How To Have a Fun Funeral - Farewellit (2024)

When we think of funerals, we often associate them with somber, solemn affairs filled with tears and grief. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. In recent years, there has been a shift towards celebrating life rather than mourning death, giving rise to the concept of a “fun funeral.” In this guide, we’ll explore how to have a fun funeral that honors your loved one’s memory while embracing the joy and happiness they brought into your life.

Embracing Celebration of Life Concepts

A fun funeral starts with a celebration of life concept. It’s about remembering and cherishing the moments of happiness, laughter, and love shared with the departed soul. Instead of focusing solely on the loss, celebrate the life lived and the positive impact your loved one had on family and friends.

Personalizing the funeral ceremony is a powerful way to infuse warmth and a sense of individuality into the proceedings. By sharing anecdotes and stories that highlight your loved one’s unique personality and quirks, you can create a heartfelt tribute that truly reflects their essence. Here are some examples of how personalization can add depth and meaning to the funeral service:

1. A Shared Passion: If your loved one had a particular passion or hobby, consider incorporating it into the ceremony. For instance, if they were an avid gardener, you could decorate the venue with their favorite flowers and plants. Guests could be given small potted plants as keepsakes or asked to contribute to a memorial garden in their honor.Example: At Sarah’s funeral, her family set up a beautiful garden-themed area with her favorite blooms. They invited attendees to take home potted flowers, symbolizing the growth of cherished memories.
2. A Journey Through Time: Create a timeline of your loved one’s life, complete with photos, milestones, and anecdotes. This visual representation allows attendees to trace the remarkable journey your loved one embarked on throughout their lifetime.Example: David’s family arranged a timeline display showcasing his childhood, school years, career achievements, and memorable vacations. It provided a touching retrospective of his life’s adventures.
3. Favorite Quotes and Sayings: Incorporate your loved one’s favorite quotes, sayings, or mantras into the ceremony. These words can serve as a source of inspiration and comfort to those in attendance.Example: Maria’s friends and family filled the service with her favorite quotes about kindness and gratitude. Her legacy of spreading positivity lived on through these words.

Use Music to Evoke Memories

1. Musical Memories: If your loved one had a deep connection to music, consider playing songs that held special meaning for them. Whether it’s a beloved song from their youth or a tune that always made them smile, music can evoke powerful emotions and memories.Example: John’s funeral featured a playlist of his all-time favorite songs, which ranged from classic rock anthems to soulful ballads. It created a musical journey through his life’s soundtrack.
2. A Legacy Table: Set up a table with items that reflect your loved one’s interests and achievements. Displaying their favorite books, hobbies, or awards can spark conversations and provide insight into their passions.Example: At Emily’s memorial, a table displayed her collection of vintage books, knitting projects, and awards for her community service. It was a touching reminder of her well-rounded life.
3. Tributes from Friends and Family: Encourage family members and friends to share their own stories and memories during the ceremony. These personal tributes can provide different perspectives on your loved one’s life and showcase the impact they had on others.Example: During Michael’s funeral, close friends and family took turns sharing heartfelt stories about their experiences with him. These personal anecdotes painted a vivid picture of his life and touched everyone present.

By personalizing the ceremony in these ways, you not only pay homage to your loved one’s unique character but also create a memorable and meaningful experience for those in attendance. Personalization fosters a deeper connection between the departed and those left behind, ensuring that their memory lives on in a truly special way.

Incorporates Music and Dance

Music has the remarkable ability to evoke emotions and create a powerful atmosphere. Here are some ideas for incorporating music and dance into your fun funeral:

1. Personalized Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that were meaningful to your loved one. Include their favorite songs, tracks that remind you of happy moments together, or pieces that reflect their personality.
   • Song Suggestions:
     • “Imagine” by John Lennon
     • “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
     • “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
     • “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
     • “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
2. Live Music: Consider hiring a live band or musicians to perform during the funeral service. Live music adds an authentic and heartfelt touch to the event.
   • Song Suggestions:
     • For a jazz lover: “Summertime” by George Gershwin
     • For a country enthusiast: “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
     • For a rock music fan: “Imagine” by John Lennon (rock cover)
     • For a classical music aficionado: “Adagio for Strings” by Samuel Barber
3. Memorial Dance: Encourage attendees to participate in a dance that honors your loved one’s memory. You can choose a special dance, like a waltz or a line dance, and invite everyone to join in. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate their life through movement. How about a little cupid shuffle?
   • Song Suggestions:
     • For a traditional dance: “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
     • For a lively group dance: “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
     • For a sentimental waltz: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

In the midst of grief and loss, laughter may seem out of place, but it can be an incredibly healing force. It has the remarkable ability to bridge the gap between sorrow and joy, offering solace and comfort when we need it most. When planning a fun funeral, embracing moments of humor and sharing joyful anecdotes about your loved one can be a beautiful way to remember and honor their spirit.

