As Bonfire Night lights up the November sky with sparks and colour, it can also inspire something deeply personal, the idea of scattering ashes into the sky whether as a firework, drone or balloon.

At The Farewell Guide, we know that every goodbye is different. Some people want quiet reflection; others prefer to go out with a bang, quite literally. Firework Night offers an opportunity to think creatively about how ashes can be scattered.

Ashes into Fireworks: A Spectacular Send-Off

One of the most striking modern tributes is having ashes incorporated into bespoke fireworks. Specialist companies can safely embed ashes into one or more firework shells that are then launched during a memorial display.

These fireworks can be customised with chosen colours, music, and even choreographed sequences. For those who loved celebration, community events, or simply lighting up a room, this is a fittingly joyful finale.

Planting Firework-Coloured Blooms

For those who prefer to keep things earthbound, using ashes in soil to plant vivid, firework-hued flowers can be a long-lasting and eco-friendly memorial. Think marigolds, dahlias, tulips, and crocosmia, bursts of orange, red, and gold that echo fireworks’ glow.

You can mix ashes into the soil using a biodegradable urn designed for natural dispersal, or simply place them near the roots of new plantings in your garden or a dedicated memorial space. Over time, the garden becomes a living reflection of remembrance, a peaceful, enduring alternative to the momentary blaze of fireworks.

Creating a Personal “Firework Moment”

Sometimes, it’s less about spectacle and more about symbolism. On or around Bonfire Night, you might:

• Scatter ashes in a favourite open space while watching nearby fireworks.
• Hold a small gathering where guests each hold a sparkler, lighting them together in tribute.
• Combine ashes with biodegradable confetti or petals for a “shower of light” moment under the night sky.

What matters most is intention: the thought, care and story behind the gesture.

Practical and Legal Considerations

As imaginative as these ideas can be, a few important points keep things safe and respectful:

• Always seek permission before scattering ashes on private land, beaches, or public spaces.
• Only use licensed professionals for ashes-in-fireworks displays.
• Check local firework regulations, some areas restrict use during certain hours or near livestock.
• Consider whether you may want to keep some ashes for another commemorative use later, such as jewellery, glass art, or tree planting.

Honouring a Life with Light

Whether it’s a sky filled with colour, a quiet spark in the darkness, or a garden that blooms with fiery tones, the connection between remembrance and light runs deep.

At The Farewell Guide, we help people record their wishes including how they’d like their ashes scattered or how they’d prefer to be remembered. By setting these intentions in advance, you give loved ones the gift of certainty and meaning.

Record Your Funeral Wishes Free with The Farewell Guide

Thinking about how you’d like to be remembered doesn’t have to wait. With The Farewell Guide, you can record your funeral wishes online for free and share the document with loved ones or print a copy to keep alongside your will or other important documents.

It’s a simple step that ensures your send-off reflects who you truly are, whether that’s under quiet stars or a sky full of fireworks.

Start recording your wishes today by clicking here.