5 Things to Know About What to Do with Cremains

There are several options for what to do with cremains. You can scatter the ashes, bury them, turn them into a keepsake, incorporate them into an ash tattoo, include them in cremation fireworks, or keep them in an urn. This article reviews what’s available, helping you make the right choice for your family and loved one.

Key Takeaways

• Many Southern California families wonder what to do with ashes after a loved one is cremated.
• There are several options available, including scatterings, burials, ash tattoos, cremation fireworks, keepsakes, and urns.
• Each option has special considerations. This article will review what’s involved so you can make a choice that feels right for your family.

Table of Contents

• Scattering Ashes
• A Traditional Burial for Cremains
• In Memoriam Keepsakes, Diamonds & Parting Stones
• Ash Tattoos
• Cremation Fireworks
• Choosing an Urn
• A Review of Options for Families
• Plan a Unique Memorial Celebration with Opal Cremation
• FAQs

A loved one was just cremated, and you’re wondering what to do with the ashes. Storing them on a mantle seems anti-climactic for a life well lived. You want to celebrate them- but how?

Fortunately, cremation offers many options, including keepsakes, ash scatterings, ash tattoos, cremation fireworks, and more. Opal can help you review what’s available so you can make the right choice.

1. Scattering Ashes

Ash scattering is a popular option for many families as it reunites their loved one with nature as a final gesture. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not as easy as going to a destination and emptying an urn. Permits are required.

Typically, you’ll need a burial permit, which is part of any cremation or burial process and is typically included in the services and fees. You’ll need to supply this permit when arranging the services.

Here’s an outline of what’s involved with different scattering processes:

• Ash scattering: Generally done in a local park and may require an additional permit. Read our article about scattering ashes in California for more info.
• Sea Scattering: Rules and regulations apply regarding the type of urn used and how far you must be from the shore to scatter. Visit our full guide on sea scattering providers to find out more.

2. A Traditional Burial for Cremains

Cremations and burials are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many friends and family members opt to have cremated remains buried or placed in a mausoleum. There are noteworthy benefits to burying cremains versus burying a body. For example:

• Burying cremainsis more cost-effective, as it doesn’t require embalming a body or placing it in a large casket.
• Cremains save space, whether that is in the ground or in a mausoleum.
• You can have a traditional funeral service when you have the cremains entombed or buried, which offers closure to some families.
• A burial spot is ideal for families and friends who prefer to visit a gravesite in remembrance. Southern California has several VA national cemeteries and private burial grounds to choose from. It all depends on the needs and preferences of the family.

3. In Memoriam Keepsakes, Diamonds & Parting Stones

Personal keepsakes are a great way to keep your loved one close after they pass away. They establish continuing bonds following bereavement, which, according to a study published in Taylor & Francis Online, helps with the healing process. Opal offers many options, including:

• Parting Stone: Our affiliate partner can press a small amount of cremains into beautiful stones, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
• Memorial Diamonds: Opal also partners with Eterneva, a provider of memorial diamonds as unique as your loved one.
• Other Keepsakes: Explore our Memorial Stores catalog to learn more about our cremation jewelry, teddy bears, and wood keepsakes.

4. Ash Tattoos

Ash tattoos provide a unique and creative way to carry the memory of your departed loved one. The tattoo artist can mix a small amount of fine ashes, about a tablespoon or less, with the tattoo ink. It’s important that the ashes are a fine consistency, so they don’t clog the tattoo needle.

Before you get a commemorative tattoo, be sure to consult with a licensed, experienced tattoo artist.  They’ll need to take proper precautions to make the process as safe as possible.

“There are now references in what we call peer-reviewed medical literature about the importance of memorialization through tattoos. This whole concept of a lifelong link to their loved one is an important consideration.”

