While the cremations, urns, memorials and services we see in movies and TV are dramatized and not always accurate, there are many that can serve as great inspiration for you when it comes time for you to celebrate the life of a lost loved one. You can use iconic movie and TV cremations as inspiration for when you’re planning for your recently lost loved one’s cremation service in Dublin, CA:

1. 1. “This is Us” – After a beloved character on this TV show passed, his family continued on his tradition of watching football as a family by cheering on their favorite team with his ashes in an urn right next to them. Take inspiration from this show and bring your loved one’s ashes on adventures or to do beloved activities.

Read also: Different Ways of Spreading Ashes After Cremation Services

1. “Harry Potter” – In the sixth movie, Dumbledore passes away. The teachers and students of Hogwarts gather for a large memorial service to honor him, with all lessons and exams suspended to ensure everyone could attend. Do your best to choose a time and date for your loved one’s memorial that allows as many people as possible to attend and pay their respects.
2. “Elizabeth Town” – The character Drew decided to take one final trip with his father, though his father is already passed, and his ashes are in a cremation urn. Drew spreads his father’s ashes at special spots along the trip, commemorating memories and traditions while honoring his father. Use this film as inspiration to scatter your lost loved one’s ashes at unique, special or meaningful places.
3. “The Big Lebowski” – In this movie, John Goodman’s character scatters the ashes of one of his friends out of a coffee can. While you can always spend money on an urn or another container, this scene is good inspiration to use every day or meaningful items to hold the deceased’s ashes.
4. “Star Wars” – In the “Star Wars” universe, Jedi knights are cremated in dramatic funeral pyres. While you don’t need to immortalize your lost loved one with a Jedi funeral pyre, you can perform a cremation service that will honor him or her in a similar way

These five pop culture references are excellent inspiration for your lost loved one’s cremation service. Or, if the deceased was a big fan of a particular movie or TV show, you can choose to incorporate it into the service through music, décor, or even a themed urn. For example, you could choose a cremation urn decorated with stars and galaxies for a lost loved one that loved “Star Trek” or “Star Wars”

Read also: Cremation Services and Cremation Container Laws

You can make your lost loved one’s cremation service as unique as you want or as traditional as you want. You can choose to honor the deceased in any way, whether inspired by movies and TV shows or not. No matter what you decide for your Dublin, CA cremation service Deer Creek Funeral Service. Pay us a visit or give us a call today to learn more.

The death of a child is traumatic and life changing. How are you supposed to get through your daily activities, much less plan a cremation service in Dublin, CA after losing a child? These tips are practical suggestions that can help you through your time of loss after the passing of your child.

Read also: How Will You Customize a Cremation Service?

1. Plan Rituals – Rituals like cremations, memorials and funerals go a long way toward helping you say goodbye in a healthy way. They also help you express your grief in a healthy way. Don’t shy away from planning and hosting a service for your lost child, but also don’t feel rushed into planning one right away. You can always hold a memorial after some time has passed and you’re more settled.
2. Gather Keepsakes for Memories – Physical keepsakes are some of the best ways to remember a child after he or she passes. Gather keepsakes like blankets, toys, clothing, footprint or handprint sets, and hospital bracelets. You don’t have to hold them or display them if it’s too painful right away but do put them away in a box so you can have them later on when the pain of loss isn’t as fresh.
3. Take Your Time with Big Decisions – Take your time making any big decisions or choices as your grief might lead to you make choices you normally wouldn’t or might cause additional confusion and stress. If you have to make some big choices, like planning a cremation or dealing with something at work, try and talk over your options and decision with a trusted friend, family member or your spouse.
4. Seeing and Holding Your Child – Many parents that lose a child via miscarriage or stillbirth are given the option to see and hold their baby before he or she is prepared for burial or cremation. This is completely up to you. Many people find it a good way to say goodbye and have a bit of closure, while others find it simply too painful. If you decide to see and hold your baby, spend as much time as you need with your baby. If you decide not to see your child, that’s perfectly OK.
5. Allow Mourning – No matter what the circumstances of your child’s death, you will need to share in your grief with someone else. Whether you share with a spouse, family member or friend, you need to take time to mourn and grieve in your own way with the help of a loved one.
6. Expect the Unexpected – Any loss can have a large effect on your mind and body alike, so be prepared for a wide range of physical and emotional responses after the loss of a child. You might feel confused, afraid, guilty, disorganized, and angry, even all at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly experience surges of grief, even at the most unexpected times. This is all normal and healthy after a loss.

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Hopefully these six tips can provide some relief in the face of your tremendous loss. Deer Creek Funeral Service is here for you if you want to learn more about Dublin, CA cremation services.

As required by law, during all cremation services in Dublin, CA, the body is placed inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber. These fully combustible containers are large and sturdy enough to hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs. The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles.

