Guides Preparing for death

How burial and cremations work

What can you do with the ashes after a cremation?

After receiving the ashes from a cremation, many families arrange their own personal memorial service. You’re then free to display or scatter the ashes anywhere you wish – or you could even create a series of mementos for your family.

Where can you scatter ashes in the UK?

Ashes can be scattered almost anywhere in the UK, as long as you have permission from the landowner first. If you’re thinking about scattering ashes at sea or on a river, you don’t need a permit, but you should follow the Environment Agency’s guidance.

Everything you need to know about sea burials

We’ll cover what a sea burial is, how you can organise one, where you can have one and why you might want one. As well as the risks and advantages of the process so you can decide what’s right for you.

Everything you need to know about woodland burials

A woodland burial is the choice to bury someone at a site of natural beauty, such as a woodland, meadow or orchard, instead of a traditional cemetery plot.

What is embalming?

Embalming has become an increasingly common part of funeral plans over the years. But what exactly is it? And should you choose it for your loved one?

A guide to the interment of ashes

Interment is the process of putting cremation ashes in a permanent resting place that you can visit. Interring ashes can meaning burying them or putting them in a Columbarium — a building, room, or freestanding wall designed to hold urns.

How to buy a burial plot

If you’re thinking about buying a burial plot – we’ll go through all the details from what a burial plot is, to how much it costs, so you feel prepared.

How to choose between burial and cremation

In a nutshell, choosing cremation gives families more flexibility to remember their loved one, their way – and it’s usually cheaper. But while burials are more expensive overall, they tend to have less impact on the environment.

How long does it take to get ashes after cremation?

Many people find it comforting to know when they will receive the ashes of a loved one. This guide explains what you need to do before you can collect them.

What are human ashes like

Human ashes aren’t always exactly the same. They can vary slightly in colour and weight, but they’re usually odourless and always safe to touch.

Keeping ashes in the house

Some people find it comforting to keep ashes close by. You might keep them in an urn or box, have them made into jewellery, or bury them along with trees or flowers in the garden.

How does a crematorium work?

Crematoriums are non-religious buildings with a service hall, cremation facilities, and grounds or gardens. Both the funeral service and the cremation itself will happen within the same building.

What happens at a Catholic funeral

A traditional Catholic funeral has a distinct three-part structure to the ceremony, including the vigil, funeral liturgy and the committal. There’s a focus on praying for the person who’s died and supporting their family.

GuidesPreparing for death