• Arranging a Cremation

    When your family has made the decision to have a cremation in Oakland, it is important to understand how to arrange for this. Watch this video so you and your family can learn what to expect when arranging a cremation.

    In order to start the cremation service process, you will need to register the death of your loved one with the registrar. Also, contact a funeral director after the death so he or she can help arrange the cremation. You are welcome to go to the funeral home to discuss the ceremony you would like to have. Cremation can take place before or after the memorial ceremony. It is up to you and your family to decide where to place the cremains.

    If you are arranging a cremation for your loved one, call Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123. Our expert staff is here to help you through the funeral planning process.

  • Deciding Between Cremation and Burial

    Funeral Planning Oakland

    The choice between cremation and burial is a personal one. Today, many people are choosing cremation for their final arrangements due to the fact that it can be more affordable than other options. Although affordability is something to be considered, there are many other details to think of as well. Funeral pre-planning can help to make sure your cremation or burial wishes come true. With help from a funeral home in Oakland, you can decide how you like to be placed to rest. Read on for some information that will help you choose between cremation and burial.

    Process
    A burial places the body of the deceased in a casket, and is the preferred option for many religions. It offers a permanent way to be laid to rest, and can be personalized through the choice of the casket. The cremation process only lasts a few hours, and is often thought to signify reverence for the deceased.

    Economics
    Choosing cremation can be a smart decision for you and your family economically, as direct cremation is an affordable option when compared to other burial options. Direct cremations do not require embalming or a casket like traditional burials. However, if you choose to have a viewing or funeral with the body before the cremation, the costs may be comparable to those of a traditional burial.

    Memorialization
    Both traditional burials and cremation allow for memorial services to take place. A traditional burial allows friends and family to come to the gravesite to pay tribute, both during the memorial service and for decades afterwards. After cremation, the deceased can be memorialized with a traditional service or a ceremony during which the ashes are scattered. The ashes can also be kept in an urn at the family’s home or entombed.

    If you and your family are interested in learning more about cremation , contact Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123. Since 1909, we have been serving the Bay Area as a crematorium and columbarium. Our expert staff will help you decide on the correct final arrangements for you or your loved one.

  • A Guide to Arranging Funeral Services

    Funeral Planning Services Oakland

    When the loss of a loved one occurs, arranging a funeral service can seem daunting. There are many decisions you will have to consider. Working with a trusted funeral home in Oakland can help you sort through all of your options. Having the proper information and know-how ahead of time can help to make funeral planning an easier process to go through. Read on to learn about how to arrange a funeral service.

    Burial Method
    Each individual and family has a unique preference about the internment method. The first step to arranging a funeral is deciding whether the deceased will be cremated, entombed, or buried. If the decision to be cremated is chosen, it is a good idea to consider what will be done with the cremains. In some cases, they are buried or entombed, while other times, they are scatted at a location that has meaning to the family or the deceased. Cost can be a deciding factor when considering burial methods , but it is important to also remember the deceased’s personal preference.

    Ceremony Type
    Once the burial method has been chosen, it is pertinent to think about how you and your family would like the ceremony to go. At this time, you will decide whether to have an open viewing of the casket or a memorial service in honor of your loved one. Deciding where to hold the ceremony is crucial to planning the rest of the funeral. Oftentimes, the ceremony is held at a family member’s home, a funeral home, at the graveside, or at a religious institution. Once you know where the funeral or memorial service will be held, deciding who will take part in the ceremony and adding your personal touches to pay tribute to your loved one will be simpler.

    If you have decided that cremation is the best burial method for your loved one, call Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123. We have been serving the Bay Area as a columbarium and crematorium since 1909. We also have a cemetery and offer funeral planning services.

  • Best of The East Bay: Chapel of the Chimes Oakland Named Best Architectural Site

    Chapel of the Chimes Oakland was named Best Architectural Site by the East Bay Express as part of their Best of the East Bay series. Learn more about this exciting achievement here and view the full Best of the East Bay 2015 winners here .

  • Choosing a Cemetery

    cemetery oakland - chapel of the chimes While thinking about where one will be placed to rest is not always an easy task, planning ahead is a great gift to leave to your loved ones. If you are pre-planning your funeral near Oakland with a funeral home, read on to learn about how to choose a cemetery.

    There are four cemetery types to choose from: religious cemeteries, district cemeteries, veterans’ cemeteries, and green cemeteries. Some cemeteries may combine these different features. Finding the right cemetery for you will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences. Religious cemeteries are often run by religious organizations, while local municipalities run district cemeteries. The federal government runs veterans’ cemeteries. If you are interested in a green cemetery, it is best to discuss your options with a funeral director.

    If you are planning ahead for your funeral service , contact Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123. Our expert staff can help inform you about your funeral pre-planning options.

  • Jazz at the Chimes – September 20, 2015

    Join us Sunday, September 20th, at 2 p.m. for Jazz at the Chimes featuring The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol as she takes us on an exciting journey through blues, jazz and soul from then to now.

    Learn more here .