Read also: Cremations in Pop Culture

The kind of container that is chose depends on a few key factors including the family’s wishes, the size of the person, whether or not there will be a viewing with the body present, local laws, the crematory’s standards and, of course, budget.

The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort. These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option.

Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container.

Read also: Cremation Services and Burials

There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals. Also, in some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.

With so many choices, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options, and then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have. Remember, though, at the end of the day there is no wrong choice as it only matters that you choose what’s right for you and the deceased.

Deer Creek Funeral Service, located at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, can help you with any and all of your Dublin, CA cremation service needs or questions. Please give us a call at (510) 317-7890 today.

Many people choose to spread their loved one’s cremated remains, or ashes, after a cremation service in Dublin, CA for your lost loved one. While burying the ashes or inurning them are popular, scattering or spreading ashes is even more so.

Did you know there are many different ways to spread ashes? Take these 8 ways as examples:

1. Aerial Scattering – People also scatter ashes into the air by climbing up a mountain or hill, going to the edge of a cliff, or using the wind in an open plain or meadow. You can also hire a specialized plane to scatter the ashes from way up in the air.
2. Water Scattering – Water has almost always had a connection with spirituality and religion, making it a very popular choice for scattering ashes. Scatter ashes directly into the water or release them in a water-safe biodegradable urn.
3. Trenching – Trenching is when the bereaved dig a shallow pit in which to deposit and lightly bury the ashes. This way, the ashes aren’t technically buried but they are contained to a specific spot so they can be visited or honored.
4. Skydiving Scattering – If the deceased was adventurous or free-spirited what better way to scatter his or her ashes than while skydiving? This unconventional ash spreading method helps you literally and figuratively let go of your lost loved one.
5. Space Launch – Whether your loved one always wanted to be an astronaut, loved stars and space, or you just want to give him or her a very special send off, you can launch the ashes into space. There are a few specialized businesses that launch ashes into space for a significant fee. The ashes will orbit the earth for a few months and then vaporize when the re-enter the atmosphere.
6. Raking – Raking is similar to trenching, but instead of digging a small hole in which the ashes are covered the ashes are raking into the soil with a tool like a rake or shovel. Many people choose to rake ashes into a significant place like the yard of a home or a special park.
7. Fireworks – Spreading ashes is usually a somber experience, but why not make it more fun and celebratory with fireworks? Firework companies make fireworks using the cremated remains to have the deceased be a part of a spectacular light show in the sky.
8. Plant a Tree – Tree urns turn cremated remains into fertilizer for new trees, giving your lost loved one new life through loss. You can plant the tree anywhere you want from a backyard to a special park. The tree will always be there as a place you can visit when you miss the deceased or want to reflect on their life.
9. Memorial Jewelry – Ashes can be placed inside locket pendants, bracelet charms, rings, and other pieces of jewelry. This way, you can wear your loved one close to your heart every day.

Want to learn more about Dublin, CA cremation services? Deer Creek Funeral Service is here to help. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or give us a call at (510) 317-7890.

Whether you’re planning a memorial service at a unique location or hosting a wake after a cremation service in Dublin, CA, it’s important that the service is personalized to the deceased. Studies show that the more personalized and memorable a service is the more it helps not only honor the deceased but also offer some relief for the bereaved during their time of loss.

How will you customize the cremation service? If you don’t know, don’t worry. There are a lot of different ways to go about it. The following list of ideas, for example, is a great place to start:

• Put Out Special Food – Food is a serious comfort for a lot of people. Take inspiration from the deceased’s favorite foods and put out a special spread for guests at the service.
• Set Up a Memory Table – A memory table is an easy way to help make a memorial service custom and personalized. It’s a simple and free way to show items that either meant a lot to the deceased, show their personality, or represent the deceased to other people. You can put almost anything on a memory table such as photos, sunglasses, ticket stubs from special events, letters, favorite vases or flowers, beloved clothing, or anything else that was special to or about the deceased. You can also make several memory stations as opposed to just one table. There can be themed tables with each one showing a part of the deceased’s life, such as wedding memories, school items, and children and grandchildren.
• Share Photos and Videos – Many bereaved families make photo collages or montage videos for a memorial service. These items are treasured by the family, but other bereaved like friends and coworkers would appreciate access to them as well. Consider uploading any montages or videos online to share with other people. You can use GoogleDrive, DropBox, or Youtube. Make the files accessible with only a certain link and print the link on the service program so guests can access it if they choose.
• Add Decorations – It might seem like bad form to decorate a memorial service after a cremation, but decorations can actually make the service more special and unique. You can add decorations in any form you want, from lamps and rugs to artwork, flowers and everything in between. Bring decorations that somehow represent or honor the deceased. For example, if she loved to stitch, you could hang some of her work. Or if he loved a certain artist you could display copies of famous artwork.

