Perhaps just go for no-frills basic package and ask for something that doesn't involve customary stuffs. Agree that it would be good for people to pay respect if possible, so a wake will still be good to have. If whoever you're planning this for is still around or able to speak - just check what his/ her preference on such matters. One of my relative actually said in advance that when he dies, just cremate and scatter his ash. Nothing else matters to him because he doesn't believe in life after death. When you're dead, you're just...... dead.

Hahahaha they tell you it's made of this wood, that wood iinm. There's also the cost of ornaments and finishing etc. These things really triggers you to think whether its necessary to pay premium for something better, since it'll be burnt after several days anyway.