How to Plan an Interment of Ashes Ceremony

To plan an interment of ashes ceremony, first choose a cremation provider and location for interment, such as a cemetery, columbarium, or private land. Decide on the type of service and personalize it with readings, music, and decor. Many families opt for simple cremation first, then plan a meaningful gathering to place the ashes in a permanent resting place.

Why Have an Interment Ceremony?

Many people associate cremation with scattering ashes or keeping them at home, but interring ashes in a permanent place offers a lasting tribute. It provides a serene setting for loved ones to visit, reflect, and find solace and healing. Whether you’re planning ahead or honoring a recent loss, an interment of ashes ceremony can bring comfort and a sense of connection.

Here’s how to plan a meaningful and personalized ceremony that can be either religious or secular. 

Before the Interment Ceremony

Start by selecting a cremation provider and a location for the interment.

Choose a Cremation Provider

Direct cremation is often the most affordable and flexible option. Your loved one is respectfully cremated without a formal funeral beforehand. Many families choose to hold a private or public ceremony later, when the ashes are returned. Some families may choose a full-service cremation, which generally will be more expensive, but will come with additional services and support.

Look for a provider that:

• Offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Delivers ashes to your home by mail or in person
• Has a team of family care specialists to support you

Select a Final Resting Place

The location that’s right for your loved one depends on their wishes, religious beliefs, and your family’s preferences. Options include:

• A cemetery or churchyard, where your loved one’s ashes will be buried with a marker or monument of your choice.
• A memorial or urn garden, a specially designated and landscaped area offered by some cemeteries in which your loved one can be interred above or below ground.
• A columbarium, a room or wall with small spaces called “niches” in which your loved one’s urn may be placed.
• Privately owned land, with written permission from the owners.

Choose the Right Container

Urns used for interment are typically made from durable materials, such as marble, granite, or metal. For eco-conscious families, biodegradable urns may be a meaningful choice; some even support tree growth in memory of your loved one.

Ideas for a Personalized Interment Ceremony

You can design the ceremony in a way that feels authentic to your loved one and your family.

General Flow of the Ceremony

Traditional interment ceremonies usually follow this basic structure:

• The ashes and paperwork are delivered ahead of time
• Guests gather at the site for the service
• A celebrant or speaker welcomes guests and offers an opening
• Friends or family share memories and eulogies
• The urn is placed and sealed in the chosen location
• The ceremony closes with final words, prayer, or a moment of silence

You can follow this format closely or adapt it entirely. There is no right or wrong way to honor someone you love. 

Music and Decor Ideas

Flowers and candles are common choices for interment services, but there are other options you may want to include, such as:

• Art created by, or featuring, your loved one, such as portrait photographs or paintings.
• Decorative objects that represent their interests or beliefs; for example, books they enjoyed or a color scheme based on their favorite colors.
• A playlist featuring songs they loved or that others associate with them. If you prefer to use more traditional music, consider religious hymns or classical pieces.

Spiritual or Secular Elements

When planning the memorial service itself, consider the following: whether the interment will take place indoors or outdoors, and whether you’d like a spiritual or secular ceremony.

You can choose anyone you like to officiate the ceremony. Typically, the celebrant will be a spiritual speaker, community leader, or a close friend or relative. You can also opt for a certified celebrant who helps you collect memories to share with others. 

• For a religious ceremony, you or your celebrant may wish to select sacred passages or prayers in advance to include in the service.
• For a secular ceremony, poetry is an elegant alternative to prayer. You may also choose to include certain passages of prose or quotes that were significant to your loved one.

Visual Memorial Ideas

In addition to spoken words, many families choose to include a visual memorial as part of the interment ceremony. After the urn is placed and sealed, you and your family may wish to place memorial objects on or near the place of interment. This can help celebrate your loved one’s life in a more personal and expressive way.

For indoor ceremonies:

• Display a photo slideshow or memorial video
• Set up a table with meaningful objects or memory boards
• Light candles or include framed artwork

For outdoor ceremonies:

• Release butterflies, doves, or biodegradable lanterns
• Create a memory path with signs, stones, or flower petals
• Plant a tree or shrub near the interment site

These visual touches can add warmth and help guests reflect on the moments and memories that made your loved one unique.

Keepsake and Sympathy Gift Ideas

Small take-home items honor your loved one’s memory while offering comfort to guests.

Keepsake Suggestions:

• Bookmarks with favorite quotes or artwork
• Memorial cards or pins with your loved one’s photo
• Keychains, ornaments, or charms
• Spiritual tokens such as prayer cards or affirmation stones
• Memorial tree planted in your loved one’s honor

Make a Plan Ahead of Time

Whether you're planning for yourself or someone else, a prepaid cremation plan allows you to handle the details in advance. It gives your family peace of mind and ensures your wishes are honored.

At Tulip Cremation, we make the process simple and transparent. Our services include:

• Transportation and private cremation
• Ashes returned in a simple container, with options to select a permanent container
• Optional Away From Home Assurance if you pass away 75+ miles from your home
• Delivery to any U.S. postal address
• Online or phone arrangements, available 24/7

We’re here to help you plan now or support you during a time of loss. Speak with our Family Care Team at (844) 942-4909 to learn more or begin a simple cremation arrangement today.