January 19, 2025

Ideas for Storing or Scattering Cremation Ashes, Cremation Costs in Brooklyn, NY, and What You Can Do with Cremated Remains

Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for individuals who seek a meaningful and flexible way to handle the remains of a loved one. After the cremation process, the ashes, often referred to as cremated remains, can be stored, scattered, or transformed into a lasting tribute. In this article, we will explore several ideas for storing or scattering cremation ashes, the average costs of cremation in Brooklyn, NY, and the various options for handling cremated remains in Brooklyn.

Ideas for Storing Cremation Ashes

After the cremation process, families often seek ways to keep their loved one’s memory alive. Here are some popular and meaningful ideas for storing cremation ashes:

1. Urns

The most common method for storing cremation ashes is in an urn. Urns come in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes, from traditional wooden urns to those made of metal, ceramic, or biodegradable materials. There are also decorative urns, which may be personalized with engravings, designs, or photos to reflect the personality and life of the deceased.

  • Keepsake Urns: Smaller urns can be used to store a portion of the cremated remains, allowing family members to each have a part of the ashes.
  • Biodegradable Urns: These urns are designed to break down over time, allowing the ashes to return to nature, often in a meaningful place like a favorite garden or tree.
  • Custom Urns: Some urns are customized to represent the hobbies, interests, or beliefs of the deceased, such as a guitar-shaped urn for a musician or an urn shaped like a beloved pet for animal lovers.

2. Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry is another option for storing a small portion of cremated remains. This allows individuals to carry a piece of their loved one with them at all times. Cremation jewelry typically comes in the form of necklaces, rings, bracelets, or pendants. These items feature small compartments where the ashes are carefully stored and sealed, and they can often be personalized with engraved names, dates, or messages.

3. Glass Art and Memorial Items

Some families choose to transform the cremated remains into something unique, like glass art or memorial items. These pieces can include custom-made glass sculptures, beads, or paperweights. The cremated remains are incorporated into the glass during its creation, making for a beautiful and lasting tribute to the deceased.

  • Memorial Art: Cremated remains can be used to create artwork, such as paintings or sculptures, to honor the deceased’s life.
  • Incorporating Ashes into Tattoos: Some people opt to incorporate a portion of the cremated remains into a tattoo, creating a permanent memorial.

4. Planting a Memorial Tree or Garden

For those who wish to return the ashes to nature, planting a tree or starting a garden is a meaningful way to do so. Some urns are designed specifically for this purpose, allowing the ashes to be placed with seeds or saplings, which will grow into a living memorial. Over time, the plant or tree becomes a symbol of life and remembrance.

  • Tree Urns: These biodegradable urns contain seeds for a tree or plant that grows after the ashes are planted.
  • Memorial Garden: If you have access to a garden or outdoor space, you can scatter the ashes and create a dedicated memorial space where flowers or plants can grow in memory of the deceased.

5. Scattering in a Special Location

Scattering ashes in a meaningful location is a beautiful way to honor a loved one’s memory. The location could be somewhere that was significant to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or mountaintop. Some families scatter ashes in several locations, symbolizing the various aspects of the person’s life.

  • Air Scattering: Scattering ashes in the wind is a symbolic gesture that allows the ashes to be carried away. This can be done in an open field, on a beach, or on a hiking trail.
  • Water Scattering: Ashes can be scattered at sea, on a river, or in a lake. Some companies offer biodegradable urns designed specifically for water scattering.
  • Memorial Scattering Events: Some locations, such as parks or forests, offer organized memorial scattering events, where individuals can scatter their loved ones’ ashes in a dignified ceremony.

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Brooklyn, NY?

Cremation costs in Brooklyn, NY, can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cremation service, the provider chosen, and any additional services requested. Here’s a breakdown of the typical cremation costs in Brooklyn:

1. Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option. It involves the cremation of the body without a formal service or viewing. In Brooklyn, direct cremation typically costs between $800 to $3,000. This price usually includes the basic cremation process, transportation of the body to the crematory, and the return of the ashes. However, additional fees for a death certificate, permits, or an urn may apply.

2. Traditional Cremation

Traditional cremation, which involves embalming, a viewing or wake, and a formal funeral service before cremation, is more expensive. In Brooklyn, traditional cremation costs can range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on the funeral home and services chosen. This includes the cost of embalming, the use of a casket, a viewing or wake, and the actual https://eternalcremations.org/brooklyn-cremation-services/ https://eternalcremations.org/about-us/ https://eternalcremations.org/locations/ Brooklyn mortician cremation service.

3. Memorial Services

If you choose to have a memorial service after the cremation, the cost will depend on the venue, the type of service, and any special requests, such as flowers, music, or catering. Memorial services typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 in Brooklyn, not including the cremation itself.

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Urns: Depending on the material and design, urns can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 or more.
  • Cremation Jewelry: Prices for cremation jewelry typically range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the design and the amount of customization.
  • Transportation Fees: If the cremation is taking place at a facility outside Brooklyn, transportation fees may apply, adding an additional $200 to $500 or more.

What Can You Do with Cremated Remains in Brooklyn?

In Brooklyn, there are many ways to honor and remember a loved one by using their cremated remains in creative and meaningful ways. Here are a few options that families can consider:

1. Scattering Ashes at Prospect Park

Prospect Park, one of Brooklyn’s most beloved green spaces, offers a peaceful and scenic setting for scattering ashes. Families can gather in this expansive park to scatter the remains of a loved one near a favorite spot, such as the Lullwater, the Long Meadow, or the Ravine. Make sure to check local regulations before scattering ashes in public parks.

2. Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery

Greenwood Cemetery, a historical landmark in Brooklyn, provides a serene and beautiful place for memorial services, and it allows families to scatter ashes in designated areas. The cemetery offers an option to create a memorial plaque or bench in honor of a loved one, making it a lasting tribute in a peaceful environment.

3. Scattering at Coney Island

For those who enjoyed the ocean, scattering ashes at Coney Island is a meaningful option. The beach provides a connection to the sea, and families can take part in the tradition of scattering ashes in the water. As with any scattering event, it’s important to respect local rules and guidelines regarding this practice.

4. Memorial Jewelry and Art

In Brooklyn, many local artisans and jewelry designers specialize in turning cremated remains into keepsakes such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets. These custom pieces allow individuals to carry a part of their loved one with them forever. Additionally, memorial art pieces—such as glass sculptures—can also be created with the ashes.

5. Planting a Memorial Tree in Brooklyn

Brooklyn has many green spaces, including community gardens and urban farms, where families can plant a tree or start a garden with the cremated remains. Some organizations even specialize in creating eco-friendly memorials, planting trees or flowers using cremated remains.

Conclusion

When deciding what to do with cremation ashes, there are many meaningful and creative options. Whether storing ashes in a decorative urn, scattering them in a place of significance, or transforming them into memorial jewelry or art, families can choose an option that best honors their loved one. In Brooklyn, the average cost of cremation can range from $800 to $7,000 depending on the type of service chosen, with additional costs for memorial services, urns, and other items. Ultimately, the most important aspect is finding a way to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased in a way that brings peace and comfort to the family.

Crematorium Service Provider serving the Brooklyn NY area.