How to Plan an Uplifting Funeral

The words uplifting and funeral may seem like an odd pair, but it can make more sense than you may think. Funerals are often sad, somber, and darker affairs, but they certainly don’t need to be. If you’re looking for a more uplifting and joyful atmosphere for a funeral you’re planning, there are many ways you can accomplish this. With song selection, attire requests and venue choices, there are so many ways to make this event feel uplifting. This article will provide you with ideas on planning an uplifting funeral and making the event one that feels celebratory in nature.

Why would someone want an uplifting funeral?

An uplifting funeral allows loved ones to celebrate the life of the deceased with positivity and gratitude rather than focusing solely on the sadness of their loss. It can bring comfort by highlighting joyful memories, accomplishments, and the lasting impact of the person’s life. For many, it helps foster healing and unity, reminding attendees of the love shared and the strength of the community supporting them during a difficult time. An uplifting funeral can also reflect the personality and wishes of the deceased, creating a meaningful and hopeful farewell.

How to plan an uplifting funeral

Planning an uplifting funeral involves creating a ceremony that celebrates the life, love, and legacy of the deceased while offering hope and comfort to attendees. This often comes down to paying close attention to key elements of the funeral, such as including uplifting funeral songs, readings or quotes; choosing a brighter or more uplifting venue, and choosing decorations and activities that help bring an element of joy or celebration to an otherwise solemn occasion.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan:

1. Define the tone and purpose

• Decide whether the funeral will focus more on celebrating life than mourning loss.
• Incorporate the deceased’s personality, values, and passions.
• Consult with family members to align on the overall tone.

2. Incorporate uplifting elements

• Music: Select uplifting funeral songs that inspire hope and comfort. Choose from uplifting funeral hymns, gospel songs, or contemporary favorites that reflect the person’s life.
• Readings and poems: Include readings that emphasize love, faith, or joy, such as:
  • Uplifting funeral Bible verses (e.g., Psalm 23 or Isaiah 41:10).
  • Poems that celebrate life (e.g., "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep").
  • Inspirational quotes or personal messages.
• Visual tributes: Use slideshows, videos, or photo boards showcasing happy memories.

3. Personalize the ceremony

• Share anecdotes or stories that highlight the person’s character, humor, or accomplishments.
• Encourage attendees to share positive memories during the service or at a reception.
• Incorporate meaningful symbols like their favorite flowers, colors, or items.

4. Engage faith or cultural traditions

• If faith is important, incorporate uplifting prayers, liturgy, or rituals. You can include uplifting elements that are relevant to your loved one’s religion, such as uplifting Christian funeral songs or uplifting funeral mass readings.
• Honor cultural traditions while focusing on their celebratory aspects.

5. Choose the right venue

• Try to opt for a bright and open setting, like a church, outdoor garden, or community hall. You can also get more creative and use a venue like a favorite bar, restaurant, beach or park.
• Consider decorating the space with vibrant flowers, candles, or personal mementos.

6. Provide keepsakes

• Offer programs, bookmarks, or small tokens featuring the person’s favorite quotes, images, or scriptures.

7. Include gratitude and hope

• Conclude the service with a note of gratitude to attendees and words of encouragement for moving forward.
• Consider ending with an uplifting song or message of hope.

8. Balance celebration with reflection

• While keeping the tone positive, allow moments for quiet reflection and grief, ensuring everyone feels supported.

By focusing on life-affirming elements and incorporating personal touches, you can create a funeral that honors the deceased while offering comfort and inspiration to those in attendance.

Uplifting funeral poems

When selecting uplifting poems for a funeral, it can help to focus on ones that the deceased may have enjoyed personally or that seem relevant to their life. Were they a great father? A dedicated friend? A nature-lover? A hobby novelist? Try to think of their interests and what kind of poem might align with what they enjoyed throughout life. If none of that feels right, consider a poem you wish they could’ve heard you read as this can help you convey thoughts you feel are important for the audience to know. Following are just a few positive and happy funeral poems, but this certainly isn’t a full list. You can also consider choosing short and uplifting pieces as your funeral poems – perhaps ones that may not be about death or dying in particular, but are about something else the deceased loved.

