5 Ash Scattering Ideas for Deceased Loved Ones

Scattering your loved one’s ashes, be it a person or pet, is a respectful and meaningful way to celebrate and commemorate their life. Whether they’re laid to rest in the ocean's blue waters or in the flowing grass of a pasture, you can customize the ceremony to what you believe best fits their legacy.

To help you prepare for the occasion, Farmstead Scattering Garden outlined five different options for your consideration. We also discuss some best practices when selecting a location, experience, and professional ash scattering service provider.

Critical Considerations

Before outlining a variety of different ash scattering ideas, let’s review some of the most important aspects of a well-planned ceremony. Working out some of the details below will help ensure your day is meaningful, possible, and even lawful.

1. Location: Consider an area that reminds you of your loved one or a place they were deeply connected to. In some cases, a place is inextricably linked to a person, such as scattering an avid hunter’s ashes among the trees in a forest or a sailor dispersed among the waves on the sea. But other times, it’s as simple as knowing that your deceased loved one would enjoy the location's beauty, elegance, and serenity.
2. Legality: You need to ensure you’re permitted to scatter ashes in your preferred location, as there are some places where scattering is prohibited. Furthermore, many locations have specific requirements. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has rules about scattering ashes at sea. In just about every state, you need permission to scatter on private land. However, few states have regulations beyond that. Always be respectful and considerate of public spaces and request permission at national parks (some parks like Yellowstone require a permit).
3. Date/Season: Every season has its unique elements of beauty. Think of a time of year that your loved one enjoyed most. As long as the weather is safe, you can scatter ashes year-round at just about any time.
4. The Experience: Many ash scattering ceremonies include music, readings, eulogies, prayers, and other experiences. Take some time to plan the experience so that you feel confident that it honors your loved one.

With those critical considerations outlined, let’s look at a variety of ash-scattering ideas to help you determine what kind of ceremony would be best for you and your loved one.

Ash Scattering Ideas

1. Aerial/Sky Ceremony

During an aerial/sky scattering ceremony, a person releases a loved one’s ashes from an aircraft—typically a small plane or hot air balloon, allowing them to be dispersed over a wide area. This type of ceremony is often chosen to honor a person’s love for the outdoors, a particular location, or a passion for flying. It can be a beautiful and dramatic way to let the ashes become part of the wind, water, or land below. There is also a variation of a sky ceremony where people incorporate ashes into a firework. When ignited, the ashes scatter in a display of light and sound.

2. Casting Ceremony

This method of spreading ashes involves tossing and dispersing ashes into the air. Many people appreciate the symbolism of this type of ceremony as it has a visual element of letting go and freeing the spirit of their loved one. This type of ash scattering can be done anywhere from forests and farms to lakes and oceans.

3. Raking Ceremony

An ash raking ceremony involves scattering the ashes on soil or sand, gently spreading them, and incorporating them into the earth. This type of ceremony is often chosen by those who want an intimate, hands-on experience that directly connects them with the ground, symbolizing a return to nature. Often, people will rake their ashes around a tree that was planted during the ceremony.

4. Trenching Ceremony

A trenching ceremony involves digging a small trench or groove in the soil, and a person’s cremated ashes are spread along this trench. Once the ashes are in place, the trench is covered, completing the burial. This method keeps the remains in one place, blending them with the earth, often in a natural setting such as a garden, pasture, or wildflower patch.

There is also a slight variation of this ceremony called an ash ring ceremony. In this ceremony, a circular groove is dug instead of a line, often symbolizing the cycle of life, eternity, or unity. The ashes are placed in this circular trench, and the ring can be adorned with flowers, stones, or other meaningful objects.

5. Water Ceremony

A water scattering ceremony is a way to release a loved one's ashes into a body of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean. Water ceremonies are deeply symbolic, representing the flow of life and a return to nature, and can be conducted in various ways to make the experience personal and meaningful. While some people opt for scattering ashes on the water’s surface from the shore or boat, others may invest in a biodegradable urn that slowly dissolves in the water.

Affordable Cremation Services with DFS Memorials

DFS Memorials is dedicated to providing families with compassionate and affordable cremation options. If you're searching for cremation services at a low price, DFS Memorials connects you with trusted local providers offering direct cremation at some of the most competitive cremation costs available nationwide.

Direct cremation is an increasingly popular choice for families who value simplicity and affordability. With no added costs for embalming, viewing, or funeral ceremonies, this option allows you to honor your loved one without financial strain.

The DFS network includes professional crematory services that prioritize dignity and respect while keeping costs manageable. Direct cremation prices start as low as $795. Let DFS Memorials help you find a provider offering low-cost cremation services near you, ensuring peace of mind during a challenging time.

Making Ash Scattering Simple and Meaningful

With Farmstead Scattering Garden, you can mail cremated remains from anywhere in the United States, and our farm family can create an afterlife farming legacy for your loved ones. We will honor your loved one by scattering their ashes on our working farm at your chosen location, with photos and updates on our Farmstead Scattering Garden Facebook page so you can enjoy the beautiful views and adventures. Learn more today.