60 Beautiful Ideas Of What To Do With Ashes: Advice From A Widow

When my husband passed away unexpectedly 11 months ago, I had to make so many quick decisions.

When it came to deciding on what to do with the ashes, I was exhausted.

So I took my time and pondered. I spoke with my children, friends, and eventually decided on scattering his ashes on an old camping area he loved.

He’s at peace now. And so am I.

This article is for anyone unsure about what they should do with their loved one’s remains. I’ve listed 52 great ideas, some are traditional while some are quite out there.

Take your time and choose something that brings you and your family peace.

My Personal Favorites

I know some of you don’t want to read through the whole article, so I decided to make a short list of my favorite memorials. I am someone who appreciates art, so these memorials tend to be handmade which makes them a bit more personal & special for me.

  • Handmade ceramic urn: I just love how much work & care goes into these urns. They’re one a kind pieces of art for me.
  • Ash glass pendants: Not for everyone, but you can turn your loved one’s ashes into a piece art glass.
  • Handmade wooden urn: Timeless memorials that come from nature to produce a beautiful tribute for anyone.
  • Scattering the ashes: There’s something very peaceful knowing that your loved one’s spirirt has been laid to rest in meaningful place.

Cremation Urns 

Some of us like the idea of keeping the ashes at home nearby on mantel or table.

It’s quite a cost effective and convenient option. If you decide to move, the container can be transported easily.

The size, design, and price of an urn can vary quite a bit.

I would recommend buying online because it’s cheaper and there’s some to choose from.

Here are three urns that are really popular online:

Memorials4u Elite Cloud Blue and Silver Urn:A best seller on Amazon, this handcrafted urn comes highly recommended by happy customers.

It’s high quality, very affordable, and can fit the remains of an adult weighing up to 200 lbs.

If you want to know more about this urn, check out their online store.

New World Brass Cremation Urn With Keepsake:

Another best seller, this beautiful urn has the advantage of coming with a small keepsake urn.

Both urn are made of sturdy brass and has a elegant pearl white and nickel finish.

To buy this urn, check out their online store.

Chateau Cherry Wooden Urn:

For those who are looking for something more simple and traditional, you might prefer to keep the remains in a wooden cremation box.

To find out more about the Chateau Urn, check out their online store.

More Cremation Urn Ideas

Double Keepsake Urn

There are so many different types of urns! Luckily, the authors at Cremation Institute have made some wonderful guides.

  • Biodegradable Urns: For something more natural, read about these biodegradable cremation urns 
  • Companion Urns: These double urns are used for two people who to be together, or for a very large person.
  • Infant Urns: For the unfortunate parents who have lost a child too soon, have a look at this baby urns guide.
  • Wooden Urns: For those looking for something traditional, a wooden urn would be a great choice.

Interment Of Ashes

You may decide to go with a traditional option and bury the ashes.

Cremation has continually increased, so many cemeteries now have a section specifically for burying the ashes.

Of course the plots are much smaller, cost less, making it more economical and environmentally friendly.

This is a great option if you’re somewhere in between the traditional burial or cremation decision.

Columbarium Niche

Also called cremation niches, a columbarium is an elaborate monument which stores the remains.

In most cases, each alcove is large enough to hold the remains, and sometimes a few small keepsakes that belonged to the deceased.

They are usually located in cemeteries, churches, and funeral homes.

Make A Tree With Their Ashes

Growing trees

Did you know that you can turn your loved ashes into a tree? Amazing right? They’re called tree urns.

Having their ashes nourish and give life to a tree is a gratifying gesture.

The Bios Urn:

The Bios Urn seems to be the most popular tree urn on the market.

Their kit comes with all the necessary ingredients and instructions to grow a tree.

If you would like to know more, have a look at their online store.

Use Their Ashes To Make A Portrait

Artwork by Heide Hatry

An excellent selection for paying an enduring tribute to your loved one. The ashes are mixed with the paint used to create their portrait.

