What do we call the service of preparing the deceased for burial or cremation?

The service of preparing the deceased for burial or cremation is referred to as embalming. This process involves the treatment of the body to preserve it, typically involving the use of chemicals to delay decomposition and enhance the appearance for viewing. Embalming not only serves the practical purpose of preserving the body for an extended period but also provides emotional comfort to the bereaved by allowing them to see the deceased in a peaceful and dignified manner.

The other choices, while related to the care and preparation of the deceased, do not specifically highlight the process of embalming itself. Body preparation encompasses a broader range of tasks, such as washing and dressing the body, which may or may not include embalming. Care of the deceased is a more general term that could refer to any aspect of the handling and preparation of the body. Funeral setup pertains to arranging the service and environment for the viewing or ceremony, rather than the actual preparation of the deceased's body. Thus, embalming is the most accurate term for the preparation process focused specifically on the preservation and presentation of the deceased for final disposition.