When a family chooses a direct cremation, the remains of the deceased are returned to the family in a temporary urn. Some families choose to purchase a more permanent urn and keep these remains in a family member’s home so their loved one can always be close to them. However, some families may choose to scatter the remains. If you are interested in spreading your loved one’s ashes after their cremation services in Dallas, TX., keep reading as we explore five ways to do so.

Casting Ceremony

This type of event to release the ashes is typically the most common and is what most people imagine when they think of an ash scattering ceremony. In this event, the remains of the deceased are released and tossed into the air. This can either be done by one person, or several depending on how the family would like it to be performed.

Raking Ceremony

Another option is a raking ceremony. In this type of event, the remains are dispersed across an area of soil in a garden or other outside area. The remains are then raked into the soil becoming one with the earth again.

You might find that one person rakes all of the remains or everyone may take turns and share a found memory or story when they are at the rake. This ceremony can be performed on public lands that allow it or in scattering gardens that are created specifically for this service.

Trenching Ceremony

A variation of the raking ceremony is a trenching ceremony. With this event, the remains are not raked into the earth but buried. A trench or hole is dug, and the ashes are scattered inside. The family then fills in and covers the hole.

This is a nice option to perform alongside a flower bed or in a garden. You could also plant a new tree or flowers and have them serve as a tribute to your loved one for years to come.

Water Ceremony

If your loved one adored the water, you may decide on a water ceremony. These can be done in two ways. One is like the casting ceremony where the remains are tossed into the air over the water. The second way is to purchase a water-soluble urn for the remains to be placed in. This urn will be environmentally safe to release into the water and stay afloat for a little while before dissolving.

Guests may also add flowers or wreaths into the water but must ensure that all items added decompose easily and completely and will not be environmentally harmful to any of the water life.

Sky Ceremony

cremation services in Dallas, TX

This is definitely the ceremony that makes the biggest statement. With this ceremony, your loved one’s ashes are taken up into the sky and released into the air. You can find companies that do this with a plane, helicopter, glider, or even a hot air balloon.

One downside is that space for passengers is often very limited (if allowed at all). So, if being with the remains as they are released is important to you, or you have many people who would like to attend, you might be better off choosing another option.

You can see that there are several ways to release your loved one’s remains after their cremation services in Dallas, TX. And with each one of these ceremonies, you can choose to make it as personalized for your loved one as you wish to create a truly special and meaningful tribute.