Choosing Appropriate Songs at a Funeral or Memorial Service
As today’s funeral and memorial services have become more personalized, so, too, have the music selections. Gone are the days when you simply made a decision based on a limited number of traditional choices provided by the funeral director. Now, services regularly include soloists and various instruments as well as music from a variety of genres.
To help you with selecting suitable music choices for your loved one’s service, follow our five tips below.
#1) Get Ideas by Going through their Music Library
If you have no idea how to choose appropriate music for your loved one’s service, a great place to start is by reviewing their music library collection.
Whether it be listening to their iPod or going through their CD collection, reviewing your loved one’s music collection can give you insight into what was most meaningful to them.
#2) Consider Your Loved One’s Personality
Reflecting on your love one’s music preferences is important when making appropriate music selections for their service.
Was there a favourite song or music genre that they preferred? Did they love live music? Rather than thinking about traditional types of music played throughout a service, consider choosing songs that are significant to the deceased person. For example, for live music lovers, consider planning a solo to be performed by a professional singer, friend or family member.
#3) Choose an Appropriate Tone for the Service
Think about the type of tone you’d like the service to set and then listen to song choices that complement this choice.
Don’t feel restricted to choose traditional songs only. Nowadays, more and more services are including upbeat songs to remember a loved one rather than only ones that have the congregation reaching for their Kleenex.
#4) Select Music that Respects their Beliefs & Traditions
If your loved one was religious, there may be particular music that is played at certain points in the service. This can help bring comfort to mourners of the same religion.
Playing traditional songs does not imply that you can no longer play non-traditional songs as well. If you think it’s what your loved one would want, combining both into a service can create a unique service.
#5) Listen to the Full Lyrics
When music selections have been narrowed down, be sure to listen to the entire song or look up the lyrics online. Ensure the music appropriately matches the tone desired for the service.
Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc. Can Help
When you plan a funeral or memorial service using Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc., we will gladly assist you with choosing appropriate music. By working closely with you throughout the process, we can help create a service that’s special and unique for your loved one.
By being experienced, caring professionals, we can make this difficult process as easy as it can be. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
