Processional for Funeral: Songs, Order & Etiquette Explained learn the songs, order, and etiquette for a clear funeral service
I can still see myself, in the sweltering funeral home office, eleven days after my grandmother died, looking at a laminated binder of songs, not a clue as to what “processional” even was. The funeral director leaned over and quietly expectantly asked “So what would you like for the processional?” I looked at her. The notion that there could be a funeral with its own language and choreography was very new to me. If you are reading this because someone just asked you that very question. Take a deep breath and you are not behind.
We are not taught this until we need it and today we need it. This book addresses what a processional actually is, what people call it, how it’s organized, what song titles work and the practical etiquette no one vocalizes to you, along with helpful Legal Updates where they may affect funeral planning and related responsibilities.
Quick Answer: What Is a Funeral Processional?
A processional is the music (or the walk!) that is playing when the casket, urn and that person’s family walk in for the service.It is the opening music. The recessional fulfills the same purpose at the end of the service where it is played during the exit. Can you imagine the opening credits of the movie versus the closing credits? Different emotional tasks. The processional ushers the people in as they are arriving…
The recessional ushers them out hopefully a bit more hopeful than when they arrived in a similar vein, but outside of the building is a different event: the funeral procession thinking of as the rigmarole of motorcars heading from funeral home or church to the cemetery. Now here’s a little curio that comes as a bolt out of the blue for most people: the funeral procession is called a cortge (it’s often spelled in the American colloquial, “cortege”).
It can also be called a motorcade in the latter case (motor as in under carriages; motor series as in motored long series), or a retinue or a bunch in more highfalutin’.What some followers of Islam know as the varying function of taking the dead to the cemetery has its own lexical term: tashyi’. So, when searching for “processional for funeral”, most people are referring to one of the two options: the music played at the beginning of the funeral, or the vehicle procession. to the gravesite. Most people want to have both. Let us explain each of them.
When It Comes to Processional Songs: Where Many People Feel Lost
Here’s a bit that no one ever told you: there are no rules stating that the processional song must be somber-looking only.For example, a couple of years ago I was working with a family member of a deceased uncle – a guy who considered seatbelts something completely unnecessary – who always gave generous 40% tips – on the funeral details. The family brought the coffin in by a bluegrass song they played in the back of the pickup, as he used to. Several close ones frowned at that. Though, by the time they got to the second verse, about half of those in the room were crying smilingly. The secret point to a really moving processional is that the song need not express the sadness around the room.
The song should really reflect the personality of the person.That is how music gains its real power from. Don’t still know how you could pick one? Let me suggest by your mood.
Traditional & Religious Hymns
Such music best fits solemn and God-centered ceremonies and also they are easy for older generations in the hall to follow.
- “Amazing Grace”, it has been an unrivaled favorite for good reason, “How Great Thou Art”
- “Ave Maria” (either the Schubert or Bach/Gounod arrangements) “On Eagle’s Wings”
- “Be Still My Soul”
Classical & Instrumental
Since there are no words, the worry of the “wrong” line coming at the “wrong” moment disappears – emotions are already in the foreground, so this can be quite risky if someone is playing with the words. So, the piece of music being chosen should be devoid of lyrics to make that happen.
- “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
- “Air on the G String” by Bach “Nimrod” from Elgar’s Enigma Variations
- “Clair de Lune” by Debussy
Contemporary & Popular
In many instances these songs are the unexpected and delightful surprises for the guests, the ones that people keep talking about for a very long time.
- “Tears in Heaven”, Eric Clapton
- “See You Again”, Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, for the right person this will be a perfect touch
For Veterans & Military Services
During processional, for a veteran or active personnel member, the music is often set in a very proud and patriotic mode with ceremony, and on some occasions, the entrance of a color guard accompanied by music, can enhance that.
- “Taps”, normally played at the grave, but in many cases it has been also played during the processional
- “America the Beautiful”
- A series of service-specific anthems (Army Navy Marine Corps, etc.)
Suggestion: most of these songs run approximately two to five minutes, which is sufficient for the mourning family and the casket to enter in a natural and graceful fashion without people standing in blank silence, and at the same time they do not get too uncomfortable by the length of the track.
The Drive-By Funeral
The procession is not only the walking but also the driving part. Once the service finishes, the funeral procession – the cortege starts. Everyone pretty much understands what a funeral procession should look and feel like with very little guidance, so it’s quite common to find the same kind of funeral procession almost everywhere.
- First vehicle – escort – funeral director car or police car in general, sometimes carrying a small flag or having flashing lights on the car
- The hearse – vehicle in which the casket is laid out; you can recognize it easily because no other vehicle on the street is like that
- Cars of the immediate family – limousines or cars used to transport the ones who are more closely related to the decedent
- Non-discrimination general parking, all the other people who were going to attend the funeral: distant relatives, colleagues , people from the neighborhood and old friends who had not seen each other for many years.