Bruce Martin, a palliative care provider, from the article Winnipeg tattoo artist incorporates cremated ashes into custom body art

5. Cremation Fireworks

With cremation fireworks, a small amount of ashes is added to the firework, or a tiny bag with ashes in it is tied to the explosive. While an exciting prospect, the process is highly regulated, making it difficult to pull off in California. Read more about it in our extensive cremation fireworks guide to learn if it’s a feasible option for your family.

Choosing an Urn

Regardless of the cremation process you choose, an urn is almost always involved. It keeps the ashes safe and contained, and is necessary for scatterings, burials, and general storage.

Not all cremation urns are alike. There are a few important things to consider when selecting an urn for cremated remains. Urns come in a variety of materials, including wood, marble, ceramic, porcelain, granite, glass, copper, bronze, or brass. The best option for you depends on where you intend to keep it.

• Wood urns, for instance, are not the most durable option if you’re displaying them outdoors.
• Brass urns are a solid choice for long-term displays because they’re durable, weather-resistant, and hold up well indoors or out. However, they are not the best choice for burying cremated remains, since they don’t biodegrade and can complicate certain cemetery requirements.
• Biodegradable, water-soluble urns are a good choice for burials at sea, because they can float in water until they eventually decompose over time.
• Ceramic/Porcelain Urns: These urns are fragile, delicate, and often decorative with hand-painted elements. Because of their vulnerable nature, they are not recommended for burial but are better suited to indoor displays.

Urns can be further personalized with engravings such as artwork or a personal message for a more meaningful touch.

If you plan to travel with the remains, you’ll need a lightweight urn that can easily pass through the X-rays at the airport security checkpoint. These particular urns are made from transparent glass, cloth, plastic, or cardboard. Call your airline in advance to get their requirements for traveling with cremated remains.

A Review of Options for Families

Plan a Unique Memorial Celebration with Opal Cremation

Deciding what to do with cremated remains is a personal choice Los Angeles and Orange County families must make. But if you’re well-informed, the process can be less daunting and more fulfilling. From scattering and burial to keepsakes and memorial tattoos, there are more options available today than many families realize, and understanding them ahead of time makes it easier to choose what feels right.

Opal Cremation will help you explore your options and plan the fondest farewell for your loved one. Contact us to find out why we’re the best direct cremation company in Southern California.

FAQs

Do you need a permit to scatter cremated remains?

You don’t need a permit to scatter cremated remains on private property — just the owner’s permission. Requirements for sea scattering vary depending on distance from shore; see our full guide on scattering ashes in California for the specifics. State and national parks typically require a special use permit, which can take 30+ days to process, so it’s best to apply in advance.

What is a burial permit and do I need one even if I’m not burying the remains?

Yes, a burial permit is necessary for every death, whether the decedent will be buried, cremated, or scattered. It’s an underlying authorization tied to death, separate from any location-specific regulations.

What kind of urn should I use if I plan to travel with cremated remains?

A lightweight urn made from transparent glass, cloth, plastic, or cardboard is best for traveling because it passes through airport X-rays more easily. However, it’s advisable to call the airline in advance to find out about their requirements.

Is it legal to put cremated remains into fireworks?

Yes, it is legal to put cremated remains into fireworks. The bigger concern is where you can legally set off these fireworks. Many jurisdictions have specific regulations that make it difficult to host a fireworks display of any kind.

Can I bury an urn instead of a casket?

Yes, many families bury urns so they can have a central gravesite where they can visit and honor their loved one. It is less expensive to bury and takes up less space than a casket.

Sources

• Burial at Sea. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea
• Scattering Cremated Remains Permits. National Park Service, Gulf Islands National Seashore. https://home.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/scattering-remains-permits.htm
• Cremated Remains Disposers Booklet: Complying with California Law. California Department of Consumer Affairs, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau. https://cfb.ca.gov/licensee/crd_booklet.pdf
• NFDA Media Center. National Funeral Directors Association. https://www.nfda.org/media-center/
• Winnipeg tattoo artist incorporates cremated ashes into custom body art. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/tattoo-cremation-ashes-memorial-grief-1.7599231