Abide With Me
A familiar hymn for a quiet farewell. A solo voice can carry it when guests prefer to listen rather than sing.
Signature Voices recording — Rhys Wilson
Family Guidance
Funeral Committal Music: Songs and Service Order
Many families are unsure when music usually happens during a funeral service, especially around the committal. This guide explains the typical structure, so it is easier to picture where entrance songs, hymns, reflection music, committal music, and closing pieces may sit.
Choosing music for a cremation committal
Committal music accompanies the final farewell to the person who has died. At a crematorium, it may sit around the committal words and the closing of the curtains, if the family chooses that arrangement. At a burial, the farewell happens at the graveside. Agree the timing with your celebrant or clergy; a quiet moment without music is also a valid choice.
The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
A reassuring sacred choice. Agree the tune or arrangement and the verses with the clergy; there are several musical settings.
Signature Voices recording — Liuba Doga
Other possibilities include Amazing Grace for a sacred farewell, Time to Say Goodbye for a personal goodbye, or What a Wonderful World when the family wants a gentler, hopeful reflection. These are suggestions, not a required list. Choose words that fit the person and check religious or venue requirements. Check our current repertoire or listen to our own What a Wonderful World recording.
How many songs are played at a funeral?
A useful starting point is three pieces: entrance, reflection or committal, and exit. Some services use two; others include additional hymns or separate reflection and committal music. The available service time, readings and prayers determine what fits. If a song lasts five minutes, include all five minutes in the plan, or agree a shorter arrangement or fade with the venue.
| Moment | Purpose and cue |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Play or sing as guests settle or the coffin enters; agree when the welcome begins. |
| Reflection or committal | A song after the tribute, or around the final farewell; agree the cue and whether guests remain seated or stand. |
| Exit | A final piece as guests leave; it can be more uplifting if that suits the family. |
Give the venue the exact recording and version, or give the singer the agreed title, accompaniment and cue. For a church service followed by a separate committal, confirm which music belongs at each venue. Use our printable planning checklist to share one final plan.
Prepared by Signature Voices · Updated 8 October 2026 · Meet the musicians and hear their experience
Typical Order
Music usually supports key moments in the service
Not every funeral follows exactly the same pattern, but music usually appears at particular points where it helps shape the atmosphere, offer reflection, or support a sense of farewell.
Families who are still deciding what kind of music to choose may also find our guide to choosing funeral music helpful alongside this page.
If you are planning a crematorium service, the committal may be the moment when curtains close, the coffin is lowered, or final words are spoken. A short piece of funeral committal music can give that part of the ceremony a gentle structure without making it feel prolonged.
Committal Music Ideas
Choose one piece that fits the final moment
Music at a committal might accompany the final words, the closing of curtains at a crematorium, or a graveside farewell. One carefully chosen piece is often enough. Confirm the cue, length, and whether live singing is suitable with the celebrant or venue before settling on a song.
Amazing Grace
A familiar hymn that can be sung together or offered as a solo during a reflective farewell.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A traditional choice for a church service or a family who wants a quiet, faith-led committal.
Time to Say Goodbye
A more expansive farewell piece; ask the venue how its length fits the final words and departure.
These are examples from our repertoire, not a fixed list. You can also listen to a performance sample before discussing what feels right for the service.
Service Moments
Where music often appears
Arrival or entrance music
Music often begins as guests arrive, or as the coffin enters the space. This first piece helps set the tone of the service and can feel calm, reverent, or quietly personal depending on the family’s wishes.
Hymns or congregational singing
In church funerals, hymns often appear after an opening welcome, reading, or prayer. They can provide a familiar structure and allow those attending to take part together in a gentle, supportive way.
Reflection or tribute music
Music is often included after a eulogy, reading, or tribute, giving people time to reflect. This is where a hymn, classical piece, or meaningful song can carry particular emotional weight.
Committal music or committal songs
Where a committal forms part of the ceremony, music is sometimes used during that quieter, more reflective moment. Families often choose restrained committal music or a short committal song for a cremation, graveside, or church service.
Closing or exit music
A final piece of music often accompanies the end of the service as guests leave. This can feel peaceful, hopeful, or simply fitting for the person being remembered.
Typical Number
How many pieces of music are typical?
Most services include two to four musical moments. Some are simpler, with just entrance and closing music, while others also include hymns, a reflection piece, or music during the committal.
If you are choosing committal songs as well as entrance or farewell music, it can help to keep the committal piece short, familiar, and easy for the venue team to cue at the right time.
The right number depends on the venue, the structure of the service, and what feels most fitting for the family.
Next Steps
Useful pages if you are planning the music now
If you are already choosing pieces, our funeral songs guide and repertoire can help narrow the choices.
If you need a more practical planning structure, our step-by-step planning guide may be the best next read.
If family members cannot attend, discreet funeral live streaming can help them share in the committal and music remotely.
FAQ
Common questions about music in the order of service
How many songs are usually played at a funeral?
Most services include two to four musical moments. Some are simpler, with just an entrance and closing piece, while others include hymns, a reflection piece, and music during the committal.
When does music happen in a funeral service?
Music often appears at arrival or entrance, during hymns or congregational singing, after tributes or readings, during the committal where relevant, and again at the close of the service.
Can music be played during the committal?
Yes. Many families choose quiet committal music during the final part of the service, especially where they want the cremation committal, graveside committal, or church farewell to feel calm and focused.
Which songs could suit a funeral committal?
Families often consider a familiar hymn such as Amazing Grace or The Lord Is My Shepherd, or a personal farewell song such as Time to Say Goodbye. The right choice depends on the ceremony, venue timing, and the person being remembered.
Can a funeral include both live and recorded music?
Yes. Many services include a mixture of live singing and recorded music, depending on the setting, the musical moments involved, and what feels most appropriate for the ceremony.