The law does not require embalming, unless disposition will not occur within 24 hours and the body will not be refrigerated. As a practical matter, however, you may wish to authorize embalming if there will be a delay before a public viewing period. The law does not require the purchase of a casket before cremation. TOP Burial Vaults or grave liners are not required by law, but cemeteries may have their own policies requiring them, since they keep the ground from settling after burial and make mowing and maintenance easier. Typically, vaults completely surround the casket in concrete or other material.
Grave liners cover only the top and sides.
Neither is designed to prevent the eventual decomposition of human remains. The law does not prohibit consumers from preparing their own dead for disposition. If you choose to do this, you must file with the local registrar a properly completed Certificate of Death, signed by the attending physician or coroner, and obtain a Permit for Disposition before any disposition can occur. You must also provide a casket or suitable container and make arrangements directly with the cemetery or crematory. TOP Coroner Fees California law permits coroners to charge for certain services.