Cremation Services
In recent decades, cremation has become increasingly popular. According to the NFDA, cremation rates have already surpassed burial and are expected to keep rising. In response to this growing trend, our funeral home is proud to offer comprehensive cremation services in North Carolina.
Traditional Funeral Service followed by Cremation
Many families find meaning and beauty in a traditional funeral service. With a traditional service combined with cremation, you can still choose to have a final viewing, visitation or wake, and a funeral service. However instead of in-ground burial, the funeral will be followed by cremation. Depending on your wishes, the cremated remains may be either returned to your family for storage in an urn, scattered, or interred in a columbarium. This option will include fees for the funeral services as well as the fees associated with the cremation itself.
Memorial Service
The funeral service can be held in a church or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, or scripture. We also have life celebrants that lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.
Graveside Service
A graveside or committal service is typically held immediately following the funeral service but it can also be a small intimate gathering of those closest to you.
Permanent Memorialization
Ash Scattering Services
A meaningful way to honor your loved one after cremation is by planning an ash scattering ceremony. To help your family create a special tribute, we've compiled ash scattering ideas along with important guidelines and rules to follow.
Why Do Families Choose Ash Scattering?
Families may choose an ash scattering for various reasons. Some of the most common include a desire to be environmentally friendly, not following a specific religion, wanting a more personalized farewell, or feeling a deep connection to a particular location.
Rules of Ash Scattering Services
When scattering your loved one’s ashes, choose a location that holds special meaning or a place they enjoyed visiting. However, several rules apply to where ashes can be scattered. Generally, you can scatter ashes on your own property and in public places, but you may need a permit and should follow local guidelines.
Here are some general rules to keep in mind:
- If the land is privately owned, you need written permission to scatter ashes there.
- Check with local authorities before scattering in public parks or locations.
- Most U.S. National Parks allow ash scatterings with a permit.
- While places like sports arenas or amusement parks may accept requests, they often decline.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits scattering ashes in oceans, but you must be at least three nautical miles from shore and notify the EPA within 30 days.
Use your best judgment, ask for permission when needed, and be respectful. If you're unsure, our staff can assist in finding a legal and meaningful ash scattering location.
Ash Scattering Ideas
The most common methods of ash scattering include casting, trenching, water, and raking. Each offers a unique way to honor your loved one, and we'll go into more detail below:
Casting
This traditional method involves releasing the ashes into the wind, allowing them to disperse over a meaningful area of land or water. It's a symbolic way to say goodbye and let your loved one "travel" to a special place. Be sure to check the wind direction and cast the ashes downwind.
Trenching
In trenching, a small trench or hole is dug in the ground where ashes are placed, and then covered by family members. Many choose to create a shape like a heart or initials. A popular variation is the ringing ceremony, where a circle is dug around a tree or meaningful object, and ashes are placed inside.
Water
A water scattering involves placing ashes into a body of water, usually with a biodegradable urn. The urn dissolves in the water, gradually releasing the ashes.
Other Unique Sendoffs
For a more personalized tribute, ashes can be incorporated into fireworks, eternal reefs, or other creative sendoffs. While our funeral home may not directly provide these services, there are specialized companies across the U.S. that offer these unique options.
Ash Scattering Ceremony
Depending on the ash scattering method, certain ceremony types may be more fitting. For instance, with a casting ceremony, you might opt for a formal service that includes releasing wildflower seeds, biodegradable paper lanterns, or other eco-friendly items along with your loved one’s ashes. For a water scattering, a similar releasing ceremony can take place where family and friends gather together. You can personalize the ceremony with readings, songs, eulogies, or other meaningful elements to honor your loved one’s memory.
Ash Services We Offer
Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can assist your family in planning a beautiful ash scattering ceremony that honors your loved one’s life. We can help you choose a legal ash scattering location, select an ash scattering method, and plan the ceremony details. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