1. The Power of Laughter: Laughter is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and connects us on a profound level. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can provide a sense of relief from the heaviness of grief. Sharing a heartfelt laugh can lighten the emotional burden and remind us that there’s room for joy even amid sadness.Example: At Sarah’s funeral, her family recounted the time when she accidentally mistook salt for sugar while baking a cake, resulting in a comically salty dessert. The memory of her infectious laughter and the family’s uproarious response became a symbol of the joy she brought into their lives.
2. Highlighting Their Sense of Humor: Many people have a unique sense of humor that endears them to family and friends. Celebrate your loved one’s wit and comedic timing by sharing stories that showcase their humorous side. These anecdotes can serve as a loving testament to their ability to find joy in everyday moments.Example: John was known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor. His family shared stories of his hilarious pranks and witty one-liners, reminding everyone of the laughter he brought to even the most ordinary situations.

Using Humor and Joyful Anecdotes Continued

1. Moments That Brought Smiles: Reflect on the moments when your loved one’s presence lit up a room with smiles and laughter. These may be the times when they told funny stories, cracked jokes, or simply radiated positivity. Sharing these stories can create a heartwarming atmosphere during the funeral.Example: Emily’s family fondly remembered the annual family game night when Emily would engage in friendly banter and playful competition. Her laughter echoed through the house as they all competed, creating cherished memories that still brought smiles to their faces.
2. Laughter as a Connection: Laughter has the unique ability to bring people together. During a fun funeral, sharing humorous stories can create a sense of unity and camaraderie among attendees. It reminds everyone that, even in sorrow, there’s a bond that transcends grief.Example: Michael’s friends and family shared stories of the times when he organized hilarious pranks during family gatherings. As laughter filled the room, it was clear that Michael’s sense of humor was a lasting bond that connected them all.
3. Finding Comfort in the Lightness: Laughter can provide a welcome respite from the weight of grief. It doesn’t diminish the love or respect we have for our departed loved ones; instead, it honors their ability to bring happiness and laughter into our lives.Example: Susan’s family played a recorded message she had left for them, filled with funny anecdotes and heartfelt messages. The room echoed with laughter, and in that moment, it felt as though Susan was still with them, bringing her unique brand of joy.

Incorporating laughter and joyful stories into a funeral service is not only a beautiful way to remember and honor someone but also a reminder that even in times of loss, there’s room for happiness and shared moments of levity. Laughter has the power to heal hearts, strengthen bonds, and remind us that the love we shared with our departed loved ones continues to shine brightly in our memories. It’s a testament to their enduring legacy of joy and the profound impact they had on our lives.

Make the funeral more engaging by involving attendees in memorial activities. Create a memorial table where people can place mementos, photos, or handwritten notes. Consider setting up a memory jar where guests can share memories or messages. These interactive elements make the funeral a collective effort in celebrating a life.

Funerals don’t have to be held in traditional settings. Think outside the box and choose a unique venue that reflects your loved one’s interests or passions. An outdoor funeral in a beautiful garden or park can be serene and uplifting. Also, a beachside service or a gathering at their favorite restaurant can also be wonderful alternatives.

To add a fun twist to the funeral, consider themed funerals or memorials. If your loved one was a sports enthusiast, have a sports-themed funeral with jerseys and equipment. For a movie lover, a film-themed funeral can feature movie posters and popcorn. Themes can be a great way to celebrate what your loved one was passionate about.

Finally, the key to a fun funeral is focusing on happy times. Share stories of vacations, celebrations, and achievements. Display photos that capture those moments of joy. It’s a reminder that life is a collection of beautiful memories worth celebrating.

A fun funeral is a great way to celebrate the life of a loved one and remember them with joy and happiness. By embracing celebration of life concepts, personalizing the ceremony, incorporating music and dance, using humor, engaging in interactive memorials, choosing unique venues, considering theme-based funerals, and focusing on happy times, you can create a memorable and uplifting funeral service that honors the memory of your dear departed. Funerals can be a celebration of life, a beautiful way to say goodbye, and a source of comfort for family and friends.

Remember, every life is unique and deserving of a farewell filled with love and positive memories. Plan your big Farewellit to ensure your send off is what you want it to be!