Five commemoration ideas for cremation

In Australia, cremation is a respectful and increasingly popular choice for families seeking a meaningful way to say goodbye to a loved one. Unlike traditional burial, cremation involves the careful and dignified transformation of the body into ashes through a specialised heat process. 

After cremation, families can decide what to do with the ashes - whether to keep them in a memorial urn, scatter them in a meaningful location, or create a lasting tribute. These choices allow for deeply personal expressions of remembrance, tailored to the wishes of the deceased and the needs of those left behind.
 

Hold an Honouring Life service

A memorial service following cremation can be deeply personal and healing. These services can be held days, weeks, or even years after the cremation, allowing families time to plan a tribute that reflects the unique life of their loved one.

• Traditional cremation services often involve a funeral director who manages logistics and ceremonial details.

• Personalised services can be tailored to reflect hobbies, passions, or cultural traditions, creating a truly unique farewell.

If ashes are being interred or scattered later, consider marking that moment with a small, intimate ceremony. Services can be held from a few days or weeks, to a few years following cremation. 

Choosing a lasting memorial or burial option

Choosing cremation can provide you with the time to plan the best way to memorialise your loved one in a way that remains true to their legacy. Whether it’s on-site at one of our interment locations, or in a personal keepsake urn, choosing the best way to memorialise your loved one need not be rushed.

Available at many of our locations across Melbourne, a Rose Garden Memorial is a popular choice for commemoration. Over 300 roses line our gardens for an elegant, peaceful way to honour your loved one’s memory.

Scatter ashes in a meaningful location

Scattering ashes is a popular choice in Australia, especially in places that held special meaning to the deceased such as a favourite beach, garden, or bushland.

• No permit is required to scatter ashes in Victoria, but it’s wise to check with local councils or property owners. If your desired site is privately owned, you must gain permission.

• Scattering at sea is also permitted without a licence. When the time comes to scatter your loved one’s ashes, make sure you’re considerate of those around you if you’re in public, and pay particular attention to the strength and direction of the wind to avoid unintended results.

Alternatively, our two scatter gardens at Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park offer a quiet, secure place to say goodbye. Springvale's Garden of No Distant Place also offers the opportunity for a personalised, hand-painted memorial message in the Book of Remembrance.

Other unique cremation tributes

Cremation urns are a traditional form of commemoration, suitable for interment, display, or storage. Urns are available in various materials and sizes to suit each purpose and family.

Beyond traditional urns, there are creative ways to memorialise your loved one:

• Memorial jewellery: A small portion of ashes can be turned into wearable keepsakes.

• Ash tattoos: Some choose to incorporate ashes into tattoo ink for a lasting tribute.

• Memorial trees: Planting a tree with ashes beneath it creates a living legacy, especially in private gardens.

These tributes offer a personal and lasting connection to your loved one.

Splitting Ashes

Splitting ashes allows family members to create separate memorials in different locations. This can be especially meaningful for families spread across Australia or internationally.

• Transporting ashes interstate or overseas is generally straightforward, but check with airlines for specific requirements.

• Multiple urns or keepsakes can be created to share among family members. View our cremation urn range that comes in different sizes.

This approach ensures that everyone has a way to honour and remember their loved one.

Need Help Planning a Cremation Memorial?

There are many thoughtful ways to commemorate a loved one after cremation, from traditional services to unique tributes. If you’re unsure where to start, our experienced team is here to help.

Book an appointment today to discuss cremation options and memorial ideas that reflect your loved one’s wishes.