Planning a Virtual Funeral During COVID-19

Planning a Virtual Funeral During COVID-19

Covid has changed the way society does everything, so it is not a shock that funerals have also been forced to adapt to this new age of social distancing, regular hand washing, and being outdoors whenever possible. 


Due to the regulations surrounding large gatherings of people, funerals have shifted to being largely virtual this year. Many families are using Zoom and YouTube to livestream their loved one’s funerals for extended family and friends.


The ritual of a funeral, even if it is a digital one, is important for the grieving process. “Grief must be witnessed: we weren’t meant to be islands of grief,” grief expert David Kessler puts it. 


When planning a virtual funeral, you should consider what aspects you want included, such as a blessing or reading, a musical rendition of your loved one’s favorite song, or a video stream of the grave side and/or the burial. 


Many businesses have built useful products and services to make virtual funeral planning a lot easier. There are a lot of great options out there and here are just a few: 

GatheringUs connects families and loved ones to allow them to grieve together. They also have created a virtual streaming service specifically built around funerals. They have a couple additional products too including online memorial pages. You can schedule a free 30 minute event consultation to help you plan your loved one’s funeral.  AFTR creates state-of-the-art graveside cameras to allow you, family members, and friends see your loved one’s gravesite at any time using their app. Their app and system makes it feel as if you’re just a few taps away from your loved one at any time.  Ever Loved has great online memorial pages which include options to raise funds for a funeral within the site or create a fundraiser for a charity in lieu of flowers or other gifts. They also have a marketplace to help you select items like caskets or urns that you can find more affordably through them than at a funeral home. Of course, we would always recommend you check out our Oaktree Memorials urn collection if you are looking for distinct and sophisticated full sized or keepsake sized urns.  Cake is a great resource for finding out more information about virtual funerals, grief, memorials, and whatever other loss related topic you might be thinking of as you go through this challenging time. Here is their section on funerals. 

Funerals will always be an integral part of the grieving process and learning how to achieve the feeling of connection and support virtually is something we must all learn to do.  

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The Oaktree Collection ~ Urns and Cremation Jewelry

FAQs

What are the shipping options for my memorial?

Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.

How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?

Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.

What do I do if I never received my order?

If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.

Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?

Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.

How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?

If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.

How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?

Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.

How do I choose the right urn size?

Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.

Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?

Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.

Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?

Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.

How do I transfer ashes into my urn?

Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.

How do I order an engraved urn?

To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.

Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?

Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.

Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?

Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.

What materials are Oaktree urns made from?

Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.

Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?

Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.

Can I pre-order an urn for future use?

Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.

Do you offer pet urns?

Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.

How do I clean and maintain my urn?

Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.

Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?

Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.

How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.