Ash Scattering Ceremony Invitation: What to Say, Whom to Invite

If you’ve recently lost someone important to you, you may be planning an ash scattering ceremony. Many people in your loved one’s life likely want to come together and memorialize their passing. An ash scattering ceremony is a loving way to honor a departed loved one. One of the most vital elements of an ash scattering ceremony is the invitation. But, like many of the details associated with a profound loss, from talking to a crematorium to setting up online memorials, you may be unfamiliar with how to send out an invitation to a scattering ceremony. This is to be expected because where you’re at now is likely unfamiliar territory. Rest assured, we’re here to help with some tips, advice, and templates to make sending out ash scattering ceremony invitations as simple as possible. 

What Should You Write In An Ash Scattering Ceremony Invitation?

Invitations are deceptively simple creatures and, in short, need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, and how. None of these rules are set in stone; rather, they give you a jumping-off point to write the right invitation for you and your event.

1. Start with what the event is; an ash scattering. You could say “Ash Scattering,” “Ash Scattering Ceremony,” “A Spreading of the Ashes,” “Ash Spreading,” etc. The point is to clearly and concisely describe the event for which the person is receiving an invitation. 

2. Next is who, specifically who’s passed and potentially who is issuing the invitation. For invitations to events like an ash scattering, there are usually two formats:

a. The family of…cordially invites you to…

b. Celebrate the life of… Or simply start with the deceased name, usually with the middle initial. 

3. Describe the event in more detail and include the where….the beach, a boat, or a cemetery.

4. Tell your guests when the event is taking place, and include the year, in case the invitation is kept as a memento. 

5. Now it’s time for how; include any pertinent information about the event. If it’s on a boat, include the time it takes off and if they need any protective gear. If the scattering is happening in nature somewhere, include the length of the hike or walk required. This is also where you include the RSVP information.

Ash Scattering Ceremony Invitation Example

Whom To Invite For An Ash Scattering Ceremony

Before you create your guest list, take a moment to consider the logistics of the ash scattering ceremony. If you are taking a boat for a water scattering, how many people to invite is very simple since charted boats are limited to a set number of occupants. If you’re hosting a reception, how many people can comfortably fit in the location? How much food and drink can you easily provide? How many people do you want to attend?

Once you have a clear idea of what your hosting scope is, start with inviting the people who were closest with the dearly departed, the must-haves; best friends, immediate family, etc. Next, widen the pool for other friends, co-workers, neighbors, and more distant family. Imagine who your loved one would have wanted to be at the ceremony if there is a guest limit. If you have more people you want to invite or attend the ash scattering, remind yourself that it’s ok to say no. You are working within appropriate limits, which may mean a shortened guest list. A simple way to include those you can’t invite is to send them an announcement of your loved one’s passing. Include the Ecorial memorial information so they can join the virtual memorial and celebration of the deceased beloved. Consider also including one of your loved one’s favorite charities and ask people to donate in your loved one’s memory.

How to Thank Guests Who Attended The Ash Scattering

A simple thank you note, whether paper or online, is typically sent to those who were part of the service and planning process. It’s up to you if you want to send notes to each guest who attended, but it’s not required or expected. Thank you notes are typically reserved for: