Music is a beautiful way of making any service memorable and special. Live music can create the right atmosphere, whether it’s a joyous, happy celebration of life, or a more solemn and respectful occasion.
When should there be music during a funeral?
Funeral services are often held either in a church, or with a celebrant. These are the appropriate moments during the service, when music can be played:
- Entry Music
- A Piece of Music During Reflection
- Hymns (for church services)
- Ending and Exit of the Service
How do I choose the right music for a funeral?
Although this may seem like a daunting task, choosing music often brings family together and provides the time to laugh, cry and share memories.
Sometimes, a loved one may have left a special music request they would like to be played, but often this is not the case. The best place to start, is to look at music they enjoyed listening to, whether it’s by browsing through a vinyl or CD collection, or a digital playlist.
Music can be a reflection of the person’s life and can represent how they would like to be remembered.
One of the most important parts of choosing music, is to think of the type of atmosphere you would like to create. Is it a day of celebration, or an event of remembrance?
If you would like advice and support, please get in touch here.
What are the Top 20 songs for a funeral?
Music choices can be very personal, but if you are struggling to find the right piece, why not have a look at these carefully selected suggestions.
1. Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
2. Monsters – James Blunt
3. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
4. Halo – Beyoncé
5. 50 Ways to Say Goodbye – Train
6. Wherever You Will Go
7. Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
8. Ave Maria – Schubert
9. Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
10. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
11. Diamonds – Rihanna
12. Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
13. Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
14. I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
15. Only Time – Enya
16. In the Arms of An Angel – Sarah MsLachlan
17. Candle in the Wind – Elton John
18. Forever Young – Rod Stewart
19. Someone Like You – Adele
20. We All Have – Julia Stone