While cremation is a good and economical alternative to a traditional burial funeral, many loved ones are left wondering what to do with the ashes afterwards. A few common solutions to this problem include displaying the ashes in an urn in the home, putting the urn in a columbarium, or spreading the ashes in a person's favorite spot. If you're looking for something a little more unique and memorable, however, here are three things you can do with cremated remains.
Bury Them at Sea, Literally
The largest man-made reef in the ocean, the Neptune Memorial Reef, also happens to be a mausoleum where people can add the remains of their loved ones to the living structure for the underwater inhabitants to enjoy. The cremated remains are mixed with cement, which is then used to form the various structures of the reef.
This is a good option for people who loved the water during life or wanted to be buried at sea in death. Loved ones can visit the area in a boat or take up scuba diving and visit the structure up close. It can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 for this option, depending on the services you choose.
Launch Them into Space, Literally
If your loved one ever wanted to go into outer space, you can make their dream come true posthumously by giving them a space burial. This service involves placing a small amount of the person's ashes in a capsule and then taking the capsule into space where the ashes are either left on the moon, sent into deep space, or scattered into the Earth's atmosphere.
The first space burial was performed by NASA in 1992, but the burials are now done primarily by private companies. Since this type of burial requires quite a bit of planning, launch dates are typically setup in years in advance, so it may be awhile before your loved one actually reaches his or her final destination. Depending on where you want the person to go, the cost can be anywhere from $1,990 to $12,500 for this option.
Let Them Go Out with a Bang, Literally
A third unique option that can be particularly memorable for the entire family is to turn the person's ashes into fireworks and set them off in a brilliant light show. Called Memorial Fireworks, the person's cremains are mixed in with the explosive materials and placed in aerial shells. The company that makes the shells can then set them off for you on a specified day, or you can do it yourself in the area of your choice.
This is a good option for when you want a really cathartic but loving goodbye. The cost of this option varies between $300 and $10,000 depending on your preferences.
There are many other unique things you can do with the cremated remains of your loved one. For more ideas or to plan a service for someone you lost, contact a funeral parlor, like Marine Park Funeral Home Inc, that provides cremation services.
