Changing thread here, I agree with Chris about funerals, I have instructed my family that I don't want one (making arrangements for my body to go to the local University Hospital) and I have told my friends that they are on no acocunts to cancel a dog show or even have a minute's silence when I shuffle off this mortal coil. Can't think of anything worse than a load of people weeping and wailing when they have probably not been in touch for years anyway. I would far rather people drank a pint to my memory if they feel the need to mark my passing.
funerals are not for the dead person, they're to help survivors deal with their grief. Just because you don't plan to feel any doesn't mean others won't. Even those you haven't seen for a while.
Funerals tend to end up a great day. Full of family and friends you haven't seen in years. Might be a bit of an Irish thing though. They tend to like funerals more than most...
My first father-in-law donated his body to the teaching hospital as he didn't want a funeral. Unfortunately, he died in hospital but because he had been there for less than 24 hours there had to be a post mortem, in which case the body is not wanted for teaching purposes.
Having said that all my familiy funerals have been the best parties ever.....
Weeping and wailing? You're going to the wrong funerals! Don't deny your friends and family the excuse for a party. If you are worried they are going to be miserable then encourage them to remember the positive things you did and the happy times they had with you. Putting a few quid behind the bar should help with that.
I would want my family and friends (even enemies....lol) to have a big party after a church service for my funeral. It's a celebration of a persons life.