After a direct cremation.... what can I do next?
Hold a very personal memorial service
Holding a personal memorial service is a familiar way of saying goodbye. Placing the focus on their life rather than their death can be a very uplifting experience, and there is no limit to the time frame of when this can be arranged, or where it can be held A celebrant can help with this.
Send them to 'heaven' ££££
The most spectacular send off imaginable - you can get your loved ones ashes released in space or even sent to the moon!
https://www.ashesinspace.co.uk/
Create a lasting memory with beautiful jewellery ££-£££
You can choose from a wide range of memorial jewellery options, such as tiny brooches or pendants made to hold cremated ashes, for example:
https://ashesintoglass.co.uk/products.html
Similarly,
you can choose resin or glass jewellery to create a ‘gemstone’ that includes some of their ashes.
Light up a candle £
- or the whole sky! ££££
Lighting a candle is a very traditional way to remember a loved one, but why not take it one step further and light up the whole sky with a firework display. A DIY memorial fireworks display is a lovely way to remember someone special, but you can even get fireworks made with some of your loved ones ashes in them but of course professional services cost extra. Gather friends and family together, play your loved one’s favourite music, add in some toasty hot drinks, and you’ll create a unique and cosy celebration of life.Asking friends and family around the world to light a candle at a particular time is a lovely way to ‘connect’ each other in remembrance.
Choose a lasting memorial £-£££
People often choose to get something dedicated to the person as a way of honouring their memory. A park bench is the most traditional, but there are lots of alternatives. For example:If they were a lover of the performing arts, dedicate concert hall, theatre, or opera seats If they were a football fan, football ground seats or engraved paving stones are a great way to remember them Remember music lovers by calling your local radio station and dedicating their favourite song to them on their birthday Name a rose in memory of someone special and give cuttings to family and friends. Plant a tree or flowers to remember a loved one
Keep an urn or memorial piece £ - £££
You can of course keep ashes in an urn and there is a huge range of very beautiful ones these days but did you know you can also have ashes incorporated into garden statues? These are particularly suitable if your loved one was a keen gardener or loved birds for example.
££ Have a tattoo designed in their memory, like this one by John Martin Tattoo. Some people choose tattoos to remember a loved one who has passed away. It’s a great way of honouring someone you’ve lost and keeping them close with you forever. A memorial tattoo should reflect the personality and interests of the person you’re memorialising and be something you’ll be proud to wear on your skin. You can also have some of their ashes incorporated into the ink, but not all tattoo artists will provide this service.
Create and share a beautiful online memorial
An online memorial is a special place online where you can remember a loved one. It allows everyone to preserve and share their favourite memories whenever and wherever they are. There are a number of free sites you can use to do this such as https://www.unforgettablememorials.com/ or
Support a favourite charity.
Think about whether your loved one had a cause that was important to them. They may have been passionate about abandoned or stray animals. Organise an event to raise money for your chosen cause or participate in an existing event. You might be able to encourage friends and family to take part and make an even bigger impact. Have a 'JustGiving' page and share it on your social media.