I used to think I wanted cremation, but then the funeral industry changed the way they handle cremations in the state of North Carolina and I have changed my mind. This change may also be common in other states - I don't know - but it is worthwhile checking it out in your home state.

In North Carolina, it used to be that somebody opting for cremation could be embalmed and 'shown' at the funeral home for the funeral service (in a disposable liner inside a rented casked), and then cremated later, which is what we chose for my father in 1994. HOwever, by the time my mother died in 2004, the rules had changed. The casket was not rentable, there was no liner, and when she was cremated, her casket was cremated WITH her, meaning her ashes were mixed with those of the casket.

I did not know this until afterward, but it has always upset me since I found out.

I think you can still be cremated in the ordinary way if you do NOT choose to have the embalming and viewing beforehand. However, I'd want my family to handle the funeral arrangements in whatever way would give them the most comfort and so that might include embalming and viewing. If they do that, then I don't want cremation.