How to Plan for a Scattering Ceremony on Water

With several lakes and rivers to choose from, there are plenty of locations for families to scatter their loved one’s ashes after a cremation service in Phoenix, AZ. This is also a good opportunity for a scattering ceremony, a short event similar to a graveside service. Like many services associated with cremation, there are no rules on how to hold a scattering ceremony. The exact nature of the event depends on the deceased’s wishes or the family members. That said, there are important considerations to make when planning one, and we explain them all below.

Decide on the type of service

There are different ways to have a scattering ceremony on the water. You can –

• have an unattended scattering and contract a company to scatter the ashes for you
• have the service on your own or with family and friends
• have a religious service or a themed service

Any of these are acceptable ways to have a scattering ceremony. For instance, for a themed service, you can design the scattering ceremony around water activities the departed loved. It can be a day of competitive swimming, kayaking, or fishing.

Choose the right urn

Ensuring you have the right urn is key to planning a stress-free scattering ceremony. There are essentially two categories of urns: biodegradable and non-biodegradable urns. You should get a biodegradable urn if you intend to release the whole urn into the water. They have non-toxic materials and quickly break down when released into the water. This is ideal if you want a scattering ceremony out on the water in a boat. However, if you wish to spread the ashes and retain the urn as a keepsake, a non-biodegradable urn will do. Just make sure it’s well suited for scattering, especially if the ceremony is happening on a day with high wind. This will prevent the ashes from blowing back in your face or mistakenly dropping the insoluble urn in the water.

Decide on the service’s activities

A scattering ceremony can be a standalone event or combined with a celebration of life activities. Your choice will inform the kind of activities you include in the ceremony. We mentioned themed service earlier. Another option is to have a religious service with religious prayers, music, and scripture reading. You can also design the activities around the person’s heritage. Whichever set of activities you choose, ensure it’s possible in your selected location. Not every lake or river is suitable for every event. Do some googling and personal research to know what you can and cannot do.

Settle on the guest list

Finally, decide on the guest list once you have a clear picture of where and what you want to do. Determining who will attend the scattering can be down to:

• budget
• the activities
• deceased’s wishes

Thinking through your guest list is especially important since not everyone is comfortable being out on water. If there are people you want at the ceremony, ensure the service accommodates their needs. The guest list will also inform the right equipment for the ceremony. A canoe may be fine for less than five people, but you will need a boat for more. And if it’s on the shore, you may need chairs for seating for the elderly and a first aid kit. Though it may be overwhelming, understanding these factors will help you plan a ceremony that most befits your loved one. Alternatively, our cremation service in Phoenix, AZ, can take the burden off you. All you have to do is share your ideas with our funeral director, and we will help you bring them to life. Call us now to get started or visit us here.