When you are tasked with arranging a loved one's funeral, it can be difficult to decide on what music and words to include in the service. Here's a quick guide to give you some ideas.
Poetry
A well-chosen poem can really resonate emotionally with those attending the funeral service. Good poetry can make people feel happy, sad, nostalgic or joyful, depending on the mood you wish to create for the occasion.
Obviously, you could use a poem that was a favourite of the deceased or you could choose something written by a family member or close friend. A self-penned poem doesn't have to rhyme or be a prize winner; it just has to convey your thoughts and feelings for the deceased and their life's achievements.
If you don't feel up to writing your own words, all you need to do is Google 'funeral poems' and you will be presented with a wide choice of suitable material.
Music
Music is pretty much obligatory for most funerals. Just like poetry, music can be used to set the atmosphere and mood for the occasion and can also reflect the deceased's own musical preferences.
When choosing music, it's best to steer clear of very long, drawn-out pieces. Select a short piece to play to accompany the entrance of the coffin, continue with another piece in the middle of the ceremony, and conclude with a piece to accompany the coffin's departure. Most churches will allow the inclusion of non-religious music, as well as more traditional hymns.
In regards to how to provide your music to the crematorium or church most prefer an original CD, rather than a home-made burn. Some modern crematoria even have a system that allows download of virtually any music you want direct from the net. You could also choose to have live music; perhaps someone in the family has a good singing voice or plays an instrument. However, it's sensible to make sure that the emotion of the occasion won't be too much for your vocalist and to have them record their piece if they are likely to lose control on the day.
You may be able to hire a choir or some professional musicians if you wish. There are many such outfits that specialise in performing at funerals, and a quick Google search should bring up a few in your area.
In conclusion
Music and poetry can make a tasteful and emotional accompaniment to a funeral service. If you're struggling for inspiration, have a chat with your funeral director, who may be able to offer more advice on how to source something suitable.
For more information, contact a business such as Caring Funerals.
Share23 September 2016
It's incredibly hard to plan a funeral for teenagers. They should have their whole life ahead of them, and even if they have had a terminal diagnosis, often their parents cannot believe that they could actually be gone. When my niece passed away, I worked with her friends to make sure that the funeral worked for them and gave them a chance to grieve as well. It was great to see how much impact my niece had made on the world in such a short time, with her friends and family coming together to pay tribute to the beautiful young woman she had been. This blog has tips for other people planning funerals for teens.