Planning a funeral or celebration of life is never easy. Music can help families express what words sometimes can't, and live music, whether a solo singer at the service or a performer at the wake, can be a beautiful way to honour someone's life.
This short guide is intended to help if you're considering live music. Please take your time; there's no pressure.
Where live music can help
The service
A singer can perform during the service, at the start, during reflection or at the close. Classical pieces, hymns and well-loved songs can all work.
The wake or reception
Gentle background music at the wake can help create a warm atmosphere where people share memories.
Celebration of life events
Some families choose to hold a celebration of life rather than a traditional funeral. These can be more upbeat, reflecting the personality of the person who has died. Music might include their favourite songs, or even a tribute to their favourite artist.
Choosing the music
Their favourite songs
Many families choose songs the person loved. A singer can perform them live, or adapt them to suit the occasion.
Traditional choices
Songs such as Amazing Grace, Abide With Me, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Ave Maria and Danny Boy remain popular.
Popular songs
Songs often chosen include Wind Beneath My Wings, You Raise Me Up, Supermarket Flowers, Over the Rainbow and Time to Say Goodbye.
Upbeat choices for a celebration of life
Some families choose songs that reflect the person's spirit, from Motown to swing or their favourite band.
Choosing a performer
Look for a singer with experience of performing at funerals, who will be sensitive to the occasion. Many of our vocalists, including Lisa Pearson, Danielle Grace Williams and Bonnie, perform at services. Piano vocalists such as Adam Press and Nigel Passey can provide gentle music for a wake.
What to discuss with the performer
- The songs and the order
- The venue: church, crematorium, function room
- Timings, including any restrictions at the crematorium
- Equipment: whether the venue has a sound system
- Any personal details the family would like mentioned
Practical considerations
- Crematorium timings are often strict. The funeral director can advise.
- Church services may have guidelines on music. Speak to the minister.
- Short notice: funerals are often arranged within a couple of weeks. We'll do our best to find someone suitable.
Working with your funeral director
Your funeral director can help coordinate music with the service. Let them know if you're booking a singer, so they can plan timings.
Performing at the wake
The wake is often where people begin to share stories, and music can help the atmosphere move from sadness towards remembrance and even celebration. A singer or pianist might start with gentle background songs while people arrive and eat, then perform a short set of the person's favourite songs later on. Some families ask the performer to finish with an upbeat song the person loved, as a way of raising a glass to them.
Wakes are usually held in function rooms, pubs, clubs or hotels. Check with the venue about space and power for the performer, and let them know the timings so food and music fit together.
A tribute to their favourite artist
Some families choose to celebrate a loved one's life with a tribute to their favourite artist, for example an Elvis or Tom Jones tribute at the celebration afterwards. It can be a joyful way to remember someone who loved that music. If you're considering this, talk it through with us; we'll help you find a performer who will handle the occasion with care.
Practical notes on timing
Funerals are often arranged within a short window, and a singer's availability can be the deciding factor. When you contact us, it helps to have:
- The date and time of the service and wake
- The venues
- The songs you have in mind, if any
- The name of the funeral director
We'll do our best to find someone suitable, even at short notice.
Choosing the right style
Every family is different. Some want a quiet, traditional service with hymns and classical pieces; others want a celebration filled with the person's favourite pop songs. There's no right or wrong. Think about what the person would have wanted, and what will help the family and friends who attend. A good performer will listen carefully and suggest how songs might be arranged – for example, a gentle acoustic version of an upbeat favourite during the service, with the full version saved for the wake.
Quick answers
Can a singer perform at a crematorium?
Usually, yes. Crematoria often have sound systems and strict time slots, so the funeral director will help coordinate.
How quickly can you find a singer?
We'll always try to help, even at short notice. Contact us with the date, time and venue as soon as you can.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Getting in touch
If you'd like help finding a singer, please contact us or call during office hours. We'll listen and suggest performers who can help. You can also see our funeral and wake singers page.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
