Choosing music for a funeral: tips and ideas
Music has the power to evoke memories and strengthen emotions. Choosing the right music for a farewell presentation can be difficult. In this article, we share tips to help you.
Start with the deceased
The best music choices are often songs that meant something to your loved one:
- Favourite artists or bands
- Music that often played at home
- Songs linked to memories (wedding day, holidays)
- Music from a particular period (youth, younger years)
Ask family members which songs they associate with your loved one. Sometimes surprising memories emerge.
The atmosphere of the presentation
Think about what atmosphere you want to create:
- Calm and subdued: classical music, instrumental pieces
- Personal and warm: favourite songs of the deceased
- Hopeful and light: songs about memories, connection, or nature
- Festive: for a life full of joy, upbeat music sometimes fits
There's no rule that says music at a funeral must be sombre. It may fit who your loved one was.
Popular choices
Some songs are often chosen for funerals:
English language:
- The Last Farewell - Roger Whittaker
- Time to Say Goodbye - Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
- Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
- My Way - Frank Sinatra
- Angels - Robbie Williams
- Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen / Jeff Buckley
- Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
- Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Classical:
- Air - Johann Sebastian Bach
- Adagio for Strings - Samuel Barber
- Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy
- Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel
- Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
Practical considerations
Duration of the music
Consider how long the presentation should be. At most funeral homes, the service is approximately 45-60 minutes, of which the photo presentation usually lasts 4-6 minutes.
The photos are automatically distributed over the duration of the chosen song. If you choose a 5-minute song and 40 photos, each photo will be displayed for approximately 7.5 seconds.
Multiple songs
Some families choose multiple songs in a row. This can work well for a longer presentation or different life phases.
Your own music files
You can upload your own MP3 files. Note: make sure you have the right to use the music. Music purchased through iTunes or Spotify usually cannot be downloaded directly as MP3.
Using music from the funeral home
Many funeral homes have their own music library or play the music themselves during the service. In that case, you don't need to upload a music file, but it is important that the photos are synchronized with the song.
How does this work?
- Ask the funeral home which song they will play and how long it lasts
- Enter the exact duration of the song in The Last Farewell (e.g., 4:32)
- The photos are automatically distributed over this duration
- For the experience during creation, you can temporarily look up the song via Spotify or YouTube in the application
This way you can align the presentation exactly with the music the funeral home plays, without having to provide a music file yourself.
What gets exported?
Spotify and YouTube are available during the creation of the presentation, so you can experience how it will feel. When exporting, only your own music (MP3) is included. Does the funeral home use their own music? Then you only export the photos and the funeral home plays the music themselves.
If you find it difficult
Choosing music can be emotional. Take your time and involve others if needed. It doesn't have to be perfect the first time — you can always adjust later.
Sometimes it helps to listen to songs you know your loved one enjoyed. The right choice often feels natural then.
Create a presentation yourself?
Create a beautiful photo presentation together with family.
Start when you're ready