By The Tribute Plan Editorial Team · Reviewed June 2026
Pick songs for each part of the service. Hear previews. Build a complete order of service you can save, share, and print — free.
How to choose funeral songs
Choosing music for a funeral is an emotional, personal decision. The most meaningful songs are usually the ones that mattered to the person being honored — a hymn from their church, a record they always played, or a piece that captures their spirit. Build your service moment by moment: gathering, reflection, slideshow, and farewell each call for something a little different.
Pie Jesu — Gabriel Fauré (1888) · 3:30 · Classical
Have I Told You Lately — Rod Stewart (1991) · 4:00 · Folk
Temporary Home — Carrie Underwood (2009) · 4:00 · Country
Gracias a la Vida — Mercedes Sosa (1971) · 4:40 · Latin
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) — Don McLean (1971) · 4:00 · Folk
I Look to You — Whitney Houston (2009) · 4:16 · R&B / Soul
Jupiter (I Vow to Thee, My Country) — Gustav Holst (1918) · 3:20 · Classical
Frequently Asked Questions
How many songs do I need for a funeral?
Most services use three to five songs — typically something for the prelude or processional, one or two for reflection or a slideshow, and a closing or recessional song. Our picker lets you build the service moment by moment so you only add what you need.
What is the difference between processional and recessional songs?
The processional plays at the start of the service as the family or casket enters, and is usually dignified or instrumental. The recessional plays at the end as they exit, and is often more hopeful or uplifting.
Can I use any song at a Catholic funeral?
Not always. Many Catholic parishes ask that music during the funeral Mass be sacred and liturgically appropriate, with secular favorites reserved for the vigil or reception. Always confirm your choices with your parish music director. See our Catholic funeral songs guide for fitting options.
How long should funeral slideshow songs be?
Match the song length to your slideshow runtime. At about 4–5 seconds per photo, 60 photos run roughly 4–5 minutes — about one song. Our picker calculates the timing and suggests songs that fit your exact slideshow length.
Do funeral homes provide music, or do I bring it?
It varies. Many funeral homes and churches can play music you provide (often via a playlist, CD, or streaming link), and some have a musician or organist. Confirm the format your venue prefers, then use our printable order of service to hand them your selections.
What if the deceased didn’t have favorite music?
That’s common. Start with widely loved, fitting songs — our most-popular list is a good place to begin — or choose music that reflects their faith, era, or personality rather than a specific favorite.
Are there copyright issues with playing music at a funeral?
Playing recorded music at a private funeral service is generally fine. If the service is streamed online or held in a public venue, performance licensing (through organizations like ASCAP and BMI) can apply, and streaming platforms may mute copyrighted audio. Ask your venue or funeral director if you plan to livestream.
Is the Funeral Songs Picker free?
Yes. You can browse, preview, and build a complete order of service for free, with no account required to start. Creating a free Tribute Plan account lets you save your playlist and access the rest of our memorial planning tools.