Choosing music for a funeral service can feel like a very personal and emotional decision. It can feel like a lot of pressure to choose the right song to reflect the person you are remembering. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to funeral music. The most meaningful choices are often the ones that capture a person’s personality, memories, beliefs, or the moments you shared together.
Why is Music Important at a Funeral?
Music has a unique ability to bring back memories and emotions, helping people reflect on special moments shared with the person who has died. Music can help to express feelings that words sometimes cannot, and create a meaningful moment for everyone attending.
How Do I Choose Music for a Funeral?
A good place to start is to think about the individual’s life and personality. Were there particular songs they loved? Did they have a favourite genre of music, artist, or band? Answering these questions can help lead you to some suggestions. There are many funeral music ideas available online, ranging from classical and instrumental pieces to modern pop songs. There are no strict rules when choosing music for a funeral service – the most important thing is selecting something that feels meaningful to you and your family.
The music you choose does not have to be sad or emotional. While traditional funeral songs are still popular, many families choose uplifting music that celebrates a life well lived and reflects happy memories.
If you feel like the decision is either too difficult to make at the moment or just want to choose something respectful, you can speak to your funeral director and they will assist you with making a choice that feels right for you.
Where is Music Usually Played During a Funeral?
Music is usually played at several points throughout a funeral service, although the exact format can vary depending on the wishes of the family.
Music is commonly played during the entrance procession, between readings or eulogies, during moments of reflection, and at the end of the service. Of course elements can be customised if the family wishes.
The procession, meaning the beginning of the service where the coffin is carried into the service with family following behind, is the time where the music chosen is usually calm and meaningful but could also be as personal as you’d like. For example, we recently arranged a funeral where the entrance music was The Gambler by Kenny Rogers, a song that held special meaning for the family.
During the service, music can be used during reflection, a slideshow, readings or hymns can be sung if it is a church service. Hymns are often sung to bring comfort to those who are more religious or it brings comfort honouring the deceased if they valued religious traditions.
At the end of the service, particularly during a cremation service when the curtains close around the coffin, families often choose more uplifting music that reflects a final farewell or celebrates the person’s life.
Popular Funeral Music Choices
Here are some examples of popular funeral song choices that we have seen from some of our funeral services throughout the years:
Traditional Funeral Songs:
- Abide with Me
- Amazing Grace
- Ave Maria
Contemporary Funeral Songs:
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
Celebration of Life Songs:
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
Personalising a Funeral With Music
When planning a funeral, choosing the music can be a helpful starting point, as it often helps set the tone for the service and brings together other personal elements. It helps create a meaningful tribute that feels personal and respectful of the life being remembered.The ‘right’ choice is the one that feels personal to you and your family.
It is completely normal to feel unsure of where to begin. At Jacksons Family Funeral Directors, we support families in creating meaningful services that reflect the life, personality and memories of the person they are saying goodbye to.
