Popular Music for Memorial Services

Cremations are one of the cremation services provided in Glendale, AZ. After cremations, sometime at a later date, memorial services will be held for the loved one who died. Choosing music for the memorial service is an important task.

It used to be that the only songs you heard at funeral services were traditional hymns or carefully selected passages of classical music. Today, however, there is an endless variety of music that is considered acceptable at funerals. This music is generally chosen to reflect the taste and personality of the person who has died, and more often than not it is contemporary pop music that is selected.

But with the vast amount of pop songs available, any number of which might be suitable to play at a funeral or memorial service, it can be difficult to know where to begin, much less how to determine what is appropriate. And although we might have already decided on the songs we want to use for a service (whether it’s for our own or for that of a deceased loved one), it’s a good idea to revisit the songs to ensure that their lyrics and meanings match our memory of them.

There are any number of online lists available with suggestions, and many of them provide details and rankings of the pop songs most frequently played, along with tips and questions to help you narrow down your choices. In general, however, you can select meaningful, appropriate, and effective popular music for a funeral or memorial service by keeping some basic guidelines in mind.

First, you will naturally want to choose music that was loved by the person who died. This music will resonate most with those in attendance as well. So don’t hesitate to choose songs that are musically diverse or that come from different genres, for each song will be meaningful for those in attendance, and together they will provide a more intimate tribute to your loved one.

Second, consider where in the service the music will be placed, and then choose the songs most fitting for each place. For example, you can choose songs to be played as part of a welcome or as an opening to the service, songs to be played after readings or during moments of reflection, and songs to be used as a closing tribute or recessional. But you can also use music as an overall setting while mourners are gathering for the service or dispersing once it is complete. The important thing to remember is that each of the songs will be most effective when their placement within the ceremony is considered.

It’s also a good idea to consider how the song will sound at the funeral by those who will be attending. Given the likely range of ages, tastes, and sensibilities, you might ask yourself: is it appropriate in this setting and respectful to all? And will it be a tribute that is received in the way the deceased might have wished?

In other words, popular music can evoke memories, provide a beautiful tribute, and bring comfort to those who are mourning. If you are careful in your selections, you will greatly enhance the service and the experience of it for all.

To learn more about visiting dying people and cremation services in Glendale, AZ, our compassionate and experienced team at Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements can assist you. You can come to our funeral home at 16952 W. Bell Rd., #303, Surprise, AZ, 85374, or you can contact us today at (623) 975-9393.