Scattering Ashes After Cremation Services

November 11, 2019

The choosing and planning is not done once a cremation service in Dixon, IL is over. There are a lot of different options for what to do with the ashes after a cremation, such as burying the ashes, keeping them in your home, or scattering them. If you want to go the scattering route, it’s a good idea to learn understand the facts and rules surrounding the process.  

The following are a few tips and reminders for scattering ashes after a cremation service:  

  • You Don’t Have to Scatter All the Ashes – You can scatter as much or as little of the ashes as you want. Sometimes different members of the family each take a turn scattering, or some of the ashes are kept to be scattered at a later date, in a different location, or not at all.  
  • Various Scattering Methods – Scattering can mean more than just tossing ashes into the wind. There are in fact two main ways of scattering ashes: casting and trenching. Casting is scattering the ashes into the air, and trenching is burying the ashes just below the ground surface. You can also rake ashes into soil, cast ashes from an airplane, or even send ashes into space.  
  • Make a Plan for Who Will Scatter – It seems obvious, but it’s important to make a clear plan for who will scatter the ashes, and this might not be as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes families wish for a religious leader to do the scattering, or other times families hire a company to help.  
  • Check The Wind Direction – Be sure to take note of the wind direction on the day you want to scatter. You do not want to have ashes blown back into your face. It’s not unhealthy or dangerous, just very uncomfortable.  
  • Be Prepared For Some Bones – Most cremations reduce the body down to fine ash mixed with coarse, sand-like ash containing bone fragments. Be aware of this fact when considering scattering.  
  • Look Up Local Rules – Rules and regulations about where you can scatter ashes varies from state to state, and even city to city. Be sure to read up on your local laws to avoid getting fined for scattering in a prohibited place. The same goes for more unique scattering locations, such as at sea or in national parks. Sometimes you even need a permit.  
  • Take Photographs or Other Memorials – You can take photographs of the scattering to help preserve memories, and to have something more concrete to honor the deceased. Sometimes people regret scattering as it takes away any concrete memorial, so the photographs can be a good stand in for the ashes themselves.  

There are many ways to scatter ashes and memorialize a loved one after a Dixon, IL cremation service. If you want to learn more, you can contact Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation by visiting 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081, or calling (815) 626-1131. We are committed to helping you in any way we can during your time of loss.  

Cremation services Fulton, IL
March 31, 2025
Aftercare provides essential support for healing after loss. Cremation services Fulton, IL offers resources and compassionate guidance to help families cope.
funeral homes Fulton, IL
March 31, 2025
Pre-planning a funeral ensures personal wishes are honored and eases the burden on loved ones. Funeral homes Fulton, IL provide compassionate guidance.
cremation services Amboy, IL
March 24, 2025
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation supports grief resources and care. Learn how cremation services Amboy, IL can connect you with valuable support networks.
funeral homes Amboy, IL
March 17, 2025
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation helps honor veterans with meaningful military honors. Discover how funeral homes Amboy, IL assist with respectful tributes.
cremation services Morrison, IL
March 10, 2025
Discover how Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation helps create personalized cremation jewelry as a lasting tribute. Explore with cremation services Morrison, IL.
funeral homes Morrison, IL
March 3, 2025
Explore how Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation helps create custom headstones that reflect legacies. Find personalized options at funeral homes Morrison, IL.
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 24, 2025
Guide to Veterans Benefits in Cremation Services Fulton, IL
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 17, 2025
Pre-Planning Funeral Service with Funeral Homes Fulton, IL
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 10, 2025
Memorial Jewelry Keepsakes with Cremation Services Amboy, IL
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 3, 2025
Announcements via Social Media with Funeral Homes Amboy, IL
More Posts