What does the "preparation of remains" involve?

The preparation of remains primarily involves the processes of cleaning, preserving, and preparing the body for viewing or burial. This aspect of funeral service practice is essential as it ensures that the deceased is presented in a respectful and suitable manner for family and friends during memorial services. This can include bathing the body, applying embalming fluids if desired, dressing the deceased, and arranging the appearance to help facilitate a positive memory for the grieving loved ones.

While documenting the life history of the deceased can be a valuable part of memorialization, it is more aligned with preserving the remembrance and legacy of the individual rather than the physical preparations of the body. Greeting guests at the funeral service pertains to the logistical and interpersonal aspects of conducting a service rather than the technical preparation of remains. Organizing transportation of the body is an important logistical step in the funeral process, but it does not encompass the actual preparation that makes the remains ready for final disposition or viewing.