A resource for families and funeral professionals
Funeral music planning checklist
Use this checklist to turn your music choices into a clear plan for the service. Print a copy, or choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print window. You can leave undecided items blank and work through them with your funeral director.
Prepared by Signature Voices · Updated 8 October 2026
Service details
Date and start time: Space to complete on your printed copy
Venue and chapel: Space to complete on your printed copy
Funeral director / contact: Space to complete on your printed copy
Celebrant or clergy: Space to complete on your printed copy
Service duration: Space to complete on your printed copy
Music submission deadline: Space to complete on your printed copy
Before the service
1. Confirm the service
Write down the date, start time, venue and chapel. Ask how long the service lasts and when equipment or performers can arrive.
2. Agree the ceremony structure
Confirm with the celebrant or clergy which moments can include music: entrance, a hymn, reflection, committal and departure. Not every service needs a piece at each point.
3. Choose the songs and exact versions
Record the title, artist or hymn tune, performer, and approximate length. For recordings, give the venue an exact version, not just a song title. For hymns, agree verses and who will lead the singing.
4. Check permissions and accompaniment
Ask whether live singing is permitted and whether an organist, pianist, guitar or backing track is needed. Confirm who supplies instruments, microphones and playback equipment.
5. Assign cues
Agree who starts each recording or signals the singer. Mark whether music follows a reading, accompanies an action, or ends before the next part of the service.
6. Check the total time
Add the chosen music durations to readings, tributes and prayers. Agree cuts, verses or an early fade with the venue; do not assume a full-length recording will fit.
7. Plan for guests attending remotely
Check whether the venue already provides a webcast. Confirm permission, connection, audio feed and guest access if arranging a separate stream. Keep private viewing links out of public notices.
8. Send one final music list
Share the same final version with the funeral director, celebrant, venue and musicians by their deadline. Agree a backup if a recording, connection or performer becomes unavailable.
Your music list
Complete only the moments that apply. Use the notes for exact versions, verses, equipment and cues.
| Moment | Song / exact version | Live or recorded | Length / cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance / arrival | |||
| Hymn (if wanted) | |||
| Reflection / tribute | |||
| Committal / farewell | |||
| Departure |
Notes / backup arrangements:
Help choosing and arranging the music
Read our guide to entrance, reflection and committal music, explore song and hymn ideas, or listen to Liuba Doga and Rhys Wilson. If you would like live singing in Cambridgeshire or Suffolk, contact Signature Voices with your date and venue. Singing prices start at £299.
signaturevoices.co.uk · +44 7968 613777