Music Suggestions For Funeral Services

By: Alterna Cremation
Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Music expresses what words cannot and stirs human emotions in meaningful and powerful ways.  For this reason, life cycle events, like weddings and funerals, are often punctuated with poignant songs intended to guide guests and attendees in uplifting or solemn meditation.  

 

Selecting music for the funeral service of someone who has departed can feel like a weighty task.  After all, it’s the final sendoff for that beloved individual.  So, take the time to think carefully about the songs you’ll use and how you’ll arrange them throughout the program.  

 

While there is no right or wrong when it comes to selecting funeral music, three to four songs are standard.  Often, a more somber selection commences the service, followed by a song that helps tell the story of your loved one’s life somewhere in the middle.  Ending the program with a more upbeat musical selection may allow mourners to move forward with a sense of hope and peace.  

 

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when selecting music for a funeral service:

 

Set the Desired Tone

Is the funeral a casual memorial, a celebration of life, or a formal religious ceremony?  The music you select should reflect and complement the tone of the event being planned.  Along with the venue and decorations, music will help guests tap into the mood of the ceremony.  Consider the feelings and manners you wish to evoke and select music accordingly.  

 

Ensure Music Reflects the Individual Being Memorialized

Consider what music the deceased person would have selected if they were planning their own funeral (sometimes you may actually be able to discuss this with them prior to their passing).  Look through their personal music collection, consider their tastes and preferences, and make sure that each song resonates as a reflection of their spirit.  Not all musical selections for a funeral need to be sad or serious.  What songs would have brought a smile to your loved one’s face?  

 

Incorporate Culture and Religion

The religion of a funeral may automatically dictate some of the musical selections—specific hymns, prayers, or chants may be traditionally included.  If the deceased person was connected to a particular culture, consider music that reflects their heritage.  

 

Consider Lyrics Carefully

Never, never select a song for a funeral without listening to all of the lyrics beforehand.  Played in the context of a memorial service, lyrics can take on different meanings, and the last thing you want to do is mistakenly select a song with potentially offensive words or innuendos.  Enough said.  

 

Consult With Loved Ones

Whether you opt for recorded or live music, upbeat or solemn, take time to consult with loved ones along the way.  Planning a funeral can be a beautiful opportunity for collaboration and relationship-building as you reflect on the life of the person who has passed and the music that will best honour their spirit.  

 

Alterna Cremation

If you’re seeking cremation services in Winnipeg, Alterna Cremation is here to provide support every step of the way.  Planning a funeral service is less overwhelming with a dedicated team of caring professionals by your side.  Reach out to us today with any questions or needs.  

 

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

The Role Of Cremation In Eco-Friendly Funeral Planning

Many people prize the opportunity to be as eco-friendly as possible. Beyond just shopping at a local farmer's market, you might also want to look toward having a green funeral. An eco-friendly fune...

How To Properly Store An Urn In Your Home

When a loved one passes away, you want to do what you can to honour them and the life they lived. For many people, this means storing their loved one's ashes somewhere in their home. While keeping ...

Female-Owned Winnipeg Funeral Home Reflects On Five Years In Business As International Women’s Day Is Celebrated

WINNIPEG, MB:  Alterna Cremation, an alternative funeral home focused on dignified and direct cremation services, is in its fifth year of business.  And, with International Women’s Day be...

Burial & Cremation Cost Comparison: Understanding The Financial Implications

When a loved one passes away, several decisions must be made for the funeral. For many families, one of the most difficult decisions is whether to bury their beloved or have them cremated—and it of...

How To Talk To Kids About Death

Death is an inevitable part of life, but many parents face a unique challenge when a loved one passes on: Telling their kids and explaining what death means. Young children may have a hard time pro...

Female-Owned Winnipeg Crematorium Continues To Serve The Community With Dignity & Innovation

WINNIPEG, Manitoba:  Alterna Cremation has nearly reached its one-hundredth five-star review on Google—no small feat for a female-owned business in what has traditionally been a male-dominated...

10 Meaningful Things To Do With Cremation Ashes

After a loved one is cremated, many people feel uncertain about what to do with the ashes.  What is the best way to memorialize the spirit of the person who has passed?     Of...

What Is The Difference Between A Funeral Director, Mortician, Undertaker, And Embalmer?

Technicalities such as the titles of people working in the funeral service industry may not be your foremost concern if a death has occurred in your immediate circle.  And certainly, the profe...

How To Make Room For Other People’s Grief

In today’s society, grief is often an avoided topic.  People aren’t sure what to say or how to help when someone they know is grieving the loss of a loved one.  And, to prevent saying the...

Cremation Gardens & Monuments

After a person is cremated, their loved ones must make a decision about what to do with the remains.  Traditionally, human ashes have been placed in an urn.  But as the number of people o...