HYMNS AT FUNERALS

When I meet a bereaved family to help them plan the content of a funeral or memorial service I am often asked “Do we have to have hymns? X wasn’t religious”. The answer is “No you don’t”. The traditional approach to services held at crematoria where hymns were automatically included is a thing of the past. Today the focus is much more about creating a farewell that really honours the character and personality of the deceased. The choice of music for the funeral is a wonderful tool to help the bereaved achieve this.

A good rule of thumb if you are trying to select the music for a funeral service is to choose the music you feel is right for the type of farewell you want. Sometimes including a favourite hymn will be appropriate, even if your loved one wasn’t particularly religious. Bright and uplifting hymns like Morning Has Broken and All Things Bright and Beautiful are popular choices.

Photograph courtesy of The Good Funeral Guide