×
Two Together: Save £100!Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Written by Emily Cross.
12 minute read
Losing someone that meant a lot to you can stop the world in its tracks. Whether their death was expected or sudden, the days that follow can be filled with difficult decisions and heavy emotions. One of those decisions, perhaps surprisingly, is music–finding the right songs to honour them. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best funeral songs ever, to help you choose something that truly speaks to who they were.
Not everyone wants a service that’s sombre and formal. Many families today are choosing songs that reflect joy, humour, or the unforgettable quirks of the person they’ve lost. Sometimes it’s an Elvis tune; other times, it’s Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” And sometimes, it’s just a quiet reminder of happier days…something that feels like them.
This article explores how music can bring light into the darkest moments. Whether you’re planning a funeral, helping a loved one, or simply thinking ahead, you’ll find fun and uplifting funeral or memorial service song suggestions here, from feel-good classics to modern favourites, for Mums, Dads, young lives, and everyone in between.
Key takeaways:
Funeral songs are more than a tradition: they’re a reflection of personality, memory, and meaning. They can bring peace, provoke laughter, or simply offer a moment to breathe during a difficult day.
In recent years, British funeral traditions have started to shift. While hymns and subdued music still have their place, many people now look to music that celebrates life, not just mourns it. From jazz and folk to pop and classic rock, families are picking songs that feel personal, vibrant, and true to the one they’ve lost.
For some families, choosing upbeat or humorous music helps them stay close to the true spirit of the person they’re remembering. If someone lived with joy, wit, or mischief, why not honour them in that same way?
There’s no single “right” choice. What matters most is the feeling the song brings. Does it sound like them? Does it help you remember who they were, in a way that feels real?
Some people leave instructions on paper or with a prepaid funeral plan, picking their own playlist in advance, often including songs near and dear to their heart. Others trust their family to choose music that captures their personality. Either way, the decision is an act of love, and a reminder that funerals can be about joy just as much as mourning loss.
Choosing music for a funeral, especially songs that feel upbeat, can feel overwhelming at first. Where to begin, what’s appropriate, and what they would have wanted can sometimes be challenging question marks to answer. It helps to take a moment, breathe, and write down memories. Think about the songs they sang in the kitchen, danced to at weddings, or turned up on long drives. Jotting ideas in a notebook can bring back tunes you’d forgotten, and speaking with friends or family often sparks stories that lead to the perfect track. You don’t have to figure it out all at once, simply start with what feels familiar and go from there.
Even if you’re also including hymns or classical funeral music, many families choose to mix modern funeral songs with the most popular UK funeral hymns, finding a balance between tradition and individuality.
A little humour is often exactly what’s needed. Choosing a funny or unusual funeral song can help lift the mood and break tension in the room. It can become a moment of connection—one that sparks knowing smiles or even gentle laughter.
Here are a few light-hearted funeral songs that you might consider using:
If you’re considering something like this, it’s worth checking in with the rest of the family first. Think about the setting, the guests, and the tone you’d like the service to have. A funny funeral song doesn’t take away from the moment, it just reflects a different side of love and remembrance.
Celebrations of life or end-of-life celebrations are becoming more common across the UK. These events focus less on mourning and more on memories, stories, and joy.
They often include music, readings, and sometimes feature traditional funeral poems or non-religious funeral poems—short pieces that reflect the person’s spirit or outlook on life. In these more personal ceremonies, music choices tend to lean towards the hopeful and upbeat.
If that’s the kind of service you’re planning, these uplifting songs might suit:
These tracks speak to hope, connection, and love without ignoring the sadness. They offer comfort while still leaving room for light.
Coping with the death of a parent can be one of life’s deepest heartbreaks. Choosing music that reflects who they were, rather than just how we feel, can make that goodbye a little more gentle. For example, if your Mum or Dad grew up during the sixties, you might want to look at 1960s funeral songs–tracks that shaped their youth and stayed with them through the years.
