While our Manager and Acting Funeral Director Tiffany Widener along with the rest of our care team here at Lumen Cremation in Nashville have extensive knowledge about cremation, we realize this is not the norm. In fact, most families we talk to in Bellevue, Brentwood, Franklin, Madison, Donelson, and the surrounding communities, and beyond know very little about various end-of-life options – and usually have a lot of questions.
We’re here to give you all the information you need with compassion and understanding. We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one and want you to know you have our support. As you read these questions and answers, remember we are here to help you every step of the way, as you make decisions for yourself or on behalf of someone you love.
Q.) Is it illegal to spread cremated remains in Middle Tennessee?
A.) No state laws prohibit the scattering of your loved one’s ashes. However, if you select a public park or green space, you will need to request permission from the local governing authority.
Q.) Can I scatter remains in the sea?
A.) U.S. maritime rules require that you must be at least three nautical miles away from the shore and that any materials that are used are biodegradable.
Q.) Is it safe to touch cremated remains?
A.) While it is safe, remains can get stuck to your skin quite easily. It’s best to wear gloves or use a spoon to scoop out remains before scattering.
Q.) Do most people keep cremated remains at home?
A.) There are many options. Some could be placed in a beautiful decorative urn, memorial keepsakes, or made into remembrance jewelry. We offer many keepsakes in our Lumen Cremation
store, such as jewelry and urns, to honor your loved one in a unique way. You could also choose a final resting place for the remains, such as burial or interment in a mausoleum or cremation niche.
Q.) Can I bury cremated remains?
A.) Yes, ground burial is still an option for cremated remains. You can choose to bury the cremated remains on your own property, but keep in mind that if you ever decide to move, the urn
will need to be disinterred from the property, or the new owners would need to be made aware that the remains exist on the property. This could decrease property value, which is something to keep in mind as well.
However, if having your loved one’s cremated remains nearby is important for you, this is still an option.
If you decide to select a cemetery for burial, be sure to contact a cemetery sales counselor or sexton at your cemetery of choice and find out exactly what their specific regulations and costs are for cremation burial, including not only the plot cost but also what the opening/closing of the grave costs are with that space.
There are various other options for cremated remains as well, including:
Q.)
Is there a clean alternative to cremated remains?
A.) Solidified remains are a complete alternative to cremated remains that allow you to live comfortably with your departed. The solidification process compresses conventional cremated remains into a beautiful collection of 40-60 “stones” that you can hold, share, scatter, and travel with.
The appearance of each collection of solidified remains is 100% natural. People can result in different hues and textures making each set unique. Parting Stone empowers families in their grief by providing a form of remains that can be touched and held.
Q.) How long do cremated remains last?
A.) Technically, remains can last forever. Archeologists have been known to discover ashes that are thousands of years old.
Do you have additional questions about cremation or the spreading of cremated remains? Feel free to ask your question using our online form or by calling us at (615) 647-9862. Our caring professionals at Lumen Cremation are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
