Though hymns are traditionally sung at religious funerals, especially Catholic funerals, hymns are no longer exclusively religious and can be sung at any type of funeral service - apart from a direct cremation which is a cremation without a funeral service.
It doesn't matter whether it's a small, attended cremation, a simple funeral service or a non-religious burial. If you have the scope to personalise a funeral however you'd like, you can incorporate a hymn into the funeral service.
If you'd like to know more about how to organise a personal funeral service, you can call our team on 01543 211997 or continue to read on for the funeral hymn examples.
At a Christian funeral service, there are usually at least two hymns sung. The funeral service usually opens with a hymn and closes with a hymn, and often there are hymns dotted throughout the service too.
At a non religious or non traditional funeral service, you can have as few or as many hymns as you like - the choice rests with you and your family. You will just have to consider the length of the service and the length of the hymn so you can schedule the funeral service appropriately.
Hymns are often passed down the family tree. Once a hymn is heard at a funeral of a loved one, that hymn often becomes very special to us and resonates with us on a very deep level, and therefore we often like to have hymns at our funeral that we hear at a loved one's.
For that reason, many of the most popular hymns in the UK today have been atop the list for decades. You'll likely recognise a few.
Site Manager at West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium
"Having worked at Cam Valley Crematorium and West Suffolk Crematorium for the past 13 years, the four most popular funeral hymns I've heard played at a funeral service are Amazing Grace, Jerusalem, Abide With Me and How Great Thou Art. That might not be too much of a surprise to many of you. Each of those hymns are so beautiful in their own way, and they'll likely remain the most popular hymns for many years to come too."
Of all the Christian denominations, Catholicism is the one most associated with hymns, as they are widely used for pilgrimages as well as a constant at mass.
How Great Thou Art, Abide With Me and Amazing Grace are common Catholic funeral hymns, but there are many more too.
We're happy to answer any questions you may have about arranging a funeral over the phone, or you can request a free guide for details about what we offer.
Looking to talk through your options? If you have questions or would like some in-person support we’re just a call away.
Call now on 01543 211997
Want some time to digest the details? You can download a PDF of our arranging a funeral guide online or get a printed copy.
Get our guideHymns are very traditional pieces of music, but new hymns are still coming out every year. Indeed, some of the biggest musical hits in recent times have been adapted from modern hymns.
You may recognise a few of them below.
There are many funeral hymns for dad that can provide a meaningful and heartfelt tribute. For football fans and cricket fans, Abide with me and Jerusalem may be good options to pick.
Or, maybe one of the two examples below.
For many of us, our mothers and grandmothers would have been the ones to get us into hymns. Whether it was sitting beside them in church or whether it was them listening to Songs of Praise on TV, it's hard not to associate a hymn or two with your mum.
Here's a couple of hymns that might be appropriate for your mum's funeral.
Looking for more? Below are a few further articles that you may be interested in.
Many of us know what music we want to have at our funerals. But if you or your loved ones are stuck for ideas, this article may help.
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Not everyone likes to have a poem at their funeral, but a poem can unlock the heart in a way few things can. Here are a few ideas.
Funeral poem ideasBelow are a selection of reviews from those who have purchased a funeral through Distinct Cremations.
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