Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries
Beautiful ideas for loved one's ashes

After the process of cremation, deciding on the final resting place for your loved one’s ashes can be challenging, so it is important to spend the time researching the most appropriate option for you and your family. There are many ways to create a meaningful resting place for a loved one, such as considering what places were special to them, where they were born, where they raised their family, or maybe where they lived. Below are a few beautiful ideas to consider.

Ashes into a grave

Like a coffin, you can bury an urn in a cemetery; however, every cemetery may have guidelines that need to be respected, and a suitable urn would need to be used. As urns are much smaller than coffins, a single burial plot can accommodate several urns. This is a beautiful way to unite loved ones after death. Please speak with the administration staff if you like to learn more about interring ashes into a grave.

Columbarium

Columbarium’s are buildings within a cemetery that are specially designed for the interment of ashes. Like mausoleums that inter coffins into crypts; Columbarium’s hold the cremated remains of those who have passed, also known as a niche in the wall of the Columbarium. Columbarium’s allow for an indoor personal space for your loved ones ashes, and also space for you to visit and reflect.

Ash Gardens

Often cemeteries offer beautiful ash gardens for you to inter or scatter your loved one’s ashes. Ash positions usually allow for a small memorial plaque to be placed to mark where the ashes have been scattered or laid to rest. Ash gardens are usually surrounded by beautiful florals, and you may have to option to select a flower to scatter or inter your loved one under.

Public Property 

It may be possible if you wish to inter ashes on public property such as a national park, beach, or an open area; however, written permission from the responsible party is advisable. At the time of interment, or if you are scattering the ashes, a permit may be required and must be presented on the day.

Choosing the right urn

There are many varieties of urns to place ashes into; you must ensure the one you select is appropriate for the type of interment you choose. Some urns may diminish over time, so it’s important to be sure that the urn is made of durable materials. Stone and metal urns, like marble or granite, are ideal for burying; they will remain buried for many generations before decomposing into the earth.

Alternatively, as environmentally friendly cemetery practices are becoming more popular, biodegradable urns are a great option. Eco-friendly urns are often made from either bamboo, untreated wood, cardboard, or other environmentally friendly materials; these urns will deteriorate and return the deceased back to the ground, making them a sensible choice for the environment. Lastly, decorative urns are also an option for those who wish to display the ashes of their loved ones.

Choosing an urn that represents the deceased is a wonderful way to honour that person; these urns may be made from glass, porcelain, or other attractive materials.

 

Saying Goodbye

Making the final decision to find a permanent resting place for your loved one’s ashes can be daunting, and we are here to help you make the right decision. If you have any questions about the interment of ashes in the cemetery, or what you can and can’t do, please contact us here and we will be happy to assist you.