Losing someone profoundly dear is life’s deepest sorrow. Here at Joseph A. Hey & Son, we understand that deciding the final resting place for ashes can feel like an enormous, meaningful responsibility. As Bradford’s leading funeral home since 1908, we have helped hundreds of families thoughtfully honour their loved ones after cremation. Know that you have many dignified options – from niches to nature, keeping remains close or symbolically setting their spirit free.

When you are ready, our caring funeral directors are here to receive the ashes. We recommend gathering them from the crematorium soon after cremation so they may be present for any memorial service. We can transfer ashes into an urn you select or provide suitable options. Holding the ashes often helps impart a sense of connection during vulnerable days.

Gather The Ashes

After the cremation, the crematorium will place the processed ashes into a simple container for return to the family. We recommend collecting the ashes from the crematorium as soon as possible so you have them for the memorial service, if applicable. You may transfer the ashes into an urn you select, which we can provide. Holding the ashes may help impart a sense of calm and connection.

Choose A Final Resting Place

Ashes are sterile and pose no health risk. Take time to decide where it feels like an appropriate forever home. Typical options include:

Cremation Niche or Columbarium

This involves interring the ashes in an urn within a special structure designed for cremated remains. It may be located within a cemetery, funeral home, church, temple, or chapel – both indoors and outdoors. Specific niche spaces hold one or two urns at a time. The front is typically covered in granite, marble, or glass with engraving. Niches provide a defined, often convenient location for deceased loved ones to return to pay respects. If laid to rest in a structure holding other loved ones, it perpetuates a sense of togetherness even in passing.

Interment in Family Burial Plot

If your family has a burial plot that permits upright memorials, you may choose to inter the ashes there. The urn is buried underground just like a casket would be. The benefit is consolidating all family members in one meaningful spot you can always return to. Even if cremated, your loved one’s name can be engraved on the shared headstone or marker.

Cemetery Scattering Garden

Many cemeteries now offer scenic outdoor sections dedicated to scattering ashes onsite. The cemetery records the details of the deceased for their records. Loved ones may visit the garden to pay tribute, sit in reflection, and enjoy the natural beauty. The cemetery maintains the space in perpetuity. Scattering in a dedicated garden within a cemetery provides continuity of services from cremation to interment.

Scattering in Nature

Another scattering option is dispersing ashes in a sentimental natural environment. This may include locations like the ocean, a lake, river, forest, mountain, favourite nature retreat, or botanical garden. Ensure adherence with any environmental regulations. Consider scattering during a special ceremony or private moment when emotionally ready to part with the ashes. Return to remember your loved one in a serene setting that gives them joy.

Dividing Ashes

It is very common to divide ashes between multiple family members, especially with large families geographically spread out. Portions may be interred while others are scattered or kept. We recommend allowing at least one week after cremation for the ashes to fully process before dividing to avoid later separation. Exercise care when dividing on your own. Alternatively, we offer professional palliative ash dividing service for a nominal fee.

Keep At Home

Many families opt to keep the ashes at home, either indefinitely or for an interim period before determining final placement. This provides ongoing connection and a chance to integrate decisions about their ultimate resting place. If keeping the ashes at home, select a dignified urn or container that protects the ashes while memorialising your loved one. Display it respectfully or keep it accessible so family can visit as part of the grief journey.

Turn Ashes Into Keepsakes

Another option is turning a portion of ashes into memorial keepsakes, jewellery, or art objects. Ashes may be incorporated into:

• Custom jewellery like pendants, rings, bracelets, watches
• Artisan blown glass beads, paperweights, or jars
• Ceramic urns, vases, sculpture hewn from ash and clay
• Small ash display capsules
• Glass memorials created through ash cremation process
• Diamonds or other gemstones made from carbon in cremains
• Tattoo ink
• Paint pigment for artwork or portraits
• Vinyl to press ashes into records or music

If properly sealed and cared for, these artistic ash keepsakes provide another way to forever hold your loved one dear.

Launch Into Space

For adventurous spirits, some companies offer a celebratory sendoff into space. A portion of ashes are launched into orbit around Earth or even out towards the solar system. This memorial flight allows loved ones to look to the heavens and remember their deceased as exploring new cosmic frontiers.

Take time weighing your options. Talk with family, clergy, or our knowledgeable funeral directors if undecided. There are many fitting ways to honour ashes that capture the spirit of your unique bond.

For Local Funeral Directors You Can Trust, Call Joseph A. Hey & Son in Bradford

When the time is right, our dedicated funeral directors at Joseph A. Hey & Son are here to guide you down this path with reverence. If you’re looking for a professional team of funeral directors to help you arrange the funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, supportive team today.

You can reach our local team directly on 0800 783 2225, or use our simple online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.