Programme

Unsure about what to include in a funeral service? We've provided a sample programme below of a standard funeral service. We hope this helps to provide you with a clear idea of what live music for a funeral service entails, what moments are perfect for live music, and a sample of our repertoire.

Sample Funeral Programme

Prelude Song

This is a selection of soothing music played at the start of the service as guests arrive and take their seats. It should be peaceful enough to set the tone for the ceremony while also being meaningful to those in attendance. We recommend something like “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Processional Song

The processional is the entrance of family members and close friends as they take their seats at the front of the service. This should be a serene moment, so we recommend something like “The Lord’s Prayer” or “Ave Maria”.

Reflection Song

This is a moment during the service for relatives and friends to come together and reflect on the life of the deceased. Often this is played when the coffin is brought into the service, if it's not already in place. We recommend something calming such as “Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli, or a traditional Irish air like “The Parting Glass”. 

Final Farewell Song

This is a moment for the attendees to say their final goodbyes to the deceased before they leave the service. We recommend something uplifting such as “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, or “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Tribute Song

The tribute is the final piece of music that will be played usually as the coffin is lowered, or curtains are drawn over the casket.  We recommend something special and unique such as a favourite song of the deceased, or a personal song selection made by family members. 

Postlude Song

This is the closing music of the service as everyone exists and should be uplifting and hopeful. Usually this underscores the exit of family members and close friends first.  This should be a moment of hope and closure, so we recommend something uplifting such as Lean on Me or Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Sample Funeral Song List

Amazing Grace  - John Newton
Angels - Robbie Williams
Ave Maria - Beyoncé
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Be Thou My Vision - Van Morrison
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
Candle In The Wind - Elton John
Danny Boy - Celtic Woman
Dream A Little Dream of Me - Doris Day
Fields of Gold - Eva Cassidy
How Great Thou Art - Carrie Underwood
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
In The Arms of The Angel - Sarah McLachlan
In the Garden - Alan Jackson
It Is Well With My Soul - H.G. Spafford and Philip Bliss
I’ll Fly Away - Alan Jackson
Lean On Me - Bill Withers
Let It Be - The Beatles
May The Road Rise To Meet You - Traditional Irish Blessing
My Way - Frank Sinatra
On Eagle’s Wings - Michael Joncas
Photograph - Ed Sheeran
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
The Prayer - Andrea Bocelli
The Rose - Bette Midler
The Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
Time To Say Goodbye - Andrea Bocelli
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban