After a cremation, you'll receive your loved one's ashes, usually within one to two weeks. For many families, this moment raises a question they may not have considered before: what do we do with them now? If you're feeling uncertain, you're not alone. Here are the most common options available in the UK, so you can make a decision that feels right for your family.
Keep Them in an Urn at Home
Many families choose to keep their loved one's ashes at home in a beautiful cremation urn. This allows you to feel close to them every day. Urns come in a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes, from classic brass designs to contemporary ceramic pieces. Some people display the urn in a living room, bedroom, or other meaningful spot in the home.
Scatter Them in a Meaningful Place
Scattering ashes is one of the most popular choices in the UK. You can scatter ashes:
- In a garden of remembrance at the crematorium
- At sea, on a beach, or by a river
- In a favourite place, such as a park, hillside, football ground, or holiday spot
- In your own garden
There are very few legal restrictions on scattering ashes in England and Wales. On private land, you'll need the landowner's permission. In public spaces, it's generally accepted as long as it's done respectfully. Scattertubes are a dignified way to carry and scatter ashes during a ceremony.
Bury Them
Ashes can be buried in a cemetery plot, a churchyard, a woodland burial site, or even in your garden. Many cemeteries and crematoria offer columbarium niches, small chambers within a memorial wall where an urn can be placed with a personalised plaque.
Turn Them Into Memorial Jewellery
A growing number of families are choosing to place a small amount of ashes into memorial jewellery: rings, pendants, bracelets, and charms that allow you to carry your loved one with you every day. Only a tiny amount is needed (less than a quarter of a teaspoon), leaving plenty for other memorials.
This is one of the most personal options available, and it means your loved one is quite literally with you wherever you go. Browse our memorial rings, pendants, and bracelets to see what's available.
Share Them Among Family
There's no rule that says ashes must stay in one place. Many families choose to divide them: some in an urn, some in jewellery for different family members, some scattered at a favourite location. Keepsake urns are smaller urns designed specifically for sharing a portion of ashes among loved ones.
Plant a Memorial Tree or Garden
Some families mix ashes with soil and plant a tree, shrub, or flower bed as a living memorial. Biodegradable urns are available that are designed to break down naturally in the earth, nourishing the plant above.
Use a Tealight Urn
A tealight urn combines a memorial urn with a candle holder, creating a warm, glowing tribute that you can light whenever you want to feel close to your loved one. It's a beautiful daily ritual for many families.
You Don't Have to Decide Straight Away
If you've just received your loved one's ashes and you're not sure what to do, that's perfectly fine. There's no deadline. Ashes can be kept indefinitely and will not deteriorate. Take the time you need, and when you're ready, choose the option, or combination of options, that feels most meaningful to your family.
If you'd like guidance, please contact us. We can help you understand the options and find the right way to honour your loved one's memory.
