I know this sounds strange for an atheist to ask,  but what are atheist funerals like? My family are strong Christians and I'm not sure exactly what they do.

They are celebrations of the person's life. Simply that. Refreshing and joyous.  : )

 Refreshing and joyous....more so than Christians that ball like babies.

You're not gonna see that person again anyway--so why bother being sooo upset,

I think funerals differ alot per region, and also per family. I guess the largest difference between an atheist funeral and a Christian funeral is that no church, Bible or priests will be involved in the atheist funeral.

I have some vague memories of a funeral from years ago when my grandmother died. The main events were a reception of family & friends, also allowing them to see the deceased for the last time, and then a memorial service at which a few close family members shared some of their memories. (I can't remember anything about the burial service, unfortunately)

I was at an atheist funeral for the father of a chorister friend. We made a small choir for the funeral and sang music in intervals. It was pretty much like alphastar said, a normal funeral but replace the priest with a celebrant or something, no bible passages, and it was in a funeral home (although most religious ones are there these days too.

We sang religious choral music, sure, but he loved it in life despite him being atheist, so it was fine. It's not the words that matter (they were french and latin words anyway), it's the gorgeous music.

So yeah. Basically the same.

"You're not gonna see that person again anyway--so why bother being sooo upset"

That's the exact reason why one should be upset. And that is the exact reason why one should have a joyous celebration of their life as a funeral, to remember the good times intead of dwelling on the bad. Religious people do that too.

Mine won't be normal, but for reasons that have nothing to do with atheism.  I'm setting aside a fund for food and drinks.  I figure if we've got the family together they might as well have a good time.

my ex-girlfriends father passed away. He became a Jesuit priest after WWII in response to its horror, but in later life became so dissilusioned with it that he regarded himself as an atheist, sometimes wavering new ageist. His wake was a relaxed get togehter of family and friends with slide show and kind memories- dignified and meaningful. No coffin nor ash nor was 'God' invited by the non-believing nor excluded by those present who believed. It was just honouring him. .. So you'll be OK when your time comes. express your favourite things, music, memories, photos etc ... afraid you won't be missed ? Get them to play "Wish you were here...."

With no god invited, atheist funerals have one less drunk in attendance.