Burial or Cremation?

Usually, people are clear on this point. In fact, your loved one may have told you, or someone else, exactly how they wish to be cared for. But it can be a hard decision for some families, especially when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly stated. If that's the case, please know we're able to help you come to the perfect decision for your loved one, and for you.

Once you decide, the finer details come into focus. If you've chosen burial, then selection of the casket, vault, and desired cemetery follows. Naturally, we’re here to help you.

If cremation is your choice, then you'll need to make the next decision: whether the cremated remains will be going home with a loved one, placed in a columbarium niche, scattered in the blue ocean, or buried on cemetery grounds. Bryan-Braker Funeral Home does own and operated their own crematory, so no one leaves our care.

In some communities, there's the option for a 'green burial.' If that's what your loved one would prefer, we'll help you select an environmentally-friendly choice.

New Orleans Jazz Funeral for Tuba Player Kerwin James

Funerals are as unique as people and as diverse as culture. Here's one way it's done in New Orleans.

A traditional New Orleans Jazz Funeral for the late tuba player Kerwin James. He died in Oct. 2007. Alot of viewers have been asking whats the reason for rocking the casket, it's so he can dance one last time. I also have a Mardi Gras Black Indian Funeral video on here too. I must WARN you it is'nt your "typical" funeral.

Courtesy of  www.onenawlins.com

Many Ways of Honoring Life

Honoring the achievements of your loved ones and celebrating the life you shared together are the cornerstones of healing after loss

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It's All about the Relationship

Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping you decide how to celebrate that bond, and honor the unique individual you've lost. We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event. Contact us today to discuss the possibilities.

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Tribute Videos

Your family photographs are skillfully blended with wonderful graphic images and music, to create an elegantly emotive cinematic video. It can be an integral part of any funeral or memorial service. After the ceremony, the video is sure to become a treasured family keepsake. And, we can make copies as gifts for family and friends.

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Personalized Printing

Our memorial bookmarks, service programs, prayer cards, and folders can all include a favorite photo, poem or prose tribute to your loved one. We can add a uniquely caring element to your service, so your guests can leave with a treasured keepsake.

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Memorial Websites

The traditional newspaper obituary is quickly being replaced by the memorial website. We’ve taken the concept further than anyone else. Our memorial sites are not just a repository of family photos and videos; they’re Web 2.0 tools for connecting with family and friends, all in honor of your loved one. We invite you to take a tour, so you can see its power to celebrate connections, honor a life, and record the love you shared.

Live Funeral Webcasting

The newest innovation in funeral service, webcasting, allows everyone you love to attend your loved one's service. A webcast is viewed live over the Internet, and archived for delayed viewing.

Bagpiper

Music is important part of a funeral service. The bagpipes have been commemorating the loss of loved ones for hundreds of years. The Bagpipes are a powerfully touch to our deepest emotions, and express feelings that words alone may fail to convey.

Musician & Soloist

The music at the services should reflect your loved one’s life. Live musicians up lift the spirit; a complete band, soloist, pianist, guitarist, or any other type of music. A bagpipe at the graveside or a trumpet playing taps can be very memorable.
 

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Dove Release

A flock of white doves are usually released at the end of the graveside ceremony. The flock circles overhead several times before flying back to their home. The dove symbolizes the departed spirit making its final journey home.

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Horse-Drawn Funeral Coach

The vintage, late 19th century horse-drawn funeral coach is a unique tribute available for graveside services. In this time-honored manner, a horse-drawn funeral coach adds a touch of elegance to any service.

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Butterfly Release

Many people believe that butterflies symbolize spirit, representing freedom and beauty as they take flight. When we experience the vital connection between butterflies and nature, we tend to instinctively feel that peace and harmony are truly around us. Why not invite a butterfly release to your loved one’s memorial service, to help celebrate a life lived?

Learn More about Honoring Your Loved One

You knew your loved one better than anyone else. We’ve got years of experience. Together, we’ll design the perfect memorial or funeral service for your loved one. If you're ready to discuss the options, or simply have questions about our services, please call us at (707) 425-4697, or send us an email inquiry.

Chapel of Light - Fairmont Memorial Park

 

The Chapel of Light offers indoor niches in a beautiful setting. The niches are all glass front so that you may decorate with pictures and/or mementos. Generous use of stained glass and natural skylight within the design of the Chapel of Light, evokes a feeling of peacefulness while visiting. The indoor chapel is equipped with security locks that require an entry code. Each purchaser is given this code.

