Goodbye in a Pleasant Environment

3 Things To Keep In Mind For A Burial At Sea

Burials at sea -- also referred to as sea memorial ceremonies -- are tasteful ways to remember a loved one who has passed. While they have become increasingly popular in recent years, they are not as common as traditional ceremonies, naturally inviting a number of questions from people who would like to plan one. If you are currently thinking of holding a burial at sea for a recently deceased family member or friend, keep reading below to discover just a few of the most important things you should keep in mind as your prepare.

Location 

While a sea memorial ceremony might seem straightforward at first, there will be a number of questions related to the location of the ceremony itself that you should have answered before the burial begins. Burials at sea can be conducted by scattering the ashes over open water, for example, or by digging a shallow trench in the sand near the water's edge. If you decide to perform the ceremony at sea, then you will need to choose who will be present when the ashes are scattered. Depending on the circumstances, you might decide to use a small boat that can hold a couple dozen people; alternatively, you might agree to have everyone paddle out separately in kayaks or surfboards. If you decide to "trench" the ashes, then you should prioritize finding a safe, secluded spot on the beach at which to do so.

Urn

Another thing to keep in mind as you are planning a burial at sea is the urn that will contain the ashes. Ideally, you should be able to compare urns in person to judge whether or not they would be convenient for scattering ashes, as not all urns are designed for this purpose. You may also want to consider biodegradable water urns if you want to dispose of the urn along with the ashes. These are a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious.

Regulations

Don't forget that many sea burials require a simple registration with a state environmental agency. This registration is likely to include details about where and when you are able to scatter ashes. In order to comply with all regulations, plan to submit the requisite form at least thirty days before the ceremony itself. By doing this, you will have peace of mind in knowing that the burial at sea you are planning is not violating any state or federal laws. A company like Teraloom has more information for you.