04Expert Video Answers

What are the most meaningful options for a loved one's ashes in Australia?

James Daniels's profile pictureAnswered byJames DanielsFuneral ArrangerReviewed by Kevin Finn27 July 2026Watch · 1:17

The most meaningful option depends on the person and family. Ashes can be kept at home in a decorative urn, divided among relatives in keepsake urns or memorial jewellery, or placed in a scattering urn for one or more meaningful locations. Families can take time before deciding and combine options; check permission requirements before scattering on private or managed land.

For related guidance, see how do you write a death notice in Australia?.

Read the video transcript

I think that's very specific to each individual family. Some families like to keep a portion of ashes amongst themselves, so they may purchase something called a keepsake urn, where a small amount of ash is kept. That can be kept on your person in something like a necklace, or on a mantel or somewhere nearby. Some families like to scatter ashes, and so we might decant ashes into a scattering urn that lets you scatter them in multiple locations. Other families like to purchase a decorative urn so the ashes can sit on a mantel and still be present in their lives. It really depends on what you choose to do with your loved one's ashes, and it's a very personal thing to decide as a family. Your funeral director can help you organise all of that. Here at Willed Funerals, we can help you with different options for urns and give you advice depending on what you'd like to do with the ashes.

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