One of the biggest advantages of choosing cremation is the fact that you have many options when it comes to memorializing the ashes. Many people who are considering cremation think about where they would like their ashes to be scattered, often imagining having a family member disperse them at a site of personal significance.

But it's important to remember that memorialization is important not only to you but also to those left behind. Once you have passed, it can be a great comfort to those you leave behind to still be able to visit you somewhere. After all, cremated remains, if scattered, can't simply be gathered back up.

Scattered in a Public Place

If you want your ashes scattered somewhere, it makes sense to consider how easily accessible it is. Public parks and nature areas are popular spots to scatter ashes, as are piers and riverbanks. But if you want your family to be able to visit you, you should also consider how easily accessible it will be in the future – a sports arena, for instance, might not always be easy to get back into.

Distance is also important, and choosing a meaningful place that doesn't require a long road trip means your relatives won't have to travel too far to visit. Another possibility is to choose somewhere near a frequent vacation spot. For example, if your family has a tradition of having a reunion every few years in a specific town, choosing a spot near there for your ashes means your family can visit periodically.

Private Property

Scattering or burying ashes on private property is a little more complicated. You can have your ashes scattered or buried on any private property with permission of the owner; however, keep in mind that property is bought and sold, and a new owner might not be as happy to let your family onto the property to visit you.

Your own land (or land belonging to a family member) is also an option. If you want to make sure that it can be accessed even if the property is sold, however, you must create a private family cemetery. Laws on family cemeteries vary from state to state, but some states allow a permanent "easement," or right of access, to family members who wish to visit an established family cemetery no matter who the property belongs to. You'll want to discuss the issue with a lawyer before getting started.

Public Cemetery

You have many options when it comes to cremation and a public cemetery memorial. Many cemeteries have chapels or mausoleums where urns can be stored and memorialized. Cemeteries will also allow you to purchase a plot and have your urn buried, which has the advantage of allowing you to be next to a spouse or other family members.

If you still like the idea of having your ashes scattered, look for a cemetery with a cremation garden. This is a specific spot in the cemetery set aside for the dispersal of cremated remains. And whether you have your ashes scattered on the cemetery grounds or at some other location, many cemeteries will allow placement of memorials on their grounds even without burial. For more information on cremations, talk to a professional like Final Care Cremation Services.