Funny Things to Say at a Celebration of Life: Quotes and Tips
A celebration of life is an event commemorating someone who has passed in a joyful and positive way. It acknowledges the sorrow of loss, but a celebration of life ceremony emphasizes honoring their life with cherished memories, laughter, and uplifting moments.
At these events, humor often finds a special place as it helps ease the atmosphere and brings smiles to those gathered to remember their loved one.
We’ve curated a collection of funny things to say at a celebration of life and a few useful tips for creating an eulogy.
The Importance of Humor in a Celebration of Life
When mourning a loved one, humor can be healing. Laughter isn’t out of place at a celebration of life — it’s often the best way to remember a person in their full spirit.
Humor has cathartic power in the context of intense grief, helping us express strong emotions in a healthy way. It’s a way to bring joy into a room filled with heavy hearts and remind everyone of the good times shared.
A humorous eulogy helps in remembering a person as they truly were — funny, quirky, and full of life. Sharing funny stories encourages people to remember the best moments and cherish their memories.

Tips for Using Humor at a Celebration of Life
Adding humor is often a delicate balance, even in the context of a celebration of life.
Here are some tips to ensure it’s done thoughtfully.
Consider the Audience
Gauge the audience’s comfort with humor. Some people may prefer a more traditional tone, while others might appreciate jokes and lighthearted stories.
Irish wakes are notorious for their boisterous atmosphere, but other events may still be more solemn affairs.
Use Humor to Reflect the Person’s Personality
Think about the kind of humor your loved one enjoyed.
Did they love puns or enjoy telling jokes?
Do you have funny memories with them that are worth sharing to bring their personality back to life, at least in the memories of those present?
Avoid Overly Sensitive Topics
The best celebration of life speeches steer clear of potentially hurtful humor that might bring up painful memories.
Stick to humor that celebrates rather than distracts from the purpose of the gathering.
Funny Quotes and Sayings for a Celebration of Life
So, here are a few quotes to sprinkle in some laughter or to create a hilarious eulogy at a celebration of life:
Lighthearted and Uplifting Quotes

- “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss
- “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” — Thomas Campbell
- “You don’t lose the people you love, you carry them with you in your heart.” — Mitch Albom
- “As is a tale, so is a life: Not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” — Seneca
Funny Quotes About Life and Legacy
Quotes about legacy can be funny and insightful. Here are a few that may resonate:
- “The goal is to die with memories, not dreams.” — Unknown
- “Live life as if you’ll die tomorrow, but learn as if you’ll live forever.” — Unknown
- “I intend to live forever. So far, so good.” — Unknown
- “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” — Oscar Wilde
- “Here lies [Name], who always had a joke ready. Even if it was the same one every time.” — Unknown
Humorous Quotes Reflecting Personality
Humor often is a window to one’s wit and general approach to life.
- “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” — Lucille Ball
- “Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?” – Edgar Bergen
- “If laughter is the best medicine, [Name] certainly made us all healthier!” — Unknown
Funny Toast Ideas for a Celebration of Life
Raise a glass and share a few laughs with these funny toast ideas:
- “Here’s to a life well-lived and well-loved. May we carry your stories and laughter with us always.”
- “To the unforgettable moments and the laughter that’ll live on.”
- “[Name] hated official, somber events. Let’s make them love tonight’s gathering!”
Funny Stories to Share at a Celebration of Life
Besides short funeral jokes and other one-liners, humor can make its way into a celebration of life ceremonies through stories.
The thing is, there may be many examples of funny eulogies and personal anecdotes, but it is not always easy to choose the right thing to tell.
Consider tales that highlight their quirks, humor, or the times they brought laughter to others.
We all have unique habits and sayings that make us who we are. Remembering how a loved one had a specific way of making coffee, or always insisted on taking the scenic route can connect the story and audience.
And while humor is welcome, don’t forget the sentiment. A well-chosen story can have everyone smiling, laughing, and maybe even shedding a tear of joy.
Fondly Remembering Their Signature Sayings
Was there a saying they were known for?
Whether it was advice or a funny phrase, it can be a funny opening line for an eulogy.
Balance Humor with Sensitivity
Inevitably, at a celebration of life emotions run high. Humor should feel natural and not forced — acknowledge moments that need quiet reflection too.

Stick to humor that celebrates and uplifts. Avoid jokes that could be misinterpreted or that bring up sensitive topics. Try closing with funny rest-in-peace quotes that capture the spirit of your loved one, leaving everyone with a smile.
A well-timed laugh can set the tone and friends and family to share their funniest memories — these personal stories often bring the most joy.
A celebration becomes more meaningful when everyone joins in.
Examples of Funny Eulogies and Anecdotes
Often, full-blown eulogies are delivered at funeral ceremonies, and jokes are not always the best things to say at a funeral. They are much more fitting in a celebration of life or a wake.
By weaving in funny memories, you can celebrate the fullness of life and personality.
Here are a couple of examples of funny eulogies for mom or dad:
- Mom’s dancing shoes: Mom loved dancing, but let’s just say she had two left feet. Every wedding, she’d drag us to the dance floor, stepping on toes and twirling off-beat. But that’s who she was — joyful, fearless, and completely unbothered by anyone’s opinion. And I think that’s a lesson for all of us: Dance like no one’s watching — and if they are, step on their toes anyway.
- Dad’s famous BBQ disaster: Dad loved to grill, and he’d proudly call himself the ‘Barbecue King.’ The only problem? He forgot the most important step: lighting the charcoal. So one Father’s Day, we found him cooking burgers with a blowtorch. It was the worst BBQ ever, but we still laugh about it to this day.
Why Humor Helps with Grieving and Healing
Humor can be deeply healing, helping us cope with loss and remember the joy of a person’s life. Funny quotes in times of grieving and laughing together are a way of supporting each other and finding hope and solace amidst the sorrow.
It is a natural medicine that helps to ease the pain of loss and open up paths toward healing.
A celebration of life can be as unique and vibrant as the person being remembered. Through laughter and shared memories, we keep the spirit of our loved ones alive. Humor isn’t just a way to remember them — it’s a way to carry a piece of them forward.
FAQs
Is humor appropriate at a celebration of life?
Yes, humor can be a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life and the happy memories shared with them.
What are some lighthearted quotes for a celebration of life?
Quotes like “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” add a touch of joy to the gathering.
How do you choose the right humorous stories?
The funny things to say at a celebration of life should illustrate a trait or quirk of the loved one’s personality and bring joy to others.
Should funny stories always be included?
Funny stories are optional but can add warmth and joy to the celebration. They can also be cathartic, helping us appreciate fully the positivity the loved one brought into our lives.