Cremation Is Only the Beginning: What Families Actually Want After the Ashes
Cremation Isn’t the End—It’s the First Step
Cremation has become the norm in modern funerals: more than 60% of Americans now choose cremation, and that number is rising fast. But once the ashes are returned in a box or temporary urn, many families are left with a difficult question:
“What now?”
While traditional funerals end at the cemetery, cremation opens the door to something new:
a more personal, flexible, and unforgettable tribute.
And yet, 68% of cremation families say they want more meaning than cremation alone provides.
BONAVENTURE exists to help families complete the story—with nature-centered, high-integrity ash scattering services that offer clarity and closure.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
🔹 72% of Americans want a non-traditional funeral
🔹 100% of Baby Boomers surveyed said they want a custom celebration of life
🔹 Yet 95% of funeral homes are still stuck in one-size-fits-all traditions
This isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
Families want something that reflects their loved one’s personality, passions, and the places that mattered most.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
What Happens After Cremation? Most Families Feel Lost
Here’s what the data shows:
72% of Americans prefer a non-traditional memorial service (NFDA)
100% of Baby Boomers surveyed said they want a custom celebration of life
But 95% of funeral homes still rely on outdated, template-driven services that leave no room for personalization (Funeral One)
Most crematoriums return the ashes in a temporary container and offer no guidance or aftercare. Families are left holding something deeply important—without any roadmap for what to do next.
After Cremation: 4 Meaningful Next Steps to Consider
If you’re holding onto ashes and unsure what comes next, here are four meaningful, accessible options:
1. Schedule an Ash Scattering Ceremony
Choose a location that reflects your loved one’s spirit—mountains, forests, coastlines. BONAVENTURE handles all logistics and permits.
2. Commission a Custom Memorial Plaque
Our plaques include your loved one’s name, scattering date, and GPS location—so their story lives on in a tangible way.
3. Create a Travel Tribute
If your loved one had a bucket list, favorite park, or vacation dream, scattering their ashes there can fulfill a final wish.
4. Honor Them Without Attending
BONAVENTURE allows for unaccompanied scatterings, giving you peace of mind without requiring travel or event planning.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
10 Meaningful Ways to Make an Ash Scattering Ceremony Unique
Want to create a tribute as extraordinary as the person you lost? Here are 10 creative ideas families are choosing to personalize their memorials:
Scatter at a Place They Loved
A national park, favorite hike, beach, or even a cliffside overlook they always wanted to visit.Choose a Time That Matters
A birthday, anniversary, sunset, or season that held meaning.Play Their Favorite Music
A quiet playlist or song that reminds you of them adds emotional texture to the moment.Write and Read a Letter
Private words of gratitude, love, or remembrance can bring peace and closure.Use a Natural Scattering Tube
Eco-friendly, biodegradable tubes are both respectful and practical—especially in outdoor settings.Release Something Symbolic
Think flower petals, biodegradable confetti, or wildflower seeds to accompany the ashes.Include a Remote Guest
Invite family members to attend via livestream or video if they can’t travel in person.Pair with a Keepsake
Create a small pendant or memorial stone to keep close after the scattering.Let BONAVENTURE Handle It for You
For those who prefer privacy or simplicity, our team can carry out the scattering beautifully—no travel required.Honor Their Wishes, Even Years Later
It’s never too late. We’ve helped families scatter ashes 5, 10—even 20+ years after cremation.
Hot Tips for a Great Ash Scattering Experience
Planning your own ceremony—or trusting us with it? Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
🌤️ Check the Weather
Especially in outdoor environments, choose a calm, dry day if possible. BONAVENTURE tracks forecasts closely for this reason.
🗺️ Know the Laws
Scattering isn’t allowed everywhere. BONAVENTURE handles all permits and legal compliance on your behalf.
📦 Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”
Closure doesn’t need to be dramatic—it just needs to be meaningful. Whether now or later, taking the step matters most.
🎒 Bring Essentials
Water, sunscreen, tissues, a windproof lighter if candles are involved, and a small blanket can all be useful on-site.
🧭 Document the Moment
Take photos, video, or even journal about the experience. It becomes a part of your family’s legacy.
Why National Parks Are Among the Top Places to Scatter Ashes
More families are turning to nature for their farewells—and national parks are at the top of the list. Here’s why:
🏞️ Protected Beauty That Endures
These lands are preserved for generations. Choosing them means your loved one’s resting place will remain wild and wondrous.
📍 Symbolic Locations
Whether it's a beloved trail, a mountaintop view, or a remote beach, parks offer unmatched emotional significance.
🌿 Environmental Values
Scattering in national parks (legally and respectfully) aligns with the values of sustainability and conservation.
💬 A Story You Can Tell
“We scattered Dad’s ashes in the Tetons” is a tribute that means something—and gives family members a place to return to.
BONAVENTURE offers pre-approved locations in stunning U.S. parks, from the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to glowing bioluminescent beaches. All ceremonies are compliant, respectful, and documented with exact GPS coordinates and optional engraved plaques.The
Emotional Gap: Closure Doesn’t Come in a Plastic Box
Whether it’s days, months, or even years later, many families struggle with this central question:
“What should I do with the ashes?”
While some may choose to keep them at home, more and more people are looking for ways to honor their loved ones through action:
Scattering ashes in nature (NFDA reports that 30% of families express interest in this option)
Holding a celebration of life at a meaningful location
Creating custom keepsakes or memorials that reflect their loved one’s passions, travels, or beliefs
BONAVENTURE was built to fill that need—with care, beauty, and simplicity.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
After Cremation, Let the Journey Begin
You don’t have to plan a big ceremony or hold onto ashes forever.
What you need is a next step that feels right—for you, your family, and the person you love.
Let BONAVENTURE help you complete the circle with intention, grace, and awe-inspiring beauty.
BONAVENTURE: Giving Cremation the Meaning It Deserves
We specialize in unaccompanied ash scattering at stunning natural destinations—from Mount Rainier to glowing bioluminescent shores.
✅ Free cremains shipping kit
✅ Eco-conscious, legally compliant scattering
✅ Engraved memorial plaque with GPS coordinates
✅ Zero pressure for in-person ceremonies
Blog Overview: what to do after cremation, scattering ashes ceremony, unique memorial ideas, national park tributes, ash scattering tips, BONAVENTURE
