When planning a loved one’s funeral, you will want the funeral service to be their ideal send-off.
One way that you can make a funeral very meaningful is to include funeral background music.
In Western countries, more than 80% of funerals include music in some form, either as complete songs or just music without lyrics. Funeral background music can help set the most appropriate atmosphere for the funeral and invoke feelings of comfort and compassion in mourners.
If you want to incorporate music into your loved one’s funeral but you’re not sure where to start, this blog post will be your guide. Let’s get started.
1. Reflect on Your Loved One’s Music Preferences
Think back on what music your loved one liked to listen to. What kinds of genres did they like? Was there a specific song they always listened to?
If you aren’t sure about their musical preferences, speak to some of their closest friends or significant others. Also, consider using songs from a specific artist that your loved one liked and make a playlist consisting of that artist’s songs.
2. Set the Appropriate Tone
The music you choose for the funeral should match the tone and atmosphere.
Funerals are somber events, so you should consider using music that matches this tone. Don’t use any upbeat songs or music, unless your loved one requested it before they passed away.
Using upbeat songs for a funeral, even if your loved one had requested that you do so, may not always go well with the rest of the family. So make sure to speak to them about including these songs before adding them to the funeral playlist.
Additionally, think about having different background music for different parts of the funeral. Each song should reflect the kinds of emotions that you want to invoke. For example, a song like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong can be played during the burial to invoke hope and tranquillity in mourners.
3. Choose Between Live or Recorded Music
Live music can add a more personal touch to the funeral service; however, live music can be considerably more expensive and more difficult to set up. Funeral singers may charge up to $200 depending on how many songs you want them to sing and this price may not include the audio equipment.
Recorded music is cheaper and easier to organize than live music, but it might not have the same emotional effect as live music does.
Think about your budget and speak to the rest of the family when choosing between live and recorded music. If you have any family members and close friends who are proficient in music, you could ask them if they would like to perform during the funeral.
4. Review the Lyrics Carefully
Some songs may have inappropriate lyrics that can easily fly over your head. So after choosing a set of songs, review the lyrics of each song carefully to see if the lyrics are appropriate for a funeral.
If you’re not sure about certain kinds of lyrics that aren’t generally considered offensive but may not be appropriate for religious reasons, consider talking to a religious leader from your loved one’s place of worship to get their opinions on what kinds of songs are the most appropriate to use.
If you and your family are a part of a specific culture, make sure that the songs you choose won’t have any lyrics that may be considered offensive in your culture. Also, if you’re going to include non-English songs for funeral background music, consider adding lyric translation in the funeral program so that the attendees can understand the meaning of the song.
5. Speak with the Venue
Speak with the venue where you’re planning to hold the funeral about their policies regarding funeral music. Some venues, like funeral homes, may already have a list of songs for funeral background music for you to choose from.
If you’re opting for live music, check with the venue to see if they can accommodate a live performance. Some of these venues may also provide the audio/visual equipment you need or may even hire a funeral singer for you.
6. Consider Instrumental Music
Instead of having an entire song, you can always choose to just play the instrumental version of the song.
Some of the most ideal instrumental songs are piano solos. Many beautiful piano compositions are made specifically for funerals because the sound of piano music can bring out all kinds of emotions, from peacefulness to sadness.
Try looking for royalty-free instrumental songs online or speak with a funeral home and see if they have a playlist that works for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about background music selections for funerals:
1. What are the most common types of music played at funerals?
Hymns, contemporary songs, and classical pieces.
2. Is there an order for playing music at a funeral?
No, there isn’t. You’re free to choose in which order to play songs at your loved one’s funeral.
3. How many songs should I choose for a funeral?
Ideally, you should choose 3-5 songs, but you can include more songs if you like.
Talk to a funeral home about funeral background music
If you need help deciding on the most appropriate music for your loved one’s funeral, you can always speak with a funeral home. In addition to providing professional funeral services, funeral homes can also help you choose the most meaningful songs for a funeral.
Get in touch with a reputable funeral home in Pittsburgh today.