Funeral Music
Planning Guide
A comprehensive guide to choosing meaningful funeral music that honors your loved one and provides comfort to all who attend the service.
Why Funeral Music Matters
Music has a unique power to comfort, inspire, and connect us to our deepest emotions. During a funeral service, the right music can provide solace to mourners, celebrate the life of your loved one, and create lasting memories that honor their legacy.
Planning funeral music might feel overwhelming during an already difficult time, but this guide will walk you through every step of the process. From choosing appropriate songs to coordinating with musicians, we'll help you create a meaningful musical tribute that truly reflects your loved one's life and values.
Getting Started
Consider Your Loved One's Preferences
The most meaningful funeral music reflects the deceased's personal tastes and values. Consider:
- •Their favorite songs, artists, or musical genres
- •Songs that held special meaning in their life
- •Music from significant moments (wedding songs, lullabies they sang, etc.)
- •Their religious or spiritual beliefs and musical preferences
- •The musical era they connected with most
Understand Your Service Type
Different types of services have different musical traditions and requirements:
Religious Services
Often include hymns, spiritual songs, and may have specific liturgical requirements
Secular Services
More flexibility with song choices, focus on personal meaning and celebration of life
Memorial Services
Often less formal, allowing for more personal and contemporary music choices
Celebration of Life
Emphasizes joyful remembrance, often includes upbeat or personally meaningful songs
Set Your Budget and Resources
Consider your options for musical performance:
- •Recorded Music: Most cost-effective, requires good sound system
- •Solo Performer: Vocalist or instrumentalist, adds personal touch
- •Small Ensemble: 2-3 musicians, provides rich sound
- •Church/Venue Musicians: Often available through the service location
- •Professional Musicians: Higher cost but exceptional quality
Choosing the Right Songs
By Genre and Style
Christian & Hymns
Perfect for religious services, emphasizing faith and eternal life
Browse Christian Songs →Choosing Songs by Relationship
The relationship you had with the deceased can guide your song choices:
Balancing Different Song Types
A well-planned service typically includes a mix of:
💡 Pro Tip
Aim for 4-6 songs total, with a balance between emotional depth and uplifting moments. Too many sad songs can be overwhelming, while too many upbeat songs may feel inappropriate.
- •Comfort Songs: Provide solace and peace (e.g., “Amazing Grace,” “Angel”)
- •Celebration Songs: Honor the life lived (e.g., “What a Wonderful World,” “My Way”)
- •Personal Songs: Reflect individual preferences and memories
- •Spiritual Songs: Offer hope and faith-based comfort
- •Reflection Songs: Create space for quiet remembrance
Service Structure
Prelude (15-30 minutes before service)
Soft, peaceful music as guests arrive and reflect
Suggestion: Instrumental versions of meaningful songs or gentle classical pieces
Processional
Music as the casket/urn is brought in or as the service begins
Suggestion: Dignified, meaningful songs that set the tone
Opening/Gathering Music
Song that brings everyone together in remembrance
Suggestion: Familiar hymn or well-known meaningful song
Reflection/Meditation Music
During readings, eulogies, or quiet moments
Suggestion: Peaceful, contemplative songs that allow for reflection
Special Tribute
Personal favorite song or meaningful piece
Suggestion: Song that was especially significant to your loved one
Recessional
Music as people leave or as the service concludes
Suggestion: Uplifting or hopeful song that provides comfort
Postlude
Continued music as people gather and share memories
Suggestion: Collection of favorite songs or meaningful music
Practical Considerations
Working with Your Venue
- •Ask about sound system capabilities and available equipment
- •Confirm any restrictions on music types or volume levels
- •Inquire about available musicians or organists
- •Check if you can bring your own audio equipment or musicians
- •Test the sound system beforehand if possible
Music Licensing and Legal Considerations
Most funeral homes and religious venues have blanket licenses for music use. However:
- •Confirm with your venue that they can legally play your chosen songs
- •If recording the service, additional permissions may be needed
- •Live performances of copyrighted songs are generally allowed for funeral services
- •Streaming or broadcasting services may require additional licensing
Technical Setup Tips
- •Have backup copies of all music on multiple devices
- •Create a detailed playlist with song order and timing
- •Designate someone to manage music transitions
- •Test all equipment and connections before the service
- •Have volume levels pre-set for each song
- •Consider fade-in and fade-out for smooth transitions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing songs based only on popularity
Better approach: Select songs that had personal meaning to your loved one
Having too much music or too little
Better approach: Plan 4-6 songs total, with appropriate spacing throughout the service
Not considering the emotional impact
Better approach: Balance deeply emotional songs with comforting or uplifting pieces
Ignoring the audience
Better approach: Consider the age range and backgrounds of attendees
Not having a backup plan
Better approach: Prepare for technical difficulties with alternate arrangements
Final Planning Checklist
Song Selection
Technical Preparation
Need a printable version? Download our complete funeral songs checklist to keep track of all your music planning details.
Creating a Meaningful Musical Tribute
Planning funeral music is both an honor and a responsibility. The songs you choose will become part of how people remember your loved one and may provide comfort for years to come. Trust your instincts, honor your loved one's preferences, and remember that the most important thing is that the music feels right for your family.
Take your time with this process, involve family members in the decision-making, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Whether you choose traditional hymns, contemporary favorites, or a mix of both, the right music will help create a beautiful and meaningful farewell.
Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.