs.
Final expense insurance, a whole life insurance policy that may help to cover the costs associated with your passing, provides a death payout to ensure that such costs don’t overwhelm your family in the event of your death.
Contact one of our experienced representatives to explore our affordable coverage options or apply online today.