Music for a funeral can play a most important role in creating the right tone for the ceremony, so we should choose it with care.
It is good to have music playing while the mourners are coming into the funeral venue. There are many compilations of soothing instrumental music, which would create a quiet, serious background atmosphere.
If the coffin is being brought into the venue it is appropriate to play a specific piece of music then. The celebrant might suggest that a song or music be played half way through the ceremony, during which the mourners can think about the deceased, their relationship, how they met, what they will miss about them or they might want to pray.
If the ceremony is taking place in a crematorium, the bereaved might want music to play while the coffin is moving out of sight.
Then there will be a final piece played at the conclusion of the service.
Factors to consider when choosing funeral music
We need to think about the person whose life we are celebrating. The music should capture their personality and the times that they lived through. It should also reflect their own musical tastes.
We also look at the tone that we want to create. It doesn’t all have to be sombre. There can be upbeat and more light-hearted choices as well. As the mourners are leaving the venue the music can be uplifting.
Talk to the bereaved family and close friends of the deceased. Ask them for suggestions of what they think the departed would like.
You can also look at the deceased’s own collection of music if that’s possible. Not everyone still has a CD collection though.
If you have too many songs to choose from make a playlist which you can play before the ceremony and at the wake afterwards.
Music Genres
Classical music offers such a wide range of styles. Sometimes tunes from films or musical theatre can be effective.
If the deceased was a jazz fan there are many famous tunes to draw from. Other genres include contemporary, pop or rock music.
You can have songs. However, be careful to listen carefully to the lyrics all the way through the song. Make sure that they are appropriate for the occasion. Some of the mourners might have a problem if there is swearing in the song, so maybe steer clear of that possibility.
Sometimes the bereaved will ask a person to sing as part of the ceremony. There might also be an opportunity for the mourners to sing.
Music for your own funeral
Think about what you would like to be played at your own funeral. Write down your choices and tell friends and family where the list is. Update it if your taste in music changes.
You could even collect your pieces on a flash drive.
Remember that the music should help to bring comfort to people who have lost a loved one.
For other articles on funerals see recent posts at Wordways Ceremonies.