After the Funeral

A bunch of candles are lit up in a candle holder

Once the funeral is over, your thoughts might turn to what to do next. If the deceased was cremated, you will need to decide what to do with the ashes. Your funeral director will contact you when the ashes are ready to be collected and will be able to advise you on different choices, such as storing them in an urn or possibly scattering them.


There are a wide variety of choices these days so take some time to consider which choice works best for you.​


  • Ashes can be scattered in a variety of ways. If you have an existing burial plot, you might choose to ‘inter’ or bury the ashes. Alternatively, some cemeteries have a specific area, such as a Garden of Remembrance, where ashes can be scattered. The company in charge of the cemetery will be able to provide you with details.
  • Some people prefer to scatter ashes in a place which has a particular significance, for example in a woodland, on the side of a mountain, by a lake, in a river, in the sea or even on the turf of a favourite football team. (However, remember that you will need to follow the Environment Agency’s rules for scattering ashes if you choose to scatter them in water.) You can contact them to discuss this on 08708 506506. If the land is owned privately, you will need to get the permission of the landowner beforehand. In addition, when choosing the site, remember to make it as accessible as possible so that elderly and disabled family members and friends can visit if they wish. Note that, if you wish to scatter the ashes overseas, you will need to contact the airline operator to find out their guidelines for carrying ashes on an aeroplane.
  • When scattering ashes, pay particular attention to ensuring that they are scattered in a way which does not cause any undue distress. For example, try to avoid scattering them on a windy day and remember to scatter from waist height so that they are less likely to blow into someone’s face. Ensure that the wind is behind you before you start to scatter the ashes. It is possible to get devices such as scatter tubes which enable you to ensure that the ashes are scattered in a hygienic way. You may also wish to think about saying a few words about your loved one, saying a prayer if appropriate or playing some music. It is a good idea to plan these things before the day so that you don’t miss out anything important to you.
  • There are a growing range of alternatives to scattering ashes, including adding them to fireworks, making them into jewellery or even pressing them into a vinyl record of your loved one’s favourite songs. Talking to your funeral director will give you a good idea of what is available and the costs involved.
A man in a suit is sitting in front of a grave in a cemetery.