When we think of funerals, the first images that often come to mind are sombre faces, dark clothing, and an overwhelming sense of loss. This is, of course, understandable and justified. Funerals are a farewell to a person whom we have come to have great care for, and the hardship of loss can’t be trivialised. As a disclaimer, this blog is not an attempt to minimise the pain of death but instead looks at a heartwarming trend that has been taking root and that many of those who have passed on would (I’m sure many of us would believe) appreciate.
While we mourn the loss of our loved ones, we can also give great time and energy towards celebrating their life. We can allow ourselves to smile and laugh. We can transform a farewell into a vibrant celebration of life. In the past, we may have thought of it as inconsiderate and disrespectful to have fun and to be clear, there are still many cultures who may frown upon fun at a funeral; however, by and large, the “joyful funeral” is here, and it’s flipping the script on how we say goodbye to our loved ones.
If you want help understanding how to go about it or even want someone to help lead and officiate the funeral, consider talking to a qualified celebrant. You may even consider becoming a celebrant yourself! More on that at the end of this blog.
Goodbye Gloom, Hello Celebration
Joyful funerals are a lively reflection of the deceased’s personality, passions, and the happy moments they shared with others. There are many ways that we can accommodate that.
Party Hats and Favourite Tunes
Imagine walking into a funeral where the dress code is “Hawaiin shirts” or “colourful and cheerful.” Perhaps guests could be encouraged to wear the deceased’s favourite colours or even costumes, and the soundtrack is a lively playlist of their beloved songs. What rule is in place that a funeral song should be themed on loss?
It’s not about ignoring the sadness but instead honouring the joy the person brought into the world. From playing the deceased’s favourite rock anthems to hosting a dance party, these funerals are about embracing the happy memories and celebrating a life well-lived.
Did You Know?
Monty Python’s cheerily irreverent anthem “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is one of the UK’s most popular funeral songs.
Go here for the Rose Training Australia blog on “10 Fun, Appropriately Inappropriate Funeral Songs”.
https://rosetraining.com.au/10-fun-appropriately-inappropriate-funeral-songs
Themes and Personal Touches
One of the most delightful aspects of joyful funerals is the personalisation. Was your Uncle Ralph an avid gardener? Then why not transform his service into a garden party with flowers, plants, and seeds for guests to take home and plant in his memory? Was Aunty Jaya a movie buff? A film screening of her favourite flick, complete with popcorn and comfy seating, can turn the event into a cinematic tribute. Perhaps your mum was known for her love of singing. Why not have a karaoke bar at the funeral? Or what if they were a face painter? You could hire a couple of face painters for the funeral. What a great picture that would make!
Storytelling and Laughter
Joyful funerals often feature storytelling sessions where family and friends share humorous anecdotes and fond memories. Laughter, it turns out, is a great way to honour the deceased and a healing balm for those left behind. Remembering the funny, quirky, and heartwarming moments helps to keep the loved one’s spirit alive in a vibrant and positive way.
Interactive Memorials
Interactive elements can also play a big role in these celebrations. Memory boards, where guests can pin notes, photos, or mementoes, and video booths for recording personal messages can create a rich tapestry of shared experiences.
Another recent tradition gaining popularity is bringing marking pens and having guests sign and leave notes on the casket. These contributions help to weave together a collective memory that celebrates the individuality and the interconnectedness of the life being honoured.
A Trend That’s Here to Stay
The shift towards joyful funerals is a testament to changing attitudes about death and mourning. It reflects a desire to embrace a more holistic view of life and death, which acknowledges the pain of loss but also cherishes the joy of having known and loved someone. This trend will continue growing as more people seek to create meaningful, personalised tributes.
The Last Hurrah
In the end, a joyful funeral is about giving the deceased a send-off that genuinely reflects who they were and the joy they brought into the world. It’s a chance to say, “We loved you, we miss you, and we’re going to celebrate everything you were.”
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Embrace the colours, the music, the laughter, and the memories of your loved one. A joyful funeral can be the ultimate tribute to a life well lived.
Written by Nate Hamon for Rose Training
Interested in becoming a qualified celebrant who can officiate at funerals, weddings, and other life events? Contact Rose Training Australia to enquire about our celebrant courses. Join us in making life’s most important moments genuinely memorable.
If you can see yourself as a qualified Celebrant, whether as a part-time hustle, a full-time occupation or just so that you can officiate at the life events (weddings, baby namings, funerals, vow renewals, etc.) of your family and friends, contact Rose Training today!
Rose Training is the leader in celebrancy courses, qualifying more celebrants than any other qualification course provider in Australia.
