Some people are turning to the older option of funeral services at home rather than the funeral home.
Before the Civil War most people were buried at home after services held by their families but public mourning with morticians preparing the remains has become the tradition.
The New York Times reports that many Americans are now looking to go the older route and have funeral services conducted in their own homes by family members in "Start-Ups Take Rites From the Funeral Home to the Family Home." One of the big benefits for many people is that home funerals are much less expensive than using a funeral home. Other people prefer the intimacy of services conducted in the home.
It is a good idea to think about how you would like your funeral to be conducted at the same time you are creating an estate plan.
Whether you would prefer a home funeral or a funeral home, you can make your preferences known in your will or in another document. As long as your preferences are reasonable and legal, then they can be followed.
Reference: New York Times (Jan. 30, 2016) "Start-Ups Take Rites From the Funeral Home to the Family Home."