Music is often the part of a funeral people remember most. It can say something about the person that words can't - their favourite song, the music they danced to, the hymn they sang as a child.
When music is played
Most funerals have three or four pieces of music:
As the coffin comes in
Often something calm or meaningful
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A hymn to sing together, or a song to listen to during a moment of reflection
At the committal
The formal goodbye
As people leave
Often something more uplifting, or a song that sums the person up
Ideas to get you started
There's no right or wrong choice. Some families choose music that was special to the person; others choose something that captures how they want people to feel.
Hymns often chosen for Christian funerals include
"Abide With Me", "The Lord's My Shepherd", "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art" and "Jerusalem".
Songs often chosen include
"My Way", "Time to Say Goodbye", "Over the Rainbow", "Wind Beneath My Wings", "Angels", "You'll Never Walk Alone", "What a Wonderful World" and "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".
Classical pieces often chosen include
Barber's Adagio for Strings, Pachelbel's Canon, Elgar's "Nimrod" and Fauré's "Pie Jesu".
It's increasingly common to choose something unexpected - a TV theme tune, a football anthem, a song that always made them laugh. If it was right for them, it's right for the funeral.
Practical tips
Give your choices to the funeral director early
Most crematoria have a music system that can play almost any recorded track, but they need the exact title and version in advance.
Check the timing
Crematorium services run to fixed time slots, so long pieces may need to be faded out. Ask the funeral director how much time you have.
Hymns work best when people know them
If you're not sure the congregation will sing, choose one well-known hymn, or play a recorded version to listen to instead.
Print the words
Of any hymns in the order of service.
Live music
A church organist, a soloist, a piper or a friend who plays - can be very moving. The organist and soloists usually charge a fee, so ask your funeral director or the church.
If the service is livestreamed
Check with the funeral director whether all your music can be included in the stream.
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
Common questions
How many pieces of music does a funeral usually have?
Usually three or four: as the coffin comes in, during the service, at the committal, and as people leave.
Can we play any song we like?
Yes. There's no right or wrong choice, and it's increasingly common to choose something unexpected. If it was right for the person, it's right for the funeral.
How do we get our music played at a crematorium?
Give the exact title and version to the funeral director early. Most crematoria have a system that can play almost any recorded track.
What if the music is too long?
Crematorium services run to fixed time slots, so long pieces may need to be faded out. Ask the funeral director how much time you have.
Can we have live music?
Yes, for example an organist, a soloist or a piper. They usually charge a fee, so ask the funeral director or the church.