Choosing a poem, reading, hymn or piece of music can bring warmth, meaning and a moment of reflection to a funeral service. Browse ideas for different relationships, beliefs and styles of ceremony.
Filter the collection by relationship, belief or length.
A relative, friend, minister or celebrant may deliver the reading.
Use the buttons on each poem to save a working copy.
Our in-house celebrant can help you choose the right words.
There is no single correct choice. Some families prefer a familiar classic, while others choose a short, personal verse that reflects a relationship, a belief or a particular way of looking at life.
A poem can be read during the service, printed in the Order of Service, placed alongside photographs, or used as the starting point for a personal tribute.
Read several aloud before deciding. The rhythm and meaning often feel different when spoken rather than read silently.
Use the search box or choose a theme. Open any card to read the full poem, then copy or print it for your funeral arrangements.
A gentle verse about the lasting place someone keeps within family life.
A positive reading about measuring a life through love, kindness and memories.
A tribute to a mother whose care was present in the everyday details of family life.
A warm tribute to a father remembered for guidance, strength and quiet love.
A reading about family stories, reassurance and the inheritance of love.
A personal reading for a husband, wife or partner about companionship and enduring love.
A tribute to friendship, shared laughter and the ease of being known.
A tender reading for a baby, child or young person whose life brought immeasurable love.
A Christian reading of trust, peace and placing a loved one into God's care.
A brief reading about the end of an earthly journey and the beginning of eternal rest.
A concise closing verse suitable near the committal or at the end of the service.
A reflective poem about recognising a loved one in the changing natural world.
A much-loved reflection on remembrance, grief and the permission to smile again.
A dignified poem using a sea voyage as a metaphor for death and faith.
A concise and peaceful poem about rest, homecoming and a life accepted fully.
A quiet poem that allows remembrance to come naturally, without forced sorrow.
A familiar hymn can give mourners a shared voice and create a natural moment of comfort, reflection or hope. These are some of the choices families ask about most often.
A solemn and familiar hymn asking for God's presence through darkness, change and parting.
A widely recognised hymn about grace, redemption and being guided through life's difficulties.
Based on Psalm 23, with a gentle message of guidance, protection and peace.
Also known as Bread of Heaven, this is a strong congregational hymn about guidance and strength.
An uplifting hymn of wonder, praise and faith, often chosen for a full and confident sound.
A warm hymn celebrating creation and the natural world, often suited to a lighter service.
A peaceful hymn of renewal, light and gratitude, with a melody familiar to many families.
A reflective choice centred on peace, understanding, forgiveness and service to others.
A traditional hymn asking for wisdom, direction and the continuing presence of God.
A measured hymn with themes of quietness, peace and finding calm amid grief.
Often chosen near the close of a service, with imagery of evening, rest and faith continuing onward.
A gentle hymn following the rhythms of daily life, work, home, rest and enduring faith.
Music can reflect a relationship, a favourite artist, a sense of humour, a sporting passion or simply the way somebody lived. These familiar choices are offered as inspiration rather than a fixed list.
A confident and reflective choice for someone remembered for independence, character and living life on their own terms.
A familiar modern ballad often chosen for its warmth, emotional sweep and sense of continuing care.
A calm instrumental piece that can work beautifully for entry, reflection or a photographic tribute.
A dignified orchestral choice that builds gradually and creates a strong moment of reflection.
A powerful ballad for remembering an enduring relationship and the ways love continues through memory.
A dramatic and deeply emotional piece that is often suited to a final reflection or exit from the service.
A gentle, wistful choice available in very different versions, from classic film nostalgia to a quieter acoustic interpretation.
An uplifting song about strength, support and the lasting influence one person can have on another.
A simple and tender expression of lasting love that suits a partner, parent, child or another close relationship.
A strong choice for hope, solidarity and community, with particular meaning for many football supporters.
A lighter final choice for someone known for humour, optimism or not taking themselves too seriously.
A contemporary tribute centred on friendship, separation and the hope of meeting again.
An uplifting ballad about recognising the people and moments that make a life meaningful.
A gentle and nostalgic instrumental for somebody who loved the programme, Yorkshire or the companionship it represented.
A distinctive and affectionate choice for a devoted football fan, often used as upbeat exit music.
Known to generations of cricket followers, this bright instrumental can create a warm and highly personal farewell.
The best reading is not necessarily the best-known poem. It is the one that sounds right for the person and for the family.
Choose words that reflect the person's character, beliefs, relationships or outlook on life.
A shorter verse may feel easier for a relative to deliver. A longer poem can work well when read by Joe, a minister or another celebrant.
A reading may open the service, follow the tribute, accompany a period of reflection or provide the final words before the committal.
We can help with the reading itself and with presenting it beautifully for family and friends.
Joseph Evans, our in-house celebrant, can suggest where a poem, hymn or piece of music may fit and can help shape religious, non-religious or blended services around the family.
About Joe's celebrant servicesA chosen poem can sit alongside photographs, hymns, selected music and the service sequence, giving mourners something meaningful to keep.
View the stationery brochureNo. A poem is entirely optional. Some families prefer a prayer, a piece of prose, a letter, song lyrics where permission permits, or simply a period of quiet reflection.
Yes. A family member or friend may read it. It is also sensible to nominate Joe, a minister or another person as a backup in case reading feels too difficult on the day.
Yes. The original readings and classic poems on this page may be included in the Order of Service. Our team can help position the text so it remains clear and easy to read.
There is no fixed length. One to three minutes usually feels natural within a service, although a short four-line verse can be equally effective.
Joe can write and deliver a personal tribute using the memories and information shared by the family. He can also help combine a poem, prayer, reading and family contribution into a coherent ceremony.
There is no fixed number. Many church services include two hymns, commonly one near the beginning and another towards the close. A longer service may allow an additional hymn, subject to the minister and venue.
No. A hymn can be played for reflection, sung by a soloist or choir, or led by an organist while mourners join in as they feel able. Recorded versions may also be possible depending on the venue.
That depends on the service length and venue. Many funerals include music for entry, reflection and exit, with another piece sometimes used around the committal. We will help make sure the service remains balanced.
Yes. The most meaningful choice is often a favourite song, television theme, sporting anthem or piece associated with a shared memory. The venue may need to confirm that the recording is available and suitable for its system.
Usually we can help source the correct recording through the venue's approved music system. It is important to confirm the exact artist, version and any preferred start or finish point, as different recordings can sound very different.
Tell us about the person you are remembering and the style of service you are planning. We will help you find words and music that feel appropriate.