Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service        7626 Highway 213      Mars Hill, NC 28754     Phone: (828) 680-9963      Fax: (828) 680-9965      Email: brfs@blueridgefuneralservice.org


Planning an Ash Scattering Ceremony

Planning an Ash Scattering Ceremony

For families who have chosen cremation for a loved one, the next decision involves what to do with the remains. Some choose to keep the cremated remains in their home, have them placed in a columbarium niche at a local cemetery, or scatter the ashes in a meaningful place.

Planning a Ceremony for Scattering Ashes

For many families, cremation is the primary choice because it is both affordable and flexible. Whether you want to incorporate cremation into a traditional funeral, more personalized memorial service or even a creative celebration of life, there are many options. At Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service, we believe that every family should plan for a cremation service that truly reflects and captures the life lived by the deceased. In doing so, a memorable occasion is created that celebrates those who have passed away. Now that we have shared with you how to scatter ashes, it is important that we provide information about planning a ceremony for scattering ashes.
how to plan an ash scattering ceremony
In order to plan a ceremony for scattering ashes, it is important to understand what is involved. For many families the loss of a loved one leaves a void that cannot possibly be filled. However, through memorials like scattering ashes ceremonies and memorial services, healing can begin. When planning these families must first look into their options for cremation prices, cremation urns and most importantly research the local guidelines for conducting such ceremonies.

When it comes time to sit down and plan, think first about your deceased loved one and the life that they lived. Then, consider the options for their memorial. It is important to find the right location and add all necessary personal touches. Every person is different, so plan for an ashes spreading ceremony that is unique, personalized and thoughtful.

Can Ashes be Scattered Anywhere?

Many families choose to scatter their loved one’s ashes at a location that reminds them of their loved one or at a place that their loved one enjoyed going to. Parks, beaches, and waterways are common locations for scattering ashes. Choose a spot that is special to your loved one, a place where you bonded with your loved one, or somewhere that just reminds you of him or her. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

Cremation provides families with more time to arrange where and how to scatter the ashes. While there is no policing agency overseeing scattering, there are some basics you should know:
  • If you plan on scattering ashes on private property, it's smart to receive written permission from the owner.
  • Public parks require that you obtain a scattering permit.
  • There are no regulations regarding ash scattering on uncontrolled public lands; you need to use your own judgment.
  • You should not scatter ashes within 100 yards of public roads or trails.
  • The cremation container must be disposed of separately and in an environmentally-safe manner.
  • Scattering ashes in inland waters is governed by the Clean Water Act so it's important to obtain a permit from the agency that oversees waterways.
  • Ash scattering at sea must be done at a minimum of three nautical miles from the coastline.
  • Any flowers or wreaths used in the ash scattering ceremony held at sea must decompose. No plastic flowers or other non-decomposable items should be left behind.
  • For ash scattering done at sea, the Environmental Protection Agency requires that you notify the regional office in writing within 30 days after the event.

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Special Ideas for Scattering Ashes

The common image most of us have of scattering ashes is one of a casting ceremony for scattering ashes where the ashes are tossed into the wind or sprinkled on the surface of a lake, river, or sea. Whether one person is responsible for the casting or it's a group effort, casting a loved one's ashes can present challenges. We advise you check the direction of the wind and always cast downwind to avoid having the ashes come back to coat your clothes, skin and hair.

Casting Ceremony

When people first think about scattering ashes, often what comes to mind is the tossing and dispersing of cremation ashes into the air. This type of ash scattering is called a casting ceremony. People find that the casting ceremony helps symbolize the freeing or letting go of their loved one’s spirit.  

We have organized many different versions of a casting ceremony. Some families choose to keep it simple and have one family member scatter the ashes whereas others have each family member release some of the ashes. You can personalize it any manner that you want. For example, families have been known to have a symbolic toast where the ashes are divided up and put into cups for each guest. Then a toast can be said, and everyone can release the ashes in unison. 

Trenching Ceremony

A trenching ceremony is another popular ash scattering ceremony. A trench or hole is dug into the ground and the ashes are scattered inside. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the family covers the trench or hole. 

Trenching ceremonies are ideal for those who loved to garden or loved nature. Like a casting ceremony, you can get more creative. For example, we have seen trenches dug in the shape of a heart and trenches where the initials of a loved one are spelled out. 

A slight variation on the trenching ceremony is a ringing ceremony. A trench is dug in a circle around a tree, flower, or something else of significance. Some families choose to create a memorial at the center of the ring with candles, a picture of the deceased, or some type of memento like a favorite jersey.

Sky or Aerial Ceremony

Aerial ash scattering has been quickly growing in popularity. For this type of scattering ceremony, we will work with a private company that will fly your loved one’s ashes into the sky and release them. Aerial scattering can be done by plane, helicopter, hot air balloon, or even by a hang glider.

Since families are usually unable to be involved in the scattering portion of the service, many families will organize a small ceremony with music, prayers, and speeches prior to the plane taking off. On a clear day, aerial ash scattering can be viewed from the ground. In addition, the company flying the aircraft will usually take photos of the scattering that families can take home as a keepsake.

Water Ceremony

As opposed to casting ashes over water, we can organize what’s referred to as a water ceremony which sees the cremation ashes put into a water-soluble urn. The urn will be placed in the water, it will float for a couple minutes before it begins to sink and dissolve. To conclude the ceremony, guests will often toss flowers, petals, or wreaths into the water as one final tribute. However, ensure the flowers or wreaths can easily decompose.

How to Scatter Ashes

Cremated remains bear little resemblance to ashes; they look and behave a lot like small-grained gravel. However, there are some fine-grains mixed in so be sure to check the wind direction before scattering into the air or a body of water.

You may also wish to check out our selection of scattering urns prior to making plans for your ceremony. Should you need advice on how to design a meaningful ceremony, feel free to call us at 828-680-9963.
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