I've become very interested in this topic and thought about it a number of times, especially since December. Today was the third wake I've been to since then. The first was a friend's grandmother, second was a distant cousin and the most recent (today) was my own grandfather. I have thought more and more about what I'd want my own funeral and wake to be like when I'm gone.
Personally, I'd like my wake (if I had one) to go how my grandfather's went to today. There were few people crying (we all knew he was going to die soon) and it was mostly family coming together to celebrate a man that was very important to our family. It was also a chance for distant relatives to meet again. I liked this.
For my own funeral, I'd like it to be more of a party. People celebrating the few days I was alive, than all those days in the future that I won't be here. Your funeral is your last Earthly huzzah. I'd rather go out in a bang, than a sob.
I hope this isn't too morbid for everyone.