Inspiration
Choosing music and readings that fit
5 min read
Songs, poems, and silence can carry a service together. Here is how to choose what suits your loved one and those in the room.
Music recalls memories faster than speech alone. Prefer two or three meaningful pieces over a long playlist. A holiday song, jazz, or silence between tracks can be equally powerful.
Poems and quotations
A poem does not have to be old or solemn. Look for words that comfort without preaching. Read aloud to hear whether the tone fits the space.
A letter from the person who died, or a passage from a favourite book, can feel deeply personal when read by someone else.
Singing together or listening
Not everyone wants to sing, and that is fine. Instrumental music while people arrive or linger afterwards is a gentle option.
Discuss what is technically possible with the funeral director and test sound on site if you are unsure.