Looking at it, you’ll know that part of him or her is in the artwork.

Cremation Art

Believe it or not, cremation art is quite a popular way to memorialize your loved one.

There are a some artists that work with glass and other materials to produce stunning objects.

Purple Butterfly Keepsake Memorial Lamp:

This Butterly Lamp is just one example of the creativity and work that goes into making this type of art.

People won’t even realise that this a memorial, rather a beautiful lamp for the home.

If you want to take a look, go to their online store for more information.

Multi Color Blown Glass Urn:

Cremation Art is filled with examples of blown glass pieces.

This urn is a stunning example of blown glass art.

It’s an artistic and creative take on the tradition cremation urn.

Have a look at their store if you want to know more.

Stuffed Toy Keepsakes

These teddy bears are a bit different than most, they have internal compartments that can hold some of the ashes of your loved one.

This may be a bit bizarre and unorthodox to some.

On the other hand, snuggling and hugging a teddy bear that actually contains part of the person you loved could instead be quite comforting.

Tattoo Using Ashes

This could be the ultimate way of keeping someone close to you.

Although an individualistic method, you would literally have your departed with you for eternity in about the closest way possible.

A small amount of the ashes are mixed in with the ink that illustrates the person’s name or even their image on your body.

They are literally under your skin, but in a good way.

Cremation Jewelry

There are two ways of combining the ashes with jewelry. You can place a small amount of the cremains into the jewelry, such as a locket.

The other way is having the ashes mixed with the actual materials used to construct the jewelry.

Then have it made into the piece of jewelry of your choice. Necklaces are popular because you can keep them close to your heart.

The Macha Glass Cremation Ring:

Created by Ann Nicole Preservations, this stunning cremation ring is the combination of ashes and crystal clear glass.

Each ring is a carefully handmade and are a variety of colors are available.

To learn more about the process and to buy, go to their online store.

With Me Always Necklace:

This is a lovely stainless steel pendant with delicate blue rhinestone.

It can be worn as a necklace or placed in a special place at home.

Only a tiny portion of ashes may be included in the necklace.

For more information, have a look at their store online.

Infinity Keepsakes Necklace:

Beautifully inscribed with the quote “Always in my heart”, this is a stunning purple glass heart pendant.

The setting and the 18-inch chain are both crafted of scratch-resistant stainless steel.

The necklace comes with a velvet bag as a suitably elegant storage space.

For me details, go to their Amazon store.

Ideas for Letting the Ashes Go

It is sometimes thought of as a spiritual sentiment. It’s a way of setting your loved one free to become one with nature.

Below are only a few ideas you might consider.

Scattering At Sea Ceremony

Ash Scattering Ceremony

This is a very popular option for a cremation ceremony, where family and friends can get together to pay their last respects.

There are actually boat companies that specialise in this type of ceremony.

For more information about this type of ceremony, you can read our scattering ashes at sea guide.

Scattering in Water

If a boat ceremony is not your thing, you can still scatter in most bodies of water. Just be sure to check the rules for scattering ashes in you area before.

Biodegradable Urns

If you’re scattering in water, be sure to use a biodegradable urn for water. These urns will make sure the whole process goes smoothly and that you don’t end up harming the environment.

 

Scattering at a National Park 

A beautiful resting place for anyone who loved being outdoors in nature. They do have a few guidelines though which you’ll need to check first.

But it’s worth the hassle of a little paperwork, in order to place the ashes amid the amazing beauty of a protected and natural environment.

The National Park Service has many parks listed on their website including their stipulations.

Skydiving Scattering

What would be more appropriate for the adventurous and free spirited person?

Imagine how he or she would love having their ashes scattered while free-falling from two miles in the heavens.

Vase Urn

If you love flowers or candles, a vase urn would be a lovely idea for the cremains. They are made with a compartment in the bottom to place the ashes.

