Chapel Of The Chimes Oakland - A Lifemark Group Property

Answers to Your Questions about Cremation

Cremation services are becoming a common way to lay a loved one to rest. If you are considering cremation in Oakland, Chapel of the Chimes has many years of experience to offer you. If you have questions about how cremation services work, continue reading to find a few answers.

What Happens During Cremation?

The casket or container is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is left for about two hours. This is how long it takes for all organic matter to be consumed by heat. The remaining fragments, known as the cremains, are then removed from the cremation chamber and placed into a temporary container or an urn. Cremations are done individually and are carefully tracked to ensure control and identification throughout the entire process.

Is Preparation Required Before Cremation?

If you decide to have a public viewing or funeral service before beginning the cremation process, the remains will need to be stored or embalmed to prevent decomposition. The body will also need to be refrigerated or embalmed if it needs to be transported by air or rail.

How Do Cremation Services Work?

Although it is not required, many people choose to hold funeral services before, during, or after the cremation. It completely depends on how you wish to commemorate the life of your loved one.

What Do I Do with Cremated Remains?

The cremated remains can be kept at one of the many cemeteries in Oakland, taken home and displayed in an urn, or scattered at a place that was special to the deceased individual. Remember to check local regulations before scattering in a public place.

To learn more about the cremation services we offer at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, please visit our website or call us at (510) 455-4004. Our caring staff can provide additional information about our cremation services in Northern California.

Choosing Music for a Funeral

Comfort can be found in many aspects of a funeral service. The gathering of loved ones can help each individual process grief, and a eulogy can offer solace. Music can also bring peace during times of mourning, which is why it typically plays a significant role in many funeral services. However, the large number of song choices can make the selection process a difficult one for those in charge of coordinating the funeral. If you are in this position, the following tips can help you find the music most suitable for remembering your loved one.

Consider the Departed’s Life

When considering your music choices for a funeral, you may want to first reflect on the preferences of the departed. In some instances, a lost loved one might have let friends or family members know what songs he wished to be played during the funeral service. Even when the wishes of the departed are not known, considering his life and personality can often lead you to appropriate song choices.

Discuss Family Choices

You can also turn to other family members for help in the song selection process. Given that a funeral is a time to gather with loved ones and help each other through the grieving process, your family might already have music in mind that suits the service. You might also want to reach out to close friends for their song suggestions.

Consult the Funeral Home

Choosing music for a funeral service is one of several considerations that you may have to make during an emotionally trying time. If you are finding it difficult to select songs for your loved one’s service, talk to the funeral director. This professional’s extensive experience and knowledge of funeral-appropriate music can be of immense help. Your funeral director can provide options for you to select from before the service.

Chapel of the Chimes Oakland can guide you through each step of the funeral planning process. Our staff is always available to offer recommendations and sort through your music selections. For more information on our funeral, cremation, or burial services for the greater Oakland community, call (510) 455-4004.

Selecting a Casket

If you would like a burial upon your passing or if you are arranging a burial for a loved one, you will need to choose a casket. This video explains the casket selection process.

Funeral homes often recommend choosing a casket before the need for it occurs. This method can allow you the time to speak with a funeral director and carefully consider your options. Discussing your choices with a trusted funeral director is essential, as he can explain the distinctions between casket models. Caskets are typically made of wood or metal, and each model has aesthetic and price differences.

Chapel of the Chimes Oakland can help you select the casket that best meets your preferences. To schedule an appointment at our funeral home, call (510) 455-4004.

Why You Should Consider Funeral Pre-Planning

The love and support you give to your family in life is of immense importance. Even in death, though, you can still provide comfort and peace of mind to your loved ones. Funeral pre-planning is becoming an increasingly popular choice for individuals of all ages. If you have yet to coordinate your funeral services, consider the many benefits that this action can have for you and your family. 

Prevent Emotional Distress

Saying goodbye to a loved one can be one of life’s most difficult moments. No matter the circumstances surrounding your passing, your family is likely to experience considerable grief over it. Trying to plan a funeral during this time can be quite challenging. To help ease the emotional burden of having your family arrange your funeral service, you can do it for them. Funeral homes make it easy to select your casket, burial arrangements, and other aspects of your funeral service so that your loved ones can be spared this process.

Ease Financial Costs

Funeral services can be highly affordable in many instances, but they still require expense on the part of your family. Trying to determine whether your loved ones can easily afford your funeral years ahead of time can be a difficult task. Instead, remove all worry from their minds by pre-planning your funeral now. With prepayment for your services, both you and your family can rest assured that your passing will not put your loved ones in a financially challenging situation.

Avoid Misunderstandings

If you do not make your funeral wishes known, your loved ones may only be able to guess your preferences after your passing. Though they will have your best interests at heart, they may also have conflicting opinions about how best to coordinate your funeral service. Differing ideas can increase stress during this emotionally charged time, but you have the ability to avoid this scenario. Pre-planning your funeral can make clear what you want for your service and prevent potential conflicts.

Are you considering pre-planning your funeral service? If so, talk to the experts at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland. We can help you arrange all of the details of your funeral. Call (510) 455-4004 or visit our website to learn more about our complete funeral service options.

Receptions After the Funeral Service

Funeral services can give friends and family members of a lost loved one the opportunity to celebrate his life and legacy. During this time, having others to share memories with is key to the grieving process. That is why Chapel of the Chimes Oakland offers beautiful reception services for our guests. Our reception areas provide funeral service attendees with the chance to find support and comfort in the presence of their loved ones, and our catering options can provide ample nourishment as well. Being able to come together and remember the life of a friend or family member can be a healing experience, so let Chapel of the Chimes Oakland help you arrange a reception that fits your needs.

Would you like to learn more about our reception services? If so, call Chapel of the Chimes Oakland at (510) 455-4004 to set up an appointment. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff would be happy to discuss our complete funeral service options with you.