When you decide on cremation services for a loved one’s final services, that is an honorable thing to do for them. You will need to hire professionals and find a cremation package for them. Then, you will take care of their needs in a nice way and you can consider the other options. There are many to think through, like having a memorial service for them and what you want for their final resting place. There are many different things you do for a resting place, like bury them, keep them, or have a casting ceremony for them to scatter their ashes. Here are things to consider if you decide to cast their remains out somewhere.
Casting ceremonies can be part of a memorial service, or they can be something separate. You might want to have a larger memorial with community members and then keep the casting ceremony smaller and more private. If you are having a small service as it is, you could always make the casting a part of that service. Or, the casting ceremony could be all you do for the memorial. The options are completely open.
Some families like to concentrate on one thing at a time. First, they made sure their loved one’s needs were met. Second, they had a memorial service for them to honor their memory. And third, they consider the casting ceremony. There’s nothing wrong with doing that and you can run things on any timeline you’d like.
When you decide on a casting ceremony, you might want to have an order of events in mind and perhaps even have someone chosen to preside over the service, whether that’s a professional or even just a family friend. You can have someone do a reading, play a song, or share a memory. It doesn’t have to be long or involved, but having an idea of what you want to have happen can help you get everything lined up well.
When you are out somewhere, it might feel peaceful and quiet, and that’s nice. But music is often a nice addition. You can have your family sing something together as you cast the ashes out or you can even play a certain song on your phone that you know your loved one liked. Music can bring up all sorts of memories and emotions.
Even if you don’t have anyone presiding over the event, you can take turns sharing memories and kind words about your loved one. It’s a nice way to honor them as you give them this final send off.
When you invite people to the ceremony, sometime after the cremation services, you may want to plan out who is going to cast the remains. Just you? A few people? Everyone will get to take a turn? Make it clear what will happen so everyone is prepared for their part.