Funeral order of service: where the music goes
This sheet sets out where music usually comes in a funeral, with a line at each point to write what your family has chosen. Print it and take it to your meeting with the funeral director or the minister. It doesn’t need to be complete. Leave a gap where you haven’t decided, and ask them about it.
How to use this sheet
Print the page from your browser (Ctrl+P, or Cmd+P on a Mac). The menus and contact details are left off the printed copy. There are two orders below: a funeral in church, and a shorter service at a crematorium. Use the one that matches the arrangements, and cross out anything you don’t want. You don’t need music at every point, and a few moments of quiet are part of most services.
A funeral in church
Usually 45 minutes to an hour
-
As people arrive
15 to 20 minutes before the service
The organist plays quietly while people find their seats, or a recording your family has chosen plays through the church’s speakers. If you have singers, they begin when the service does.
Your choice
-
The coffin is carried in
Two or three minutes
Everyone stands. The minister often reads sentences from scripture as the coffin comes in; some families choose a piece of music instead, played on the organ or sung by the choir.
Your choice
-
First hymn
After the minister’s welcome
The Lord’s my shepherd, sung to the tune Crimond, and Abide with me are the two most people know. Singers at the front give a grieving congregation a line to follow when voices are unsteady.
Your choice
-
Readings and the tribute
Usually spoken
A family member or friend reads, and someone gives the tribute. A psalm or a short piece between two readings is optional.
Your choice (optional)
-
Second hymn
After the tribute or the sermon
Be thou my vision, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, and The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended all suit this point in the service.
Your choice
-
Prayers and the commendation
A quiet piece while everyone is seated
The choir might sing Rutter’s The Lord bless you and keep you or the Russian Kontakion of the Departed. A recording of a song the person loved fits here too.
Your choice
-
The coffin is carried out
As the family follows
Organ music, a last hymn, Fauré’s In paradisum sung by the choir, or a recording. If the committal is later, at a crematorium or a graveside, this is the last music in church.
Your choice
-
The committal
At the graveside or crematorium, if separate
Often no music. If you would like something, one short sung piece works best: the Nunc Dimittis, or a blessing.
Your choice (optional)
A service at a crematorium
Usually 30 to 40 minutes
-
The coffin is carried in
At the start of the service
Most crematoria play a recording through their own system as the coffin comes in. Singers can sing instead, unaccompanied or with the chapel’s organ or piano where there is one.
Your choice
-
Hymn
After the welcome
One hymn is usual, and two will fit if the slot allows.
Your choice
-
A time to reflect
After the tribute
A minute or two with a recording or a piece sung live, while people think about the person who has died.
Your choice
-
The committal
The curtains close, or the coffin stays in place
Many families choose a quiet recording here. Singers can sing a short blessing.
Your choice (optional)
-
Leaving
As people leave the chapel
Often a song the person loved, played as everyone files out.
Your choice
Who to give a copy to
Funeral director
Minister or celebrant
Organist or singers
Notes
Printed from londonchoralservice.com/music-guides/funeral-order-of-service-music.html
A Catholic Requiem Mass
At a Requiem Mass the parish priest sets more of the order. There is music at the Offertory and at Communion, parts of the Mass itself may be sung, and the coffin often leaves the church to the In paradisum. Our guide to Catholic funeral hymns covers each point, and the priest will tell you what the parish expects.
Choosing the pieces
- The most popular funeral hymns, with notes on each
- Funeral songs, from classical to pop, for the recorded moments
- Music at a crematorium, for the shorter slot
- How to plan music for a funeral, from the first phone call to the day
Frequently asked questions
How many pieces of music does a funeral need?
A church funeral usually has five or six: two or three hymns, a piece during the prayers, and music as people arrive and leave. A crematorium service has room for two or three.
Can we mix live singers and recordings?
Yes. Many families have singers lead the hymns and play a recording of a favourite song at a quieter moment. Tell the funeral director which pieces are live and which are recorded, with the track name and artist for each recording.
What does it cost to have singers at a funeral?
A Small Choir of four singers costs £1,150 in Greater London, and an organist added to a choir costs £250. A soloist costs £275. There is no VAT to add. Our pricing page lists every size.
If you would like singers
We sing at funerals in churches and crematoria across London and the UK, and we work with your funeral director on the timings. You can send us this sheet as it stands, gaps and all.
Get in touch about funeral music, or text us on WhatsApp for the fastest reply.