Tips for Planning a Casting Ceremony

If you are planning to scatter your loved one’s ashes after their direct cremation in Shorewood, WI., you may want to consider a holding a casting ceremony. While these ceremonies can be held in anyway you wish, there are some certain things to keep in mind when planning your event. 

Location 

Casting ceremonies are typically held at the location where the ashes will be released. In certain cases if the entire event cannot be held at the scattering location, you may decide to hold the ceremony in a location that is within walking distance or a short drive from the area where the ashes will be released. This way the guests can simply walk or drive a short distance to the releasing location. 

When selecting the releasing location, you want to take into consideration things like other people, busy days of the week as well as busy times of the day. This is especially true if selecting a popular public place. For example, if you want to release your loved one’s ashes on a trail in a local state park, you may not want to do it on the weekend as that is a busy time for campers and hikers to also be at the park. If you want a quieter, more private ceremony, you may opt to hold it on a slower day of the week. 

Decide the Order of Service 

Casting ceremonies most often resemble a memorial service. This is because they are held after the body has been cremated and tend to be more secular in nature. Because of this, many casting ceremonies follow an order of service that is similar to that of a memorial service. This would include things like: 

• A welcome / introduction 
  
• Readings 
  
• Music selection 
  
• Eulogy given 
  
• Acknowledgements 
  
• Releasing of ashes 
  
• Closing 

You can follow this format exactly, mix it up, or come up with something different altogether. How you hold this ceremony is entirely up to you and your family. 

Releasing the Ashes 

No matter how the order of service flows, one thing you will need to decide is how and who will release the ashes. Some families may choose to give a portion of the remains to several family members and/or guests and have them release them all at the same time or one at a time. Other families prefer to have just one designated individual release all of the ashes at once.   

Having All the Needed Supplies 

If your entire event will be held outside, there may be certain things you will need to be sure you have. For example, if you plan on playing music you will need some sort of sound system to do so. Also, if it is a large gathering, you may need a microphone. Other things you may need could include things like chairs for the guests or protection from the elements (if an overly hot or rainy day is expected). If it is going to be a long ceremony you may wish to have water available for guests. 

Having a casting ceremony after your loved one’s direct cremation in Shorewood, WI., is a beautiful and touching sendoff that signifies closure and a new beginning. If you would like more information about cremation, give us a call or come by as we are available for you anytime.