For many years, hymns and classical overtures have been the music traditionally played at a funeral. Barber's Adagio for Strings is one of the most popular, as is the classic hymn Abide with Me.
But in recent times, more contemporary music has risen sharply in popularity and now there is no norm with regards to funeral music, especially as people opt for more intimate, personal and simple funerals or direct cremations.
You can have anything from Led Zeppelin to Britney Spears. Elvis Presley to Beyonce. The choice is completely yours and your family's. To help you choose, below are 25 examples of popular funeral music.
Crematorium Manager at Borders Crematorium
"I've been working at Borders Crematorium in the south of Scotland since 2011, and it's hard not to notice and witness the profound impact music can have on the grieving process. All of these songs mentioned below have a unique ability to provide solace and comfort to grieving families during their most challenging moments.
"'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong and 'Time to Say Goodbye' by Andrea Bocelli are timeless choices, while 'Supermarket Flowers' by Ed Sheeran and 'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Bette Midler also hold a special place in people's hearts, as they beautifully capture the essence of love and loss.
"At our crematorium in the south of Scotland, we receive a lot of requests for Highland Cathedral played by a pipe band. It's a song that really tugs on the heartstrings, especially in Scotland, and it's remarkable to witness how every single piece of music can offer a sense of closure and healing in their own way to those bidding farewell to their loved ones."
For anyone who's been to a funeral, whether it's a burial or cremation, you're likely to know or have heard some of the songs on the list. Many of us share our favourites and many of us have similar songs we'd like to have played at our funeral.
Here at Distinct Cremations, we are part of the Westerleigh Group who own 40 crematoriums across the UK and cater for over 70,000 families a year.
That means we can tap into our dataset to determine the most popular funeral songs up and down the UK:
For centuries, classical music has been the norm at funerals and with hundreds of years worth of music to choose from, the music library is vast.
It's not to understand why, there's little that can move us emotionally quite the way that classical music can. Whether we're looking for something uplifting or downbeat, classical is the perfect musical accompaniment for a funeral.
The beauty about funerals in the modern age is that they can be personalised in whatever way you and your family like. Therefore, the song and hymns that are played at a funeral don't have to fit any standard, they can be whatever you choose.
Whether that's Wiz Khalifa, Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams or something very leftfield like The Prodigy, your funeral music choice is completely yours.
Funeral music doesn't always have to be downbeat. For some, there is no better way to say goodbye than doing so with a big smile on your face.
And there are plenty of songs out there that can do that. Here is a selection of the most popular uplifting funeral exit music.
We're happy to answer any questions you may have about arranging a funeral or a direct cremation 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 guideLooking for more? Below are a few further articles that you may be interested in.
You don't have to be religious to enjoy a hymn. Hymns have a special place in many of our hearts and can fit a funeral perfectly.
Funeral hymn ideas
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 ideas
Most funerals will have some space for readings and eulogies dotted throughout. Here are some examples that you can take inspiration from.
Funeral readingsBelow are a selection of reviews from those who have purchased a funeral through Distinct Cremations.
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