The best slideshow songs for funerals and memorial services

Hymns and spirituals

Hymns work in almost any tribute because they're built to carry weight. The melodies are slow, the lyrics are familiar, and they leave room for the photos to breathe. • "Amazing Grace" — the safe default. Works for everyone. • "How Great Thou Art" — warmer, more triumphant feel. • "In the Garden" — quieter, more intimate. • "Be Still My Soul" — beautiful for a celebration of life. • "It Is Well With My Soul" — for families of faith. • "Eagle's Wings" — Catholic services especially. • "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" — gospel; powerful.

Instrumental piano and orchestral

When the family isn't religious or you want something without lyrics getting in the way of the photos, instrumental music is the cleanest choice. • Ludovico Einaudi — "Nuvole Bianche," "Una Mattina," "Divenire." • Yiruma — "River Flows in You," "Kiss the Rain." • George Winston — "Thanksgiving," "Variations on the Kanon." • Max Richter — "On the Nature of Daylight." • Joe Hisaishi — "One Summer's Day," "Summer." • Brian Crain — "Butterfly Waltz." • Pachelbel — "Canon in D."

Classic and timeless songs

These have been carrying tributes for decades because they hit the right note without feeling dated. • "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's ukulele version is the standard. • "What a Wonderful World" — Louis Armstrong. Warm and hopeful. • "You Are My Sunshine" — for someone whose family sang it to them. • "Unforgettable" — Nat King Cole (or the duet with Natalie Cole). • "Bridge Over Troubled Water" — Simon & Garfunkel. • "In My Life" — The Beatles. • "My Way" — Frank Sinatra. For someone who lived on their terms.

Contemporary songs that fit a tribute

Newer songs that families turn to: • "See You Again" — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth. Especially for someone who died young. • "Supermarket Flowers" — Ed Sheeran. Written for his grandmother. • "Tears in Heaven" — Eric Clapton. • "I'll See You Again" — Westlife. • "Wish You Were Here" — Pink Floyd. • "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)" — Don McLean. • "The Dance" — Garth Brooks. • "Lullaby" — Billy Joel. For a parent. • "Photograph" — Ed Sheeran. Lyrics about photos make it land especially hard.

Country, gospel, and faith-based

If country or gospel was their music, lean into it. The room will recognize it. • "Go Rest High on That Mountain" — Vince Gill. • "When I Get Where I'm Going" — Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton. • "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" — Steve Wariner. • "I Can Only Imagine" — MercyMe. • "Borrowed" — LeAnn Rimes. • "Three Wooden Crosses" — Randy Travis.

How to pick — when nothing feels right

Start with their favorite song. If they had one, that's it — don't overthink it. The song they loved in life is the song that will mean the most in their tribute. If you don't know their favorite, ask one question to a sibling or close friend: "What song reminds you of them?" The first answer is usually the right one. Still stuck? Default to "Amazing Grace," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," or Einaudi's "Nuvole Bianche." All three work for almost any tribute, almost any family, almost any service.

Frequently asked questions