You then place the candle or flowers on the top. Your loved one will always have fresh flowers and a shining light.

Cremation Diamond

What girl doesn’t love diamonds? These are made using conditions that mimic the way the earth makes them-with extreme heat and pressure.

They typically turn out a bluish color, due to boron, which is in bones. Leave it solitary or have it crafted into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Interested? Check out our Cremation Diamonds Guide.

Pencils

Amazingly, approximately 240 pencils can be manufactured from a cremated body’s carbon.

Each one is stamped or engraved with the deceased person’s name and come enclosed in an attractive box.

You can only remove one pencil at a time, which is sharpened when you insert it back into the box. Eventually the box containing the shavings, becomes the urn.

Ancient Burial Site

If you fancy burying your loved one in the same manner as their ancient ancestors, you should check out Sacred Stones located in Bedfordshire, England.

They have created a momentous site for a final resting space.

Sacred Stones Columbarium

Sacred Stones Columbarium

It basically contains columbariums that are like no other, which replicate the ancient burial sites of our ancestors.

This tranquil underground location is constructed with walls of limestone and huge stones and is lit throughout by candles.

It would be difficult to find a more captivating and serene location to spend eternity.

There are more locations under construction and others are planned for the future.

Out of a Plane

Aerial Scattering

Commonly referred to as aerial scattering, it’s becoming a popular method. It provides a means of widespread scattering over a specific location chosen by the deceased or the family.

Most pilots who specialize in aerial scattering have an apparatus attached to the plane, which efficiently spreads the ashes.

Fireworks

Your loved one’s passing is not only a time of grief, but also a moment to celebrate their life. There’s no better cremation ceremony idea than doing that than with fireworks.

Imagine watching their ashes light up the sky in brilliant color as family and friends watch. A great choice for someone who was full of energy and life.

Launched into space

For the person who dreamed of being an astronaut, the possibility of going into space is within grasp. And this can happen when they have passed on.

There are a couple of companies that are gearing up for send-off.

A small amount of the ashes are launched into outer space and then circle the earth for several months.

Eventually they will vaporize as they re enter the earth’s atmosphere.

 

Ashes on the Moon

Did they love you to the moon and back?

A company named Celestis are sending remains up to the moon.

Imagine how you will feel every night when you gaze upward and know that they are actually there.

A Flower Urn

A unique and lovely approach to burying cremains at sea, different than the usual method of pouring them from an urn.

A flower of a substantial size is created from a special biodegradable paper with the ashes attached.

It is typically released into a lake, river, or in the ocean from a boat.

You can watch the lovely flower float atop the water for a while and then gradually sinks as it dissolves.

Vessel

Have you have ever thought that sending a burning ship into the sea with a Viking warrior aboard?

You’ll be pleased to learn that it’s definitely a possibility. These ships are replicas of the real thing.

Additionally, many people place flowers or items that were special to their Viking on board with them.

To be even more authentic, be sure to set sail as the sun sets behind the horizon and have a sip of ale as it floats away.

Unique Ideas For Cremains

If you consider the previous ideas to be different, they are about to get even more out of the ordinary.

Many different concepts still remain that you’ve probably never seen or thought of before now.

Some of them are already available for purchase. Others are ideas that people dreamed up for their own ashes, which will no doubt catch on in time.

Ashes used by 3D printer 

Long gone are the days when your choice of ash containers was limited to urns and boxes.

With this 3D technology, your urn is custom made into almost anything you can imagine, including a likeness of the deceased, a celebrity, hats, favorite car, or whatever they loved.

An appealing semblance is made from a ceramic or plastic material containing the ashes.

Wine

Here’s a great idea. Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the band Tool, decided to scatter his mother’s remains over his vineyard. He later named one of the wines after her.

Frisbee

Ed Headrick was an inventor who figured out how to improve the flying ability of an unknown disk toy, from which the Frisbee was born.

