Cremation vs. traditional burial? And how do you want to be remembered?

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Have you ever had to make these decisions for someone? To be cremated, to be buried in the traditional? way in a casket, is a dilemma for so many people. I have had to make that decision for family members over the years. I was fortunate, as for the most part they had already stated their preferences, so I didn't have to guess what to really do. In some of the instances, there was a lot of insurance or extra money and the cost didn't have to really be considered. In others, it did. My Dad wanted a military funeral, and his military stone. He specified this to me both verbally and in his will. He wanted to be placed in a casket, no cremation, and be put in a cemetery we had a lot of family buried in. So, all of that was easy. The hard part was having a visitation where he lived, then having his remains/casket taken to where I lived at the time, to have yet another ceremony type thing. I discovered the long, drawn out process of all of this was just really stressful and hard on the emotions. I did what he specified to the best of my ability. When my mother died, she wanted to be cremated and had left a note to that effect. Long, long story for another day, I did what she asked, as well. She was buried in the same cemetery as my father, but not in the same section--they had not been married in 30 years, and did not want to lie next to each other in their next life. Oh, the drama... When sister died, she had left instructions as well. She was cremated and buried by my father. My brother-in-law took care of most of the arrangements, so that was a relief. There have been other family members who passed away with no close family other than me to make these decisions. To be honest, I wish I hadn't had to do that. I discovered that many of the other family members want to put their two cents worth in to it, questioning whether it should be a formal burial with a casket, or a cremation. One of my very best friends has paid in advance for her funeral. She isn't old and she isn't dying. Her husband died, he had insurance. He was buried with formality in a swanky casket in a fancy suit (he never wore a suit!) and his funeral, casket, burial plot, services, limo, etc. was way, way over $12K. She recently paid in advance for all of hers--over $14K. This is not a rich family. She thinks cremation is evil and appalling and no one should want that. We have to agree to disagree, as I think cremation is the way to go, but to each his own, I guess. I read an article today that as of April 2023, 60% of people in the US are now cremated, with only 40% buried in a casket with the vault liner, etc. This is good. I always think of ashes to ashes...once our lives are over, we do not need to lie in state throughout eternity in a fancy box with silver handles, lined with silk and a little silk pillow. I don't want that, for sure. My kids have all said the same thing, they don't want that, either, when their time comes. No one wants to talk about death. I don't want to, I know. I also know that whether we like it or not, death is a part of life and we do have to deal with it, unfortunately. I am just extremely glad that at long last, cremation is accepted now more than it ever was before. Oh, and I told the kids, when I leave this world, absolutely no formal funeral. I want a little memorial service, everyone tell funny stories about me or good times we shared together. I want them to serve good food and great coffee and wine and whatever if that's what is warranted. I want wildflowers, not formal roses or the carnations that always remind me of funeral homes. I want to be remembered with smiles and laughter. How do you want to be remembered?