by Alec
Planning a funeral takes thought, especially when it comes to selecting hymns, songs, music, and readings. These elements set the tone of the service, reflecting the unique personality and life of your loved one. They can comfort grieving hearts and bring people together in remembrance.
This guide will walk you through the process of choosing hymns, songs, music, and readings that honour your loved one while creating a meaningful and memorable service.
The first step is to consider your loved one’s personality, preferences, and beliefs. Think about:
These reflections can guide your choices, ensuring the service feels personal and meaningful.
Hymns are a traditional and comforting part of many funeral services. They provide a sense of unity as attendees sing together and often carry powerful messages of hope and peace. You and your family may have favourite hymns or songs too, so make a note of these to discuss and your order of service comes together.
Popular Funeral Hymns:
Your officiant or celebrant can help you choose hymns that align with the tone of the service and provide guidance on verses to include or omit.
Music is deeply personal and can evoke strong emotions, making it a poignant addition to any funeral. Whether it’s a reflective instrumental piece or a favourite song, music can beautifully honour the life of your loved one.
Ideas for Funeral Music:
For older loved ones, you may want to explore our guide on Choosing Funeral Songs for the Older Generation.
Readings can provide comfort, share memories, or express sentiments that may be hard to articulate in your own words.
Types of Funeral Readings:
For more ideas, see our guide on How to Choose Readings for a Funeral.
The tone of the service will often determine the type of hymns, music, and readings to include.
Don’t hesitate to mix traditional and modern elements if that’s what feels right for your loved one.
Choosing hymns, songs, music, and readings doesn’t have to be done alone. Involving close family and friends can:
You could ask a family member to read a poem or select a piece of music that held special meaning to them.
Before finalising your choices, it’s important to consider:
Above all, trust your instincts when making these choices. You know your loved one best, and whatever you select will reflect the love and thought you’ve put into honouring their memory.
At Funeral Stationery 4U, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our online editor makes it easy to create a personalised Order of Service, including your chosen hymns, songs, music, and readings, with no need to pre-determine the number of pages.
If you’d like to learn more, explore:
Alternatively, call us on 01824 708 804 or email enquiries@funeralstationery4u.co.uk.
2024 © Copyright Funeral Stationery 4U