The Best Ways to Store Ashes Before Scattering Them
Introduction: Preparing for the Final Goodbye
After a loved one has been cremated, families are often left with the delicate task of storing their ashes before they can be scattered in a special location. While many people feel a sense of closure once the cremation is complete, the process of scattering ashes is not always immediate. There may be logistical reasons for waiting, such as coordinating with family members, selecting the perfect location, or simply taking time to emotionally prepare for the act.
This guide will take you through the best methods of storing cremation ashes, ensuring that they are kept safe, secure, and meaningful until the moment you are ready to carry out the final farewell. From urn options to special keepsakes, we will explore the different ways to store ashes and help you decide what is best for you and your family.
Why It’s Important to Store Ashes Properly
Before we dive into storage options, it’s important to understand the emotional and practical significance of properly storing cremation ashes. The temporary storage of ashes provides families the time they need to make important decisions about how and when to scatter them. It can also offer comfort to those who wish to keep the ashes in their care for a while longer.
Additionally, there are practical considerations to keep in mind. Cremation ashes are not only an emotional connection to your loved one but also a material substance that requires proper handling. Whether you plan to keep the ashes for an extended period or scatter them soon after, proper storage ensures that they remain intact, safe from damage, and preserved in a way that honors your loved one.
Traditional Cremation Urns: A Timeless Choice
A cremation urn is perhaps the most well-known and widely used option for storing ashes. These urns come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making it easy to select one that aligns with your aesthetic preferences or your loved one’s personality. They can be displayed in a home or stored in a safe place until the moment comes to scatter the ashes.
Types of Cremation Urns:
Wooden Urns: Handcrafted wooden urns provide a traditional and earthy appeal, symbolizing the return of a loved one to nature. They can be engraved with names, dates, and personal messages, making them highly customizable.
Metal Urns: Durable and sleek, metal urns (such as brass or stainless steel) offer a more modern option. These urns often come in a range of finishes, including matte, glossy, and brushed.
Biodegradable Urns: For families who are environmentally conscious, biodegradable urns are an excellent choice. These urns dissolve in water or soil over time, making them ideal for scattering in natural environments, such as the ocean, a forest, or a park.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to scatter the ashes soon after the cremation, a simple temporary urn or even a plastic bag inside a decorative box may suffice. You can then transfer the ashes to a more permanent urn once you have selected a final resting place.
Keepsake Jewelry: Carrying Ashes with You
For those who wish to keep their loved one close, a keepsake jewelry option offers a unique and sentimental way to store ashes. These small, discreet pieces of jewelry come in a variety of designs, including necklaces, rings, and bracelets, and are specially designed to hold a small portion of cremated remains.
Keepsake jewelry allows family members to carry a piece of their loved one wherever they go, providing comfort and solace. Many pieces can be personalized with engravings, creating a lasting tribute that’s both meaningful and wearable.
Pro Tip: If multiple family members wish to have a part of the ashes, keepsake jewelry is an excellent way to distribute a small portion of the cremated remains while leaving the rest of the ashes stored in a more permanent vessel.
Scatter Tubes: Designed for the Perfect Scattering Experience
Scatter tubes are a popular choice for families who plan to scatter ashes outdoors. These are specifically designed containers that allow for an easy, controlled scattering experience. Scatter tubes come in a variety of sizes, making it possible to store ashes for an individual or multiple people.
Scatter tubes are often made from cardboard or biodegradable materials, and they feature an openable top, which allows you to scatter the ashes gently. Some families prefer to store the ashes in a scatter tube temporarily, especially if they plan to scatter them soon.
Pro Tip: Many people use a scattering tube when they have a set location in mind for scattering. These tubes can be customized with photographs, designs, and names, making them a personal and meaningful choice for families planning a memorial ceremony.
Glass Keepsakes: A Beautiful and Lasting Tribute
For a more artistic and visually striking way to store cremated remains, glass keepsakes are becoming increasingly popular. These stunning pieces are created by blending a small portion of cremated remains with colored glass to form a unique and beautiful object. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that serves as a lasting memorial.
Glass keepsakes can take many forms, including paperweights, ornaments, and sculptures. Not only do they store a portion of the ashes, but they also create a tangible tribute to a loved one that can be proudly displayed in the home.
Pro Tip: Glass keepsakes are an ideal choice if you want a piece of art that can be handed down through generations. Because they are durable and often incorporate beautiful colors and designs, they can become heirloom pieces.
Temporary Storage Options: When You’re Not Ready Yet
Sometimes, the right moment to scatter ashes hasn’t arrived. If you need temporary storage before making the final decision, there are a few simple, practical options to consider:
Ziploc Bags: A plain, airtight bag can temporarily store ashes while you decide how to honor your loved one. Just be sure to handle the ashes with care.
Plastic Containers: Small, plastic containers can securely hold ashes, and they can be easily transported until you’re ready to take the next step.
Cardboard Boxes: A small decorative box can serve as a temporary holding place for ashes, especially if you plan to scatter them soon.
While these options are not intended for long-term storage, they provide a temporary solution for keeping ashes safe until you’re ready to move forward with the scattering ceremony.
Bio Urns: Eco-Friendly and Future-Oriented
As more families opt for eco-friendly alternatives in their memorial practices, bio urns are gaining popularity. These urns are made of natural, biodegradable materials and are designed to break down over time. Some bio urns even contain a small tree or plant seed, turning the cremated remains into the nutrients needed to help the plant grow.
If you are looking for a greener option, bio urns can be an excellent choice. Some are designed for scattering in natural settings, while others are used for temporary storage before planting the tree or plant in a meaningful location.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in creating a living memorial, consider selecting a bio urn that includes a tree seed. This allows you to memorialize your loved one while also contributing to the environment.
Storing Ashes with Care and Respect
Whether you plan to scatter ashes in a remote wilderness area or honor your loved one’s memory at home, storing cremated remains requires careful thought and consideration. Selecting the right method to store ashes ensures that your loved one is memorialized in a respectful, meaningful way, while also providing peace of mind during the process.
From traditional urns to keepsake jewelry and biodegradable options, there are numerous ways to store ashes that suit every family’s needs. By choosing an option that aligns with your personal values, the memory of your loved one will be preserved with the utmost care and respect.
As you prepare for the scattering ceremony, take your time to explore the various storage options. When the right moment comes, you’ll be ready to honor your loved one in the most fitting way possible.
