A simple guide to popular funeral hymns

Last updated 16^th May 2019

Choosing funeral hymns for a service or memorial

Music stirs strong feelings in people. That’s what makes it such a poignant part of a funeral service. For Christians, funeral hymns are integral to the ceremony, uniting the congregation in grief and in hope.

So when it comes to arranging a religious service or memorial, choosing funeral hymns and music can be a daunting prospect, made even harder if you don’t happen to have strong religious feelings yourself.

This guide to hymns for funerals will help you find the right music to make the funeral arrangements more personal and still fit with the type of service. As well as popular and traditional choices, our funeral hymns list includes more modern and uplifting options too.

Popular funeral hymns

Here are some of the UK’s most popular choices of hymns at funeral and memorial services:

Traditional hymns for a funeral

Traditional hymns are a safe choice because they will be familiar to most people. Knowing the words and music helps unite the congregation in song and gives a sense of shared hope.

Modern funeral hymns

If you don’t want to go down the popular or traditional route, there are many modern hymns that are just as poignant and moving. However, they may not be as well known, so be sure to include the lyrics on the Order of Service.

Uplifting hymns for funerals

A more upbeat funeral hymn might be a more fitting tribute particularly if the service is intended to be a celebration of life, rather than a more sombre occasion.

Funeral hymns for mum and dad

Unlike songs, hymns aren’t written with a person’s role in mind. All of the hymns here would be an appropriate choice for mum or dad and here are a few more touching and comforting hymns to honour a much-loved parent’s passing.

• Love Divine
• Thine Be the Glory
• Blessed Assurance
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
• Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Read about funeral plans