Whether she was warm, witty, elegant, or fierce, the right song can say so much more than words ever could. Here are a few uplifting funeral songs for mums:
These songs express gratitude, admiration, and love–many of them through joyful or uplifting melodies. If your Mum was full of life, consider choosing a song that carries that energy.
Dads are often remembered for their strength, humour, and unwavering support. The ideal funeral song can celebrate that with pride and warmth.
Here are some joyful songs families often choose for their dads:
Many families say upbeat funeral songs for dads help them remember not just the loss—but the legacy. And sometimes, all it takes is a lyric to bring him right back into the room.
The final song in a funeral, the recessional or exit music, leaves a lasting impression. It’s the moment people carry with them as they walk away.
Choosing an uplifting track for this moment can gently lift people out of their grief, even just a little. It doesn’t erase sadness, but it gives everyone a sense of warmth and closure.
Popular choices for upbeat funeral exit music include:
Think of it as the final note. What do you want people to feel as they leave the room? Hope, humour, comfort—all of these can be expressed with a single song.
There’s something especially tender and difficult about saying goodbye to someone whose life was still unfolding. The music chosen here can be especially emotional, but it can also be hopeful, vibrant, or even playful.
Here are some modern songs that may bring comfort while honouring a short but powerful life:
These songs can carry sorrow, commemoration and hope together…just like the memories they represent. They can reflect youth, dreams, and love without losing their sensitivity.
Not everyone wants a service full of tears. For some, the final goodbye is a chance to reflect on the fun, the laughter, and the strange little moments that made life unique.
Here are songs that strike that balance:
The right goodbye song doesn’t have to be heavy. It can just feel honest. If a certain track brings warmth or causes a knowing laugh, then it’s doing exactly what it should.
In many instances, the hardest part of planning a funeral is not knowing what music to choose. Grief can cloud everything, and if your loved one didn’t leave clear instructions, it’s easy to second-guess every decision. Start small. Think about shared memories—songs they played in the car, sang along to while cooking, or always had on in the background. If they had a favourite place—a beach, a garden, a city—what music reminds you of being there with them? Even a single moment can guide you towards something that feels right.
If you’re looking through playlists or old records, notice what they returned to again and again. Think about what made them laugh, what they believed in, or the kind of energy they brought into a room. And if you’re thinking about how to plan your own funeral, take a moment to write thoughts and suggestions down…leave your loved ones with a playlist or a short note. It’s a small act that can make a big difference when the time comes.
If you’re someone who would like to set the music for your funeral in advance, Aura’s direct cremation plans give you the space to do just that: choosing songs, words, and details that feel like you, while lifting the pressure from those you love. Our attended direct cremation services and plans are designed for people who want their send-off to feel personal and thoughtful…whether that’s shaping the tone of the service, or simply knowing things will be handled with care, our team is here to guide you through it.
A funeral plan with Aura lets you arrange and pay for your funeral in advance, so your family doesn’t have to make difficult decisions or worry about how much funerals cost later on, when the time comes. Our plans are simple, fully guaranteed, and designed around what you want, not a fixed template. Whether you prefer a quiet cremation with no fuss, or a more personal service filled with your favourite songs, we help make it happen. And because we’re rated 5 stars by Fairer Finance, you can feel confident everything will be handled with care and clarity.
If you’re still exploring your options, you can always compare funeral plans to see what feels right for you. Planning ahead doesn’t just make things easier for your loved ones, it gives you the comfort of knowing your wishes will be followed, just as you imagined.
We hope you’ve found this article on fun and uplifting funeral songs helpful—whether you’re planning for someone else or thinking about your own wishes. If you’d like support with choosing the right music, or want to know more about how our prepaid funeral plans work, our team is always here to help.
You can contact us any time for a chat, or download our brochure to explore your options in your own time. Whatever you decide, we’ll help you plan a funeral that feels just right.
Our brochure includes all the details you need surrounding our prepaid direct cremation funeral plans.
Get your free brochure sent by email or First Class post by clicking on the link below.
staging site last replicated: MISSINGNO.