Classical music
Classical music is a popular choice for all types of funeral services, helping to evoke a sense of peace and serenity, without the distraction of lyrics. Some of the most popular classical pieces for funerals include:
Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy
This delicate piece is renowned for its gentle melody, creating a calming and tranquil environment. The soft piano tones can offer support when memorialising the life of a loved one, making this song suitable for moments of quiet contemplation.
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
As one of the world’s most famous classical songs, the repetitive nature of Pachelbel’s Canon makes it a comforting and familiar choice for funeral music. This soothing, reassuring piece resonates with audiences of all ages, and could be played before or after the service.
Contemporary song choices
If your loved one was a fan of contemporary music, you may wish to follow in their footsteps and include some heartfelt popular songs within your funeral music programme.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This uplifting ukulele version of the traditional 1930s song brings a light and graceful feel to this otherwise solemn occasion. The lyrics evoke a sense of hope and contentment, allowing mourners to reflect on the joyous life of the deceased.
The Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
If your loved one touched the lives of many, this song could be a suitable choice for expressing admiration and respect. The powerful lyrics may resonate with friends and family members of the deceased, allowing them to come together in mourning.
Reflective songs
For something a little more emotionally charged, these reflective music ideas for non religious funerals may help mourners process their feelings during moments of quiet reflection.
Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
This classic farewell song is exceptionally grand and moving, with the singers’ powerful voices expressing a wide plethora of emotions; from sorrow and loss to hope and joy. It can help create an appropriate conclusion to a meaningful funeral service.
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s version of this popular song is deeply emotional and poignant, with its sincere lyrics offering reassurance in times of loss. Although the song explores themes of spirituality and holiness, it is not obviously religious in subject matter, making it suitable for non religious ceremonies.
Uplifting music
Some families may see a funeral as more of a celebration of life rather than a sorrowful occasion. In that case, they may wish to choose a song that uplifts and instils hope for attendees. We recommend:
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
This song celebrates the beauty of life and reinforces how we should not take the little things for granted. This can add a sense of comfort and reassurance to families looking to leave funeral goers with a more hopeful and appreciative tone.
Lean on Me by Bill Withers
Bill Withers’ soulful classic is all about supporting your loved ones in times of need, much like mourners may do at a funeral service. It can help evoke a strong sense of solidarity and compassion amongst the community of attendees.
Personal favourites
Sometimes, the best music ideas for non religious funerals are songs that held special meaning to the deceased. Whether your loved one was a fan of energetic indie music or preferred the soothing sounds of jazz, incorporating some of their personal favourites will help to make the service more unique and arguably, more meaningful. By choosing songs that the deceased enjoyed during their lifetime, mourners can feel deeply connected to that person and share a new appreciation for some of their favourite things in life.
Do you need some help with planning a non religious funeral?
Here at Alexander Burn, we understand the significance of arranging a funeral and ensuring that the service accurately reflects the personality of your loved one. Our local funeral services in Cheltenham, Bishop’s Cleeve, Tewkesbury, and Winchcombe are delivered by friendly funeral directors you could count on. We are well versed in organising all manner of funerals with dignity and respect, including non religious funerals.
If you have any questions about planning a non religious funeral for your loved one, please feel free to get in touch. We are here to provide support and guidance throughout every aspect of the funeral planning process.
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"My mom passed away a little over a month ago which was the hardest thing I have ever gone through.
My saving grace in the weeks that followed was Alexander Burn Funeral Directors. They handled everything and walked us through the whole process from the moment my mom passed away to the end of the funeral with sensitivity and care. Will and Goe in the Cheltenham office were so sweet and professional and made every quirky request my family and I had a reality. They were creative and went above and beyond for us and the funeral was perfect. Alexander Burn, himself, was also at the funeral and was a very warm presence. I am so impressed by how Alexander Burn Funeral Directors handled everything during such a difficult time and would recommend them highly.”
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"I just wanted to say on behalf of the family a very big thank you for all the support and kindness extended to us regarding arrangements for our dear Mum's funeral.
We especially would like to give thanks to Kim who was always at the end of the phone to answer all our questions and guide us through the whole process. She did so with patience and understanding and compassion. It has made the whole thing bearable. For recommending a printer and florist who were just perfect too. To Will who lead us through everything on the day and was so kind to us and calm which made it all seem better.
To Ewan for speaking on our behalf at Mum’s service. He did so with such empathy and kindness and professionalism. His own personal twist on everything made the event much more uplifting and although we were sad he got it that we wanted to celebrate Mum’s life and try not to be sad she has gone. Everybody who attended said it was a beautiful service and Mum would have been proud of what we had all done.
It has been a very sad time but thanks again for making it bearable and the best it could be for our lovely Mum and all who attended that day.
Even the sun came out …. now how did you do that???!!! Amazing!”
