Redditor Torn Between Honoring Late Friend By Shooting Confetti At Her Funeral Or Keeping Things ‘Respectful’ For Family’s Sake

The final tribute that might defy funeral etiquette.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• July 12, 2024

High school is a magical time of awkward dances, first loves, and, if you were anything like our narrator (Original Poster) and his friend Jenny, the occasional morbid pact over cafeteria pizza. 

Imagine two bright-eyed freshmen making a deal as grave as a pinky swear but with a twist of dark humor. It was the kind of pact you make when you're young, immortal, and slightly mischievous. 

Their pact went like this: if Jenny kicked the bucket first, OP promised to rig her funeral with a confetti explosion during the eulogy. And if OP went first, Jenny would don a detective's costume and take notes with the enthusiasm of Sherlock Holmes.

Their friends bore witness as they shook on it. They hoped it would gather dust for at least another sixty years, but life had other plans.

Jenny switched schools at the end of junior year, and their once-tight friendship faded into sporadic meme exchanges and occasional phone calls. Then suddenly, something unimaginable happened—OP received news of her passing.

He was determined to honor their pact, so he hatched a plan: he’d bring party-poppers to the funeral. The kind that shot confetti when you opened them. 

With her family's consent, he envisioned handing out these party-poppers to the guests and creating a shared moment of fun and remembrance after the eulogy.

But, as with any good plan, there was a hitch. Would this colorful tribute be seen as a heartfelt fulfillment of a teenage promise or a disrespectful interruption to a solemn occasion? 

The last thing OP wanted was to add to the grief of Jenny’s loved ones. Would going through with his plan make him the AH?

Let's dig into the details

Here's some background on the story

OP and Jenny grew apart after she switched schools at the end of junior year, only sharing memes and occasional calls. OP later learned Jenny had passed away due to drugs.

However, OP intends to bring confetti party-poppers to honor Jenny's wish, with her family's consent. Yet, he worries some guests might perceive it as disrespectful.

Check out some interesting comments we've gathered from the Reddit community;

"I think you are on the right track with discussing this idea with her parents and follow their lead."

"Go to her gravesite in a few weeks and privately give her a confetti send off."

"You are no longer really in her life because she moved away."

"It would be inappropriate to approach her grieving family aboutnshooting confetti at her funeral"

"This would be so stupid to follow through"

" Someone's going to have to clean up the confetti"

"From bitter experience its going to be far too bleak for any levity and you could really upset her family by asking."

Redditors weighed in with empathy and practicality: If the family approves, share the story during the memorial and have everyone set off the poppers together—perhaps accompanied by her favorite song. 

However, If they aren’t on board, a more private tribute at her grave could be the way to go. Ultimately, respect and sensitivity should guide this final, colorful farewell.

Do you agree with the commenters? Share your thoughts with us.

Jesse