What To Do With Cremated Remains

fiastro • July 1, 2020

Cremation on the Rise

Cremation continues to rise in popularity over traditional burial with over 50% of Americans now opting to be cremated after they die. However, despite this growing trend, a large majority of families don’t know what to do with the cremains (cremated ashes) they receive afterward. More often than not, the cremains remain stored in their respective containers for so long that they end up being forgotten. There’s no need for this unfortunate scenario, as there are numerous unique options available for handling cremains.

Unique Options Available

In addition to being placed in an urn, cremated remains can also be buried in a cemetery grave or interred above-ground in a columbarium niche. Here are some other ideas of what to do with cremated remains:


Scattering

You can scatter cremains in a meaningful location that was important to your loved one, e.g., the family homestead or a natural outdoor landscape (lake, mountain, forest). But proceed with caution when scattering on public land or private property – make sure you understand all the rules and regulations and seek permission before you begin. Some cemeteries also provide scatter gardens for families looking for a convenient and secure place to scatter cremains.

Containers

Urns and keepsake containers allow you to keep your loved one’s cremated remains close by for comfort and security:

  • Urns  – come in all shapes and sizes, forms and designs. An urn can be a simply constructed wooden box or a creative vessel designed to resemble an hourglass, holiday ornament, glass paperweight, or golf ball.
  • Jewelry  – storing cremains in keepsake necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and rings is another special way to keep your loved one physically close to you.

Out of the Box

There are numerous unconventional ways to handle cremains. Each option varies in simplicity and cost but all are singular “final resting places” for your loved one:

  • Tattoos  – a small amount of cremated remains are mixed with ink and tattooed into the skin as a physical and highly personalized reminder of your loved one.
  • Coral Reef  – if the recently deceased was a fan of the ocean, their cremains can be mixed with concrete to form an environmentally-friendly marine reef that also doubles as a permanent water memorial.
  • Fireworks  – for a grand finale, cremains can be incorporated into fireworks and set off in a customized display or packaged into self-firing rockets.
  • Space  – launch your loved one’s remains into space for an incomparable (and pricey) final adventure. Cremains can be transported into lunar orbit or deep space to create an everlasting celestial memorial.
  • Diamonds –  turning cremains into a diamond is a timeless method to memorialize the dearly departed. Cremation diamonds are an eternal and physical reminder that often becomes a cherished family heirloom.
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We begin our exploration by acknowledging the importance of remembrance and healing. At White Emerson Mortuary, we have long recognized that every life is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a personal and meaningful way. In our ongoing efforts, we value tribute videos as a powerful medium to honor memories, echo emotions, and bring families together. As we share our thoughts, we also acknowledge the unique challenges faced by funeral homes El Monte, CA , ensuring that our approach is sensitive, innovative, and ultimately uplifting for each family. The art of preserving memories through video allows us to capture the spirit and passions of a loved one. By combining voices, images, music, and heartfelt anecdotes into one seamless narrative, tribute videos celebrate the life journey in a way that photographs or written memories alone cannot. Embracing this medium has enabled us to create deeply personal narratives that serve to comfort grieving families and help them cherish legacies that live on beyond physical presence. A Heartfelt Approach to Storytelling We believe that each tribute video is more than just an edited montage. It is a living story—a tapestry of moments stitched together with care and respect. To begin, we collaborate closely with family members, gathering stories, videos, and images that illustrate the life journey of the departed. Our approach is rooted in empathy and creative storytelling, ensuring that every video reflects the individual’s unique personality, interests, and relationships. By engaging with those who share intimate memories, we create a narrative that is both personal and universal. Families appreciate the sensitive handling of this process and are comforted by the thoughtful structure in which each video is created. Our methodology involves an hour-by-hour breakdown of moments collected over time, thus ensuring that the final product is an authentic representation of a loved one's life . Innovating with Thought and Technology At the core of our process is a blend of tradition with modern technology. We work with reliable, state-of-the-art software that allows us to design tribute videos and craft seamless transitions between clips. Transitioning from legacy methods to current digital editing techniques has given us the flexibility to experiment with different themes and effects. For instance, when blending softly fading images with a stirring musical score, we ensure that every element supports the overall narrative of remembrance. By carefully editing the footage, we allow the emotions to take center stage—facilitating a calm and reflective experience. Our experienced team is proficient in harnessing the power of video editing tools, ensuring that each tribute video is as effective as it is respectful. In doing so, we have witnessed firsthand how the right audio-visual elements can evoke comfort and spark collective memories among viewers. Embracing Customization for Unique Legacies The beauty of tribute videos lies in their inherent versatility. We emphasize a personalized approach in every project. Families often bring us a collage of cherished memories: home videos, photographs from different stages of life, and recordings of sentimental occasions. It is through these diverse elements that we construct a narrative imbued with authenticity. We listen intently, engage in conversations about favorite songs, distinctive hobbies, and meaningful traditions, and then integrate these insights into the production. Each tribute video is designed to be a bespoke creation, ensuring that no two are alike. We pride ourselves in our ability to take a generalized concept and transform it into an intimate celebration that mirrors the distinctive qualities of the individual. Additionally, our team collaborates with families on scripting interviews or voice overs, sometimes including passages that the departed held dear. Such personalization ensures that the final tribute reflects the true spirit of those we honor. As we reflect on our practices and continuously strive to improve our service offerings, we invite families to consider the benefits of a tribute video for their memorial service. The process can not only be deeply cathartic but also ensure that the stories and memories of loved ones remain vibrant, instilling hope and unity amid the inevitable hardships of grief. In our final reflections, White Emerson Mortuary recognizes that the art of creating tribute videos is both a science and a soulful endeavor. With our decades of experience, we continue to dedicate ourselves to the craft—ensuring that every montage, every fade-in and fade-out, and every soft musical cue contributes to a narrative that honors life with dignity and warmth. As we conclude our discussion, we remind readers that when it comes to preserving cherished memories, the power of visual storytelling is unmatched, and we remain committed to serving families with the utmost compassion. Please reach out to us and call for more information as you explore thoughtful memorial solutions from funeral homes El Monte, CA, that honor every legacy.
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