Planning a funeral for a loved one is never easy, even if they’ve left clear indications as to the steps they would like you to take. Nobody can prepare you for the grief of losing a family member or close friend. The best places to scatter ashes are highly personal and it can often bring a sense of catharsis and comfort.
Cremations are increasingly prevalent in the UK, accounting for as much as 73% of all funerals conducted during 2018. They’ve grown in popularity through recent years due to lower costs, various cultural changes, and the freedom to scatter your loved one’s ashes in a place of their choosing.
In this blog post we’ll explore the best places to scatter ashes of a loved one:
- Rivers and Seas
Water has always held a symbolic connection with life. The flow of rivers and waves can give a sense of comforting motion to loved ones scattering ashes. If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one and are thinking of scattering their ashes at sea, consider investing in a biodegradable urn.
- Hills and Mountains
Another popular location to scatter the ashes of loved ones are popular hiking spots and summits. You might not be guaranteed privacy if it is a popular spot, but the beauty of the British countryside is that you can always find somewhere just as lovely off the beaten track.
- Football Pitches, Rugby Clubs, and Golf Greens
There are laws governing where you can scatter ashes in the UK, but these are rather relaxed. Restrictions are typically limited to private land. If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one and you know they would’ve wanted some connection to a privately-owned location such as their favourite football ground, ask for permission from the landowner first.
- Home
Home can be the perfect place to scatter a loved one’s ashes, as it retains the sense of connection that some people feel is lost with cremations. Permanent grave markers fulfil an important social function, providing a place for family and friends to go for remembrance. If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one but know that burials weren’t their thing, consider spreading their ashes in the garden of your family home. That way you can feel connected to them every day.
- A Combination of Locations
This divides mourners into those who believe remains should be spread together and those who don’t. Cremations give you the chance to scatter the ashes of your loved one where you want and when you want, even if the where comprises more than one place.
Capital Life Funeral Plans: Planning a Funeral for A Loved One
Planning a funeral for a loved one can be emotionally and financially costly, but it doesn’t all have to be an uphill struggle. There are moments in the process that can help you let go of grief and start to focus on your own wellbeing.
Capital Life Funeral Plans is one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers, offering an extensive range of Classic and Premium plans to suit all budgets. If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one, you can set aside a suitable budget ahead of time and prepare a cremation plan that suits them.
If you need any more information, read our previous blog post, Funeral Planning: The Importance of Telling Loved Ones What You Want. Call us on 0800 411 8683 for any more information about planning a funeral for a loved one, inclduing Wills, Inheritance Planning, Probate, and LPAs.