Holding a Casting Ceremony? Keep These Things in Mind

There are many services that can be held with a loved one’s cremation services in Streamwood, IL. Families may choose to hold a funeral, memorial service, or even a celebration of life event. Another common service that families choose is to hold a casting ceremony.

If you aren’t familiar with a casting ceremony, it is the service that takes place right before the deceased’s cremains are released in a designated spot. This could be a special place such as the deceased’s favorite park or beach, or could even be in a family member’s yard.

While these ceremonies can be customized however the family wishes, if you are considering hosting a casting ceremony there are some key things to take into account when planning this important event.

Selecting the Location

While other services, such as funerals, take place in a location separate from where the body will be laid to rest, casting ceremonies typically will take place at the location where the cremains will be released. Because of this you will need to select a space that was special to your loved one as well as a location that allows such ceremonies to be performed.

If the location will allow the releasing of ashes but not allow a large service to be held, then you could consider holding the service at a nearby location and having a procession afterwards to the location of the releasing of the cremains.

Since every location will have its own rules and regulations, always contact the location directly and ask about their policies. If you cannot find any contact information, call the local police and ask about the laws regarding holding services as well as the releasing of the ashes.

Decide the Order of the Ceremony

Most services such as funerals and memorial services have a standard order of how the service will flow. They will normally start with an introduction and prayer and move on to include music selections, eulogies, reading of the obituary, special acknowledgments and more.

With other services, like a celebration of life event, the feeling of the service is much more like that of a party. There may not be a strict order but instead more of a free-flow. People may decide to take turns telling favorite memories of the deceased and the overall atmosphere is more uplifting and happy.

Casting ceremonies can be whatever you would like them to be. It could be more orderly like a funeral, more free flow and happy like a celebration of life event, or even a combination of the two. The important thing is to just decide on a style and order that suits you and your family.

Releasing the Ashes

The last big consideration for your casting ceremony is how your loved one’s ashes will be released. If you have an officiant running the ceremony, you may wish to have them cast all of the ashes at the end of the service. However, other options could be having several family members each casting a portion of the ashes or even allowing guests to participate. One thing that people may not think about is also the wind and which way it is blowing. Make sure to keep this element in mind so that the ashes blow into the direction you wish them to.

If you would like more information about casting ceremonies or cremation services in Streamwood, IL., call today and talk directly with one of our cremation directors about your needs.