Get the names of medical examiners ahead of time so others will know whom to call. To make this all easier your area may have a Memorial Society. I worked as a family service counselor at a funeral home for several months. Pre-planning your services is a brave and intelligent decision. Many people do not realize the cost and heartache it causes their loved ones once they pass.
Funeral services are expensive.
However, there are many, many options available to you. Talk to a local funeral home. They will lay out all your options. The container does not have to be expensive. In fact, by law, you do not have to buy a container.