Funeral Etiquette: But, What Shouldn't You Do?

Don't feel that you have to stay.
If you make a visit during calling hours there's no reason your stay has to be a lengthy one.

Don't be afraid to laugh.
Remembering their loved one fondly can mean sharing a funny story or two. Just be mindful of the time and place; if others are sharing, then you may do so too. There is simply no good reason you shouldn't talk about the deceased in a happy, positive tone.

Don't feel you have to view the deceased if there is an open casket.
Act according to what is comfortable to you.

Don't allow your children to be a disturbance.
If you feel they might be, then leave them with a sitter. But, if the deceased meant something to them, it's a good idea to invite them to share in the experience.

Don't leave your cell phone on.
Switch it off before entering the funeral home, or better yet, leave it in the car. All too often, we see people checking their cell phones for messages during the services.

Don't neglect to step into the receiving line.
Simply say how sorry you are for their loss, offer up your own name and how you knew the deceased.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake.
Everyone does, and you can be sure that an apology may be all that's needed to mend and soothe.
When it's all over, always remember to continue to offer support and love to the bereaved. The next few months are a time when grieving friends and relatives could need you most. Let them know that your support did not end with the funeral.

Funeral Etiquette: Things To Do

Making the Most of a Difficult Time

It’s important to know what religious, ethnic or personal considerations you need to take into account. And it’s also important to be respectful of the emotions of close family members.
Here are a few things expected of you:

• Offer an expression of sympathy.
  Sometimes we are at a loss for words when encountering something as final as death. Simply saying "I'm sorry for your loss" is usually enough. Be respectful and listen attentively when spoken to, and offer your own words of condolence.
• Find out the dress code.
  These days almost anything goes, but only when you know it's the right anything. In fact, sometimes the deceased has specified the dress code; “hawaiian clothing” is a common request. If you can't learn the wishes of the family, then dress conservatively, and avoid bright colors.
• Give a gift.
  It doesn't matter if it is flowers, a donation to a charity or a commitment of service to the family at a later date; as always, "it's the thought that counts." Always make sure to provide the family with a signed card, so they know what gift was given, and by whom.
• Sign the register book.
  Include not only your name, but your relationship to the deceased: co-worker, gym buddy, or casual acquaintance from the golf club. This helps family place who you are in future.
• Keep in touch.
  It's sometimes awkward for you to do so, but for most people the grieving doesn't end with a funeral.

Honoring Life: It's All about the Relationship

Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping you decide how to celebrate that bond, and honor the unique individual you've lost.

We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event. Contact us today to discuss the possibilities.

Green Joins Bryan-Braker Funeral Home

By Special to The Enterprise The Davis Enterprise
 
August 21, 2012

Link: http://www.davisenterprise.com/business/green-joins-bryan-braker-funeral-home/

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home has announced the appointment of Titus Green Sr. as funeral director.

Green, of Fairfield, has more than 20 years of mortuary operations experience. Most recently, he served as funeral director for C.P Bannon Mortuary in Oakland. He also was a professional embalmer and funeral arranger for Lewis and Ribbs Mortuary in San Francisco and was a professional embalmer at Whitted-Williams Funeral Home, also located in the Bay Area.

“Titus exemplifies what we are all about,” said Craig Bryan, owner of Bryan-Braker, in a news release. “He truly cares about those who are going through the difficult, complex times of bereavement. His dedication, compassion and attention to every detail are clearly why we wanted to make him a part of our tight-knit family business.”

Green attended Jefferson State College in Birmingham, Ala., and received a mortuary science diploma at San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home has offices in the Fairfield, Vacaville and Dixon areas, which include burials, cremation and above-ground interment. The company specializes in traditional, contemporary and veterans’ services.

Welcome To Our New Blog

Thanks for stopping by. Welcome to our brand new blog. There is a lot of fear and trepidation about death, dying, funerals and the idea of planning them. It is our intent to soften that with this blog by helping to understand different aspects of what we do and how we serve. There is no such thing as normal to us. Each client, or family has their own preferences and desires. We have the ability to be dignified and flexible enough to accommodate virtually every one's needs.

We hope to share much more with you very soon.