A cremation service is one way to honor a loved one who has passed. With cremated remains, you have the flexibility to say goodbye and honor their life in a range of ways. If you’ve recently lost someone and are looking for inspiration for what to do with their ashes, here’s a guide to some unique ideas for celebrating who they were.

How to Honor a Loved One Through Cremation Services

1. Scatter Their Ashes at a Beloved Place

Lay your loved one to rest at one of their favorite places, or somewhere they’ve always wanted to visit but didn’t get the chance to. For example, laws allow families to scatter ashes in the ocean without additional permission. Many national parks also allow it with a permit. If you’re interested in scattering ashes in private property like stadiums or amusement parks, ask for written permission and keep a record of it.

2. Plant a Tree

If you want to keep your loved one close by, or if they loved spending time outdoors, you might consider planting a memorial tree to go with their ashes. You can purchase a biodegradable urn to store their remains for burial, then plant the tree above the area in your yard. This way, you’ll create a new life from their ashes and can always visit the tree to pay your respects.

3. Design a Personalized Urn

Some families choose to hold onto their loved one’s cremains. If you want to do this, consider creating a personalized urn that really shows off your loved one’s style and personality. For example, if they were an avid collector, purchase or design a vessel that resembles an antique vase. This will help you celebrate their life and the impact they left on you and your loved ones. 

4. Create a Memorial Reef

There are companies that are using ashes to create barriers in the ocean that resemble coral reefs. Not only does this make your loved one part of nature, but it also provides habitats and protection for marine life. If your loved one was a fan of the sea or passionate about environmental issues, you might consider donating their remains to this cause.

If you’re looking to honor a loved one with cremation services, the professionals at Brown Funeral Homes & Cremations in Martinsburg, WV, will help. This funeral home helps grieving families come up with unique and personal ways to honor their loved ones. They also offer burials, caskets, and funeral pre-planning. You can view a full list of their services online or call (304) 263-8896 to speak with a funeral director.