Remembering Your Loved One, Urns, Ashes and Keepsakes

Introduction to Ashes

Choosing what to do with a loved one’s ashes is a very personal decision. There is no right or wrong way, only what feels most comforting and meaningful to you and your family. Some people prefer burial, others choose to keep ashes at home, and many families share ashes in different ways.

Here we guide you through the main options and the types of  ashes urns and keepsakes that can help you remember someone special. Ashes urns come in a variety of options.

At AB Walker Funeral Directors, we offer a wide range of premium memorial products designed to suit every need and preference.

What Are Ashes Urns and Why Do They Matter?

An urn is a specially designed ashes vessel that holds the cremated remains of a loved one. They come in many forms, from traditional ceramic urns to natural eco urns, elegant ashes casket options and practical scatter tubes and each style serve a distinct purpose depending on what you’d like to do with the ashes.

Explore our full range of urns for ashes in the AB Walker online shop here: Urns for Ashes at AB Walker

Urn & caskets can be used in various ways:

1. Burial of Ashes
2. Keeping Ashes at Home (Display)
3. Sharing Ashes Between Family
4. Keeping Them Close with Memorial Jewellery
5. Choosing the Right Urn or Keepsake

Burial of Ashes

Some families find comfort in laying ashes to rest in a special place. This can create a permanent place to visit and reflect.

Ashes can be buried in a full-size urn or in a biodegradable urn that naturally returns to the earth.

Popular burial options include:

• Within an existing family grave or plot
• In a churchyard
• In the grounds of a crematorium
• In a dedicated memorial garden
• Burial at sea (with the appropriate permissions)
• In a private garden (where permitted)

Biodegradable urns also known as eco urns are often chosen for natural burial, while more traditional urns may be used in churchyards or cemeteries.

We can advise on suitable urns for burial and any local guidance you may need. Once loved one’s funerals have taken place AB Walker is here for you at any time to discuss options for ashes interment and burial.  Churches and crematoriums have differing regulations and as spring approaches it is a lovely time to put your loved ones to rest.

Sharing Ashes Between Family

It is increasingly common for ashes to be shared between family members,  this allows each person to remember their loved one in their own way.

Ashes can be gently divided into smaller containers or memorial items, the decision is yours.

Ways families choose to share ashes include:

• Scattering a portion at a meaningful location
• Placing some ashes in miniature keepsake urns
• Incorporating ashes into memorial jewellery

This approach can be especially comforting for families who live in different places or who each have their own personal connection they would like to honour.  It is a wonderful way to share ashes with children & siblings and gives families to opportunity to remember a loved one in many ways.

Ashes can be split and shared to be suit your family. At AB Walker we have an expert team who carefully place ashes into your choice of urn, keepsake and jewellery.

Scattering Ashes in a Meaningful Place

Scattering ashes can be a gentle and symbolic way of saying goodbye. Many families choose a location that held special meaning, somewhere their loved one enjoyed visiting, or a peaceful natural setting.

Ashes can be scattered privately with close family or as part of a small ceremony. Some families choose to say a few words, play music, or take a quiet moment together.

Popular places for scattering include:

• A favourite park or countryside walk
• The seaside or at sea (with appropriate guidance)
• A garden of remembrance
• A place connected to a special memory or hobby
• A private garden (where permitted)

Before scattering, it is always important to check local regulations or seek permission where needed. We are happy to guide you on this.

Using a Scatter Tube

Scatter tubes are specially designed containers that make the process of scattering ashes simple, dignified and secure.

They are:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Designed for controlled, gentle scattering
• Available in a range of sizes
• Made from biodegradable materials, making them suitable for natural settings

Many families find scatter tubes helpful when travelling to a special location, as they are discreet and easy to transport.

Personalised Scatter Tubes

Scatter tubes can also be personalised, adding a meaningful and unique touch. Families often choose designs that reflect personality, hobbies, favourite colours or simply include a name and dates.

This can make the moment of scattering feel even more personal and thoughtful.

We can help you choose a suitable scatter tube and discuss personalisation options if you would like to create something truly special.