There is a reason for the plain wooden casket and linen shroud. Secondly, it frees the bereived family from any sense of duty to spend more than they can afford. While frowned upon by Jewish law, liberal Jews have wide opinions concerning cremation. On the negative side, cremation flaunts the death of our co-religionists in the Holocaust. His rational is solid in as much as funeral costs today are very high.
Cremation is a way to substantially reduce the financial burden on the family.
This is in keeping with Rabban Gamliel's position. But even if there is cremation, the cremains should be buried. Many Jews find great comfort coming to the graves of parents and relatives at special times of the year to pay homage and respect. Scattering of ashes or leaving grandma in the hall closet does not have the same sanctifying power. The FAQ is a collection of documents that is an attempt to answer questions that are continually asked on the soc.culture.jewish family of newsgroups.