1. "She Is Gone" by David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared

2. "Sanctum" by Beulah B. Malkin

I built a tiny garden In a corner of my heart. I kept it just for lovely things And bade all else depart.

And ever was there music, And flowers blossomed fair; And never was it perfect Until you entered there.

3. "You’ve Just Walked on Ahead of Me" by Joyce Grenfell

I try and cope the best I can But I'm missing you so much If I could only see you And once more feel your touch. Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me Don't worry I'll be fine But now and then I swear I feel Your hand slip into mine.

4. "Intimations of Immortality" by William Wordsworth

What though the radiance which was once so bright Be now forever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind.

5. "Love Lives On" by Unknown

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, far as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

6. "Our Memories Build a Special Bridge" by Emily Mathews

When loved ones have to part To help us feel were with them still And soothe a grieving heart They span the years and warm our lives Preserving ties that bind Our memories build a special bridge And bring us peace of mind.

Happy funeral songs

When choosing funeral songs that are uplifting, consider choosing songs that meant something special to the person who passed away. Did they have a favorite artist? Did they have a song that was always stuck in their head? What were their favorite concerts they attended? These can all be good starting points to pick a song that was meaningful to them. When selecting the song, try to choose one that has lyrics that are uplifting or upbeat, even if the beat itself isn’t. The following songs are all generally uplifting funeral songs great for most people, including for a mom or dad’s funeral, Christian funeral, non-denominational funeral, and others:

1. “What a Wonderful World“ by Louis Armstrong

2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow“ by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

3. “No Tears in Heaven“ by Eric Clapton

4. “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac

5. “Meet Me In Heaven“ by Johnny Cash

6. “I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe

7. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Louis Armstrong & Mahalia Jackson

8. “Peace in the Valley,” by Elvis Presley

9. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” by Green Day

10. Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright by Bob Marley

Uplifting gospel songs for a funeral

When choosing gospel songs, choosing uplifting funeral songs is an important step in making sure the atmosphere feels uplifting and celebratory. The good news is that it’s quite easy to find uplifting black gospel funeral songs that will help keep the event feeling bright. Following are some good choices when it comes to uplifting funeral songs from the gospel genre:

1. “When We All Get to Heaven” by Eliza E. Hewitt

2. “Because He Lives” by Bill Gaither

3. “Victory in Jesus” by Eugene M. Bartlett

4. “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard

5. “For Your Glory” by Tasha Cobbs

6. “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townend

7. “ More Than I Can Bear” by Kirk Franklin

8. “Never Would Have Made It” by Marvin Sapp

9. “The Power of Your Love” by Geoff Bullock

10. ”Take Me To The King“ by Tamela Mann

Uplifting funeral readings for Catholic funerals

Bible verses are often shared at Christian and Catholic funerals and finding uplifting ones isn’t too difficult. Try to select readings that were beloved by the deceased or leave those in attendance with a sense of hope, joy, or comfort. These readings often reference eternal life, the love of the Lord, or a reminder of the soul’s protection after a death. Here are some options you could choose from when considering uplifting Bible verses:

1. Wisdom 3:1-9: "The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them..."
2. Isaiah 25:6-9 - "He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces..."
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..."
4. Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am convinced that neither death nor life...will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
5. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
6. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
7. Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want..."
8. Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"
9. Psalm 103:8-18 - "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love..."
10. John 14:1-6 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me..."*

Choosing poems, readings, and songs for a funeral make up a very small part of an overall picture. When planning an uplifting funeral, try to keep the theme around celebration, joy, and love for a life that was well-lived. You can do this by incorporating items mentioned here (poems, readings, etc.) but consider other elements as well such as requested attire, decorations, photos selected, eulogies, and even the date and time you’re holding the celebration. Try to get creative and branch out – consider holding the funeral at one place and the reception at a different place – a favorite restaurant, bar, theater, or other venue.

If you’ve lost someone and want a place to manage everything that comes after losing someone, consider setting up a memorial website in their memory. Ever Loved’s free memorial sites offer you a space to share an obituary, share event information, collect RSVPs, raise donations, and so much more – all at no cost.

Create a memorial website