The selection of music played at a memorial service can set the tone for the whole event. The deceased's preferences as to whether they would have like the mood to be somber or celebratory should be respected. There are a few tips that may make choosing appropriate funeral hymns a bit easier.
Above all, any special requests and instructions that were made by the deceased ought to be honored. If they have left no directives of this type, start by considering if they were more likely to appreciate an old religious classic or would have preferred something more contemporary. The service is intended to reflect the style and personality of the honoree.
There are other things that need to be considered along with how how beautiful or touching a hymn may be. Whether a recorded version will be used or whether the piece will be performed by a choir, an individual or the guests is an important factor. The delivery method can greatly affect a song's appropriateness.
Some pieces have arrangements that are best suited to a trained voice or for a choir. When a congregation is meant to sing together, it is best to select songs that are easy to sing and commonly known. Choosing something less familiar will result in several people being unable to participate in that tribute.
Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of the words in the songs. The best choices will convey the proper sentiments and be easy to follow. If the words are too complex or the structure is confusing, the attendees may not be able to relate.
Choosing funeral hymns means balancing several factors. The primary being the preferences of the deceased and the second what is best for those in attendance. Some other aspects of consideration are the mood, speed, content and length of each song.
