If you’re cremating your loved one, you’re probably wondering what to do with cremation ashes. Here are 10 options when spreading ashes.

Your loved one wanted to be cremated and you have honored their wishes. But now you are wondering what to do with cremation ashes.

Read on for 10 unique ways to scatter ashes to pay tribute to your beloved departed.

1. Scattering Over Water

One of the most popular cremation ashes ideas out there is to scatter human ashes over water.

Water has long had spiritual connotations and is regarded as a symbol of infinity for many belief systems, cultures and religions.

You can either scatter the cremation ashes directly onto water such as a lake, river or ocean. Or you can use a water-safe, biodegradable urn and release that into the water to float away.

If you are releasing cremation ashes directly into the water, it’s a good idea to bring some fresh flowers to release at the same time. This way, you can follow the path of the ashes as they float away. 

Also, it can make the scattering ceremony more beautiful and less sad. To make this idea work, de-stem your flowers and place them in a sealable bag with a wet paper towel to keep them moist.

2. Aerial Scattering of Cremation Ashes 

Another popular choice when people decide what to do with ashes is to scatter them into the air.

People often choose a mountain-top, cliff, hill, or wide-open plain for the release spot. Remember to stand upwind so that you don’t get ashes blown into your eyes or lipstick.

3. Trenching

Instead of allowing your loved one’s cremation ashes to scatter into the wind or water, some people prefer to keep cremation ashes confined to a particular plot of land.

One way to do this is by a method called trenching. During a trenching ceremony, you will dig a shallow pit or trench. This can be in a location that is meaningful to your departed loved one.

Then, you spread the cremated remains in the hole and cover it with soil. Depending on the regulations in your area for the disposal of ashes, trenching can be done by the family or a funeral director.

4. Raking

Another option for what to do with human ashes is to rake them into soil. This way, your loved one joins with the earth and becomes part of the soil that will help flowers and plants grow.

All you need to do is lightly rake the ashes into soft, turned soil. Again, you might choose a significant location such as your home, your loved one’s birthplace or something else that is meaningful to you.

5. Space Launch

If your departed family member was a fan of outer space, one of the most special ways you can scatter his or her ashes is to launch them into space.

Perhaps your loved one dreamed of being an astronaut or maybe loved astrology and stargazing. Either way, you can find companies that send human ashes into outer space.

The ashes will circle the earth for several months. Because all humans are made of stardust, this is a fitting and beautiful way to honor the life of your departed.

After a few months, the human ashes will vaporize as they re-enter the earth’s atmosphere. 

6. Launch Them as Fireworks

What better way to celebrate your loved one’s life than with fireworks? Though spreading cremated ashes can be a sad experience, it’s also a great time to focus on the life of the one you loved.

A wonderful cremation ceremony could include watching the night sky light up in multiple colors surrounded by friends and family. Best of all, you’ll know that some of that explosive powder comes from your dearly departed.

This is an excellent idea for those who have passed that were vibrant, larger than life and full of energy.

You can also film the ceremony and watch it as often as you like.

7. Cremation Ashes Planted in Trees

You can turn your loved one’s ashes into a tree (or two or ten). Tree urns are a great way to turn the diseased human ashes into nourishment for a tree.

Best of all, you can then plant the trees in various meaningful locations such as your backyard, your favorite park and so on. 

Best of all, when you visit the tree, you will be able to see the changes in the tree’s growth. Hopefully, your feelings will reflect that growth as well.  

8. Skydiving Scattering

Are you trying to come up with a good way to scatter the human remains of a free-spirited, adventurous person?

A great option is to scatter their ashes on the descent while skydiving. You can’t help but feel an exhilaration release when you are free-falling from the sky. It’s an excellent way to let go. 

9. Green Burial

If your loved one was environmentally conscious, this cremation idea is for you.

A green burial is an eco-friendly way to dispose of human ashes. After cremation, the remains are put in a biodegradable container that will naturally dissolve into the earth.

This way, you return your loved on to the natural world. You can choose to spread the ashes in various green containers so that you can scatter your loved one in various places around the world. 

10. Scatter Ashes Across the World 

One of the most popular cremation ashes ideas is to spread a bit of your loved one’s remains all over the world.

Maybe your loved one was full of wanderlust. Or perhaps he or she loved to travel. You could take an epic trek around the world and leave a little bit of your beloved along the way.

That way, no matter where you go in the world, they will be close by.

Final Word on What to Do With Cremation Ashes

There you have it! 10 ideas for what to do with cremation ashes. We hope this list helped you find something that speaks to you.

Check out our selection of cremation urns and cremation jewelery.