How to Plan a Meaningful Scattering Ceremony

Scattering a loved one's ashes after receiving them from cremation services in Biddeford, ME, is both a huge honor and a massive responsibility. The good news is, there's no one way to do it. You only need to figure out the perfect ceremonial fit for the deceased and follow through. 

Below is a short guide on how to plan a meaningful scattering ceremony for your person. 

Pick a Location 

A significant advantage of cremation is the ashes can be laid to rest almost anywhere. Hence, it's left to you to decide the most fitting place to scatter your loved one's ashes. 

In a lot of cases, the deceased specify before they pass. It could be a beach, a public park, or a private property. 

If they didn't share a preferred location, a good rule of thumb is to list the places they enjoyed spending their time. Then cross out areas where it's illegal to scatter ashes. Then pick from what's left. 

Also, it's not a decision you have to make alone. Talk to close friends and family members. They may have helpful insights, and your loved one may have shared their preferred place of final rest with them. 

Choose the type of ceremony 

When most people think about scattering ceremonies, they think of a single type of ceremony. The ashes dispersed into the air in a predetermined location. 

However, this is only a casting ceremony, and it symbolizes the freeing of the person's spirit. And they exist in different forms. It could be solitary or involve family members. 

You can divide the ashes between them or have the next of kin spread the ashes on their own. 

But there are other types of scattering ceremonies. They include: 

• Trenching ceremony: a hole is dug into the ground, the ashes are scattered inside, and the hole is covered after. Suitable for those who loved gardening or nature. 
  
• Aerial (or Sky) ceremony: get the ashes into the sky and release them. It could be via plane, hot air balloon, or helicopter. Some companies offer this service, and families are usually not directly involved in the scattering. 
  
• Water ceremony: the ashes go in a water-soluble urn, and the urn is placed in a body of water. It could be a lake, river, or sea. The urn floats before it sinks and dissolves into the water. 

You can get creative with any of these scattering ceremonies. For instance, if you choose a trenching ceremony, you can dig a hole in the shape of a heart or initials of the deceased. 

Have a Plan for the Guests 

Wherever and however you choose to have the scattering ceremony, if you're having guests, make a plan for them, especially if the ceremony is outdoor. 

Let them know what to prepare for: what to wear, when to arrive, how long it will take, etc. 

A scattering ceremony is usually a short affair, but everyone in attendance should still be well cared for. 

Finally, you don't have to do it alone. You can enlist the help of a funeral director, whatever kind of ceremony you want. 

We offer scattering ceremony planning alongside other cremation services in Biddeford, ME. Call us now or visit our location to get started with your arrangements.