Should You Hold a Memorial Service or Casting Ceremony? 

While some families may wish to hold a memorial service after their loved one’s cremation services in Columbia, TN., others may wish to host a casting ceremony.  Both of these services are very similar in their formatting, they do have one big difference. With a memorial service, the cremains are kept in an urn. In a casting ceremony, the ashes are released or “cast” into the wind at the end of the ceremony.  

Both of these events are wonderful ways to honor and remember your loved one. Which one you choose just depends on whether or not you would like to have your loved one’s ashes spread in a special space or kept in an urn. Let’s dive a little deeper into these two events so you can better decide which one might be right for you and your family.  

Order of Service

Both a casting ceremony and memorial service are formatted much the same way and will include an order of service. This order typically goes something like: 

• A welcome/ introduction 
• Prayers or poems 
• Music 
• Quotes 
• Eulogy 
• Closing / acknowledgments  

Location of the Services

One main difference between these two services is where they are typically held. With a memorial service being very similar to funeral services they are typically held in locations such as churches and funeral homes.  

However, with a casting ceremony having the ashes being released at the end, the service is often held at the location the ashes will be cast. This may be a park, lake, beach, even on a boat.  

The ceremony can be held where the family chooses as long as it is legal to do so. Most public lands allow scattering of ashes but have rules that need to be followed. When planning a ceremony, always check with local authorities to see what needs to be done to ensure all regulations and laws are being followed.  

With that being said, some of the most popular places to hold these ceremonies include: 

• National or state park 
• Local or city park 
• On a family member’s private land 
• On the ocean  

Deciding Between Memorial Service or Casting Ceremony

If you have some family that would like to keep some of the ashes, but others feel it’s better to cast them, deciding which type of ceremony can be tough. One solution that families might consider is having a memorial service and then afterwards, dividing the ashes up between family members. Then, those family members who wish to do so can cast the ashes as they see fit. They could even hold a small casting ceremony if they wish.  

If you would like more information about cremation services in Columbia, TN. or what type of additional services are available with cremation, let us know. Give us a call or come by anytime and talk one-on-one with one of our compassionate and knowledgeable funeral directors. They can answer all of your questions and help you and your family decide on the perfect services for your loved one.