Most people take death very seriously, but we have the option to celebrate a life, rather than mourn a death. The choice is ours when a loved one dies. If you opt to celebrate, then the usual stuffy funeral traditions just aren't going to cut it. You have to be creative with your funeral ideas.

Most people take death very seriously, but we have the option to celebrate a life, rather than mourn a death. The choice is ours when a loved one dies. If you opt to celebrate, then the usual stuffy funeral traditions just aren't going to cut it. You have to be creative with your funeral ideas.

Skip the plain, majestic casket and consider something different. Even flowers can be changed up. Do a funeral service that is as awesome as the deceased would have wanted it. If you have specific ideas for your own funeral, be sure to add them to your will so it's easy for family members to carry out.

The memorial is a good place to start. Will the deceased be buried in a regular casket? Why not look into custom built boxes in the shape of something that the deceased loved? A musician might like a piano casket, for example, or a guitar, depending on his musical area of expertise. These will have to be planned ahead, but they are often worth waiting for.

Next you will need to decide whether or not the body should be displayed. In Mexico it has become popular to show off the corpse, tied to a motorcycle or standing in a corner as people pay their last respects. You can do this, as well, though you have to find a funeral home that will accommodate your wishes.

The music that is selected should also reflect the deceased one's preferences. You can choose donations instead of flowers and food doesn't have to be the usual cucumber and cheese sandwiches. Look at serving something more appropriate, like hamburgers or cake. Children could have cake and a favorite ice cream at their funeral, for example.

When it comes time to say goodbye, be creative with your funeral ideas and enjoy life. It's the only one we get.