He left instructions that after his death, his ashes be mixed into the plastic and a batch of Frisbees manufactured for his friends and family.

Made into Music

Did your loved one have a particular song or band that they loved?

Ashes can now be compressed into a vinyl record, which holds a recording of your choosing. Of course, you’ll have to know someone that still has a record player.

Reef

Did they love to snorkel or scuba dive among the beautiful coral reefs?

Now they can become part of those reefs and spend eternity beneath the ocean water they loved so much.

The ashes are mixed into cement that is molded into a design, which replicates the reefs.

In addition, it becomes a habitat for many species of marine life, replacing the ones that have been damaged or destroyed.

 

Bullets

Was someone you know an avid hunter? What better way to memorialize him than with a box of ammunition containing a bit of his ashes.

Maybe you could finally snag that big buck with one of his unique bullets.

Stained Glass

What if you could wake up each morning and have your morning coffee as the sun along with your loved one shines through a beautiful stained glass window.

That is literally possible by adding their ashes to the glass as it’s created.

Creative & Unusual Urns

You may find some of these unusual, but maybe the deceased was unique. Most of these next urns reflect how he or she lived. 

Time Capsule 

Another one for those who loved the ocean. In a time capsule, they will rest on the ocean floor for eternity.

This is a charming urn, which will hold not only the ashes, but also some of the person’s mementoes.

How fitting would it be for a former military officer to be buried with his medals or a ball player with his glove.

Motorcycle Urn

If they a biker, there are plenty of motorcycle related urns out there. If that’s too tame for you, here’s another idea.

Laying him to rest in peace in his bike’s gas tank may be the perfect urn, especially if it has a nice custom paint job.

He’ll be remembered for the way he lived, with hair blowing in the wind.

Toolbox Urn

How about a mechanic or someone good with their hands. He most likely loved his toolbox and would be pleased to know his ashes can be contained in one.

Hour Glass Urn

A stunning hourglass sitting on the mantel would be a wonderful way of displaying your loved one’s ashes.

It will remind the family to live their life to the fullest with the time they have.

They will also reminisce about the happy times they spent with their departed.

Pringles Can

Fredric J. Baur, the inventor of Pringles Potato Chips, requested that his cremains be kept in a Pringles can. So if you’re a Pringles lover or you have a very low budget- if it’s good enough for Fredric, then why not?

Eco Urn

An Eco urn is typically used for burying cremated remains. They are constructed with organic materials, which easily breaks down in soil.

Ecopod makes one that resembles a large acorn. It’s made from molded Kraft paper and has a secure lid that makes it also great for displaying.

Personal Urn

You no longer need to worry about forgetting what they looked like over time. This urn will remind you every day. The urn is created from picture and facial recognition software to look just like your loved one. A little creepy? Well, yes. A unique idea? Definitely yes.

Papier Mâché Urn

You can purchase one of these, but wouldn’t it be great to make it yourself? Papier mâché is a popular craft and easy to learn. It an opportunity to design and create an individualistic representation of a loved one. Perfect if they were into hippies and shabby chic.

Shell Urns

These beautiful urns are crafted with biodegradable materials in the shape of a seashell, which contain the cremains. It can be buried, but they are usually placed into a body of water where it floats for approximately five minutes or longer. It then begins to sink while gradually releasing the ashes.

Pizza Box Urn

We put them in a Pringles can, so why wouldn’t we put cremains in a pizza box. If you love pizza and who doesn’t, why not spend eternity in a pizza box? Just make sure everyone knows what’s really in the box.

Pet Cremation

While these ideas are intended for people, there’s no reason you couldn’t use them after cremating a pet. Pets like dogs or cats become part of the family, and so paying tribute to their life is important.

Tell us about your ideas

There you have it, 40 examples of beautiful, funny, crazy, and even creepy things you can do with your ashes. If by chance you can’t find one out of these, there’s no reason you can’t come up with your own ideas.

Tell me what idea you like.

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