There are many ways to customize a cremation service, and one option is to create cremation jewelry. This type of jewelry is typically made from the ashes of the deceased, and can be used to create a special and unique memorial for your loved one.

If you need more ideas, look to the deceased for inspiration from his or her life, or turn to Deer Creek Funeral Service. We have years of experience in the direct cremation services industry, and are happy to help you in any way that we can. Please stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

Once a cremation service in Dublin, CA is over the bereaved still have to make decisions about what to do with the ashes after a cremation. There are a few different options, such as burying the ashes, keeping them in your home, or scattering them. If you want to go the scattering route, keep reading to learn some basic information and tips.

Read also: Choosing Funeral Home Flowers

The following are a few tips and reminders for scattering ashes after a cremation service:

1. You Don’t Have to Scatter All the Ashes – You can scatter as much or as little of the ashes as you want. Sometimes different members of the family each take a turn scattering, or some of the ashes are kept to be scattered at a later date, in a different location, or not at all.
2. There are Different Scattering Methods– Scattering can mean more than just tossing ashes into the wind. There are in fact two main ways of scattering ashes: casting and trenching. Casting is scattering the ashes into the air, and trenching is burying the ashes just below the ground surface. You can also rake ashes into soil, cast ashes from an airplane, or even send ashes into space.
3. Come Prepared – It seems obvious, but it’s important to make a clear plan for who will scatter the ashes, and this might not be as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes families wish for a religious leader to do the scattering, or other times families hire a company to help.
4. There Might be Bones – Most cremations reduce the body down to fine ash mixed with coarse, sand-like ash containing bone fragments. Be aware of this fact when considering scattering.
5. Check the Wind Direction – Be sure to take note of the wind direction on the day you want to scatter. You do not want to have ashes blown back into your face. It’s not unhealthy or dangerous, just very uncomfortable.
6. Look Up Local Laws – Rules and regulations about where you can scatter ashes varies from state to state, and even city to city. Be sure to read up on your local laws to avoid getting fined for scattering in a prohibited place. The same goes for more unique scattering locations, such as at sea or in national parks. Sometimes you even need a permit.
7. Create Memories – You can take photographs of the scattering to help preserve memories, and to have something more concrete to honor the deceased. Sometimes people regret scattering as it takes away any concrete memorial, so the photographs can be a good stand in for the ashes themselves.

Read also: Are Cremation Services Environmentally Friendly?

There are many ways to scatter ashes and memorialize a loved one after a Dublin, CA cremation service. Deer Creek Funeral Service, located at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, can give you any additional information you may require. Please stop by and visit us, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

Though most people don’t consider burial an option for after a cremation service in Dublin, CA, burials are still one of the most common ways of body disposition. If you’re considering a burial for after your own passing, or for the recent passing of a loved one, use this list of frequently asked burial and cremation service questions for more information.

• Why is Burial Necessary? While there are many disposition options besides burial, a burial is a wonderful way to remember the deceased in a constructive way. A big part of the human grief process is memorializing the dead, and a permanent burial place serves as a focal point remembering your lost loved one. A permanent resting place also gives the deceased a dignified ending while still allowing his or her memory to live on.
• Can I Bury Cremated Remains? Yes, you can bury cremated remains. Some burial options for cremated remains include a burial urn in the ground, or above ground in a columbarium.
• Are There Laws About Burial Timelines? The short answer is no, there are no laws in Pennsylvania requiring a body to be buried within a specific amount of time. However, there are many steps that need to be taken before a burial can take place, so it’s a good idea to get started as soon as you’re able after a death so your loved one can have a dignified cremation service and burial.
• Is Ground Burial the Only Option? There are several options besides traditional ground burial. These include mausoleums, lawn crypts, and cremation internments like urns and columbarium.
• Will My Cemetery Close When It Runs Out of Land? Cemeteries do run out of land, but they usually do not close when that happens. They generally remain open for family members to visit graves, and can even have guided tours of historic resting places.
• What Will Happen to My Loved One’s Grave in the Distant Future? Cemeteries are traditionally thought of as permanent, and the land designation is often in perpetuity. You can visit graves that are more than a hundred year old all over the country. It’s nice to think that your loved one’s grave will still be around and treasured by coming generations.
• Do I Need A Burial Vault? Burial vaults are the outside container that holds a coffin or casket. Their primary function is to protect the casket and help maintain the grave’s integrity so the surface doesn’t sink in. Most active cemeteries do require burial vaults to keep the cemetery ground intact and safe.

These are just a few of the many questions Dublin, CA residents have about burials and direct cremation services. If you would like to learn more about Dublin, CA cremation services and burials, all you have to do is reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service. You can visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 for more information on what we can do for you.