I came across an article entitled, "Love, Honor, Cherish, and Scatter" in today's Wall St. Journal.  The article highlights a wife's quest to scatter the remains of her deceased husband.  The woman, whose husband died unexpectedly at the age of 42, had decided to scatter her husband's ashes in different parts of the world.  At one destination, she was at a Pacific Ocean beach about to scatter some ashes when a wave blew the ashes back into her face.  She interpreted the event as her husband giving her a final kiss goodbye.  While this practice appears to be growing in popularity, it's important to know there are laws concerning the disposition of human remains.  The article notes that most of those who scatter ashes do so in a discreet fashion to  avoid public scrutiny.

Regardless of your personal perspective on the disposition of a loved one's remains, it's a fact that trends are changing.  Before 1980, only 4% chose cremation over burial.  Now 39% choose cremation and, according to the Cremation Association of North America, that trend is expected to grow in the next 15 years.

Ultimately, it's important that you discuss your personal preferences with your loved ones and put those wishes in writing.  There are many issues to consider prior to making a choice.  Besides cost, there are religious, ethnic, cultural and social considerations to be pondered.