• The Process of Arranging for a Cremation

    Cremation Oakland

    Whether you are making the end-of-life arrangements for a loved one or funeral pre-planning for yourself, there are a number of decisions you need to make. Many people choose cremation for a number of reasons, including religion, environmental causes, and simplifying the funeral process. Once you have made the decision to have remains cremated, there are many things to keep in mind about the process. Continue reading for an overview of what you should know about making arrangements for cremation.

    Covering the Logistics
    The first step to arrange a cremation is to meet with the funeral home and discuss your individual cremation plan . Be sure to bring all necessary details to this meeting, including Social Security information. The funeral home will help you arrange for transportation of the body. They will also assist in obtaining the official death certificate, writing the obituary, and gathering any other paperwork that is necessary. You will then sign the authorization allowing for the cremation.

    Picking the Type of Cremation
    Generally, there are three types of cremation services. There is a traditional cremation with a visitation ceremony; with this ceremony, loved ones are able to view the deceased in a casket prior to cremation. A ceremonial cremation offers a ceremony that is held following the cremation, and there is no viewing. For a non-ceremonial cremation, the deceased is cremated and the remains are given directly to a designated person.

    Choosing Post-Cremation Options
    After you make cremation arrangements, you will select a cremation urn, or some other container to hold the remains of the deceased. There are many options for what to do with the remains. Some individuals bury the ashes in a cemetery and select a grave marker. Some may scatter the ashes at a place that was important to the deceased. Others may choose to keep the ashes in an urn in their home.

    When it comes to making arrangements for cremation in Oakland, Chapel of the Chimes is here to help. With on-site cremation services , we are able to provide detailed care in assisting with the entire process. To learn more, call (510) 654-0123.

  • A Guide to Writing a Eulogy

    Funeral Service Oakland

    A eulogy is a speech, usually given at a funeral, to memorialize a deceased loved one. The best eulogies are not based on how well they are written, but instead are heartfelt and capture the spirit of the deceased. When planning a funeral or memorial service, a funeral home director can help you determine who will deliver a eulogy during the service.

    If you have been asked to deliver a eulogy, you should consider what type of tone you want the eulogy to have before writing it. Some people opt to be more serious, while others have a more lighthearted approach with a touch of humor. There is no right or wrong tone for a eulogy, but it is important that it is appropriate. You should take into consideration the audience for the eulogy when determining what is appropriate to say. Begin by introducing yourself and offer a few basics about the deceased. Tell specific stories about the deceased, but be sure to keep your eulogy brief and well-organized.

    Chapel of the Chimes is able to offer assistance in all aspects of funeral planning in Oakland. Call us at (510) 654-0123 for more information on all the services we provide.

  • Offering Grief Support During a Funeral

    The loss of a loved one causes a substantial heartache, and can bring on devastating grief. It is not always clear how to be supportive for someone who is going through the emotionally difficult challenge of loss. Everyone has his or her own way of grieving, but there are things you can do to offer grief support to someone during a funeral . Continue reading for tips on how you can help a friend during this time.

    Remember the Deceased

    A funeral, while a time of mourning , is also a time to reflect on the deceased’s life. It is beneficial to the grieving process to reflect upon loving reminiscences, life accomplishments, and significant memories. Conversations and stories about a loved one who has passed on can be healing, and should be encouraged at a funeral.

    Know What Not to Say

    It may be tempting to offer your grieving friend a comforting cliché, but these types of sentiments should be avoided. These sort of statements, while they mean well, can undermine the healing process. To be supportive, the best thing you can do for a friend is to listen to your friend talk about his or her feelings. Try not to get hung up on how you will respond; just focus on letting your friend talk openly about the grief. You should also not be afraid to leave your friend alone if he or she needs space to grieve.

    Offer Continual Support

    Grieving does not end once the funeral is over. It is a process that takes time, and there are things you can do to offer your support after a funeral. Regularly check in with your friend—this can be weekly or monthly. Simply letting your friend know that you are thinking of him or her can be comforting. You can offer to help with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping. Acknowledge the deceased on holidays, anniversaries, and other dates when a loved one will be remembered.

    If you or someone close to you has lost a loved one, Chapel of the Chimes offers grief counseling in Oakland, in addition to our funeral home services. Call us at (510) 654-0123 to learn more about how we can help you.

  • Reasons to Pre-Plan a Funeral

    The time of bereavement can take a heavy toll on a family, especially when tasked with navigating through the process of figuring out all of the details of funeral arrangements. One way to ease the burden on a grieving family is funeral pre-planning in Oakland.

    This video offers tips on making funeral pre-planning an easy process. The first step is to find a funeral director that can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your arrangements.

    When you are ready to begin planning ahead , Chapel of the Chimes offers a full range of services. To learn more, or to schedule a visit, call (510) 654-0123.