The extent of that lineup is very variable. In some cases, only a few cars are involved and sometimes only four or five. Other cases, mostly when the deceased had been a well-known figure in the community, a brave community advocate, a local hero, or a respected shop owner, the funeral processions can stretch out over long blocks of the way. In fact, I remember seeing a funeral procession for a small town pastor so big that it was backing up traffic for nearly a mile – and none of the drivers on that one road seemed to be disturbed at all.
Funeral Processional Etiquette: What Nobody Told You
Arriving Early for a Funeral Procession
At that time, driving part of such a funeral procession really made me apprehensive. Who among us would want to be that awkward guy, who messes up and makes a family in pain even more distressed. Following these steps will help you avoid all the pitfalls.Getting to the funeral well in advance will give you less stress and anxiety. You may want to reach there 15-30 minutes before the service. Then, you can look up for a funeral home representative who, quite often, puts a small flag or a sticker in your car and informs you that you belong to the funeral party.
Follow Staff Instructions and Maintain a Safe Distance
Always follow the instructions of the staff. The funeral staff may give directions after the service on where in the line you should get into. If you do not understand what they are saying, find out from a member of staff but not from the mourning family. They are grieving and you do not want to burden them further.Keep your distance. While in a queue you should stay on someone’s bumper and in fact, here staying too close is opposed to other regions’ advice for decency!if you’re in the queue. This will prevent other cars from slipping through the middle. Familiarize yourself with the road regulations.
Funeral Procession Traffic Laws and Right-of-Way Rules
The Processional for Funeral is allowed to proceed overall with hazard lights flashing in most of the states across America. At an intersection, in most states, the procession is entitled to a legal precedent once the principal vehicle enters it lawfully, the rest of the vehicles following them have the right to enter past the traffic lights even if it changes.But, other than the states where it is prescriptive, in the remaining states it is treated as a courtesy at best, as law, and in some laws, no regulation is to be found.
Cemetery Parking and Leaving the Funeral Procession Safely
Regardless, entering a procession or aggressively driving around it is considered a sign of disrespect, and the law in states has it punishable by a fine. Park with caution at the cemetery. Most of the time, you will return along the same path you previously used to navigate the parking lot, whether that is a road or parking lot. Engage your parking brake when on uneven terrain you don’t want your car rolling four feet during a graveside prayer. Leave when you’re ready. There is no formal procession after the burial – everyone leaves on their own timetable and in any order they see fit. If you don’t know the area, it’s perfectly acceptable to pull up your GPS on your phone.
Respect the Procession, Park Safely, and Leave with Care
Your first time is probably gonna feel awkward, awkward/sloppy. That’s okay. You’re grieving, but you also have the logistics you haven’t managed before. Be kind to yourself. Most people don’t remember their driving in a year’s time, they remember who showed up.
What Do You Call a Processional for a Funeral?
A Processional for Funeral is called a cortge (also spelled cortege) while a procession which mainly comprises vehicles can be called a motorcade. In some Islamic-officiated lies it is called a ‘tashyi’.
Key Taking
- A processional is the music (or walk) played as the casket, urn, and family enter the service; a recessional is the equivalent music played as everyone exits at the end.
- The vehicle procession from the funeral home or church to the cemetery is a separate event called a cortege/cortege (or motorcade), also known as tashyi’ in some Islamic traditions.
- Processional songs don’t have to be somber – they can reflect the personality of the person being memorialized, whether that’s a hymn, a classical piece, a popular song, or even bluegrass.
- Songs are typically grouped by tone: Traditional & Religious Hymns, Classical & Instrumental, Contemporary & Popular, and selections for Veterans & Military Services.
- Most processional songs run about two to five minutes – long enough for a graceful entrance without dragging on.
- Funeral procession etiquette includes arriving 15-30 minutes early, following staff directions (not the grieving family’s), staying close in line, knowing that procession right-of-way rules vary by state, and parking carefully at the cemetery.
- Attendance in the actual driving cortege is optional, and there’s no formal order for leaving after the burial.
FAQs
Where is the line between processional and recessional?
A processional is the music or procession during the service.
A recessional is the music or procession at the end of the service.
Can You Incorporate Secular or Popular Music Rather Than Hymns?
Absolutely.
Most funeral homes and officiants are very accommodating, mainly if the service is not traditional or religious in format. Ultimately, the best choice is whatever honors the person you are memorializing.
Do You Have to Be Part of the Funeral Cortege?
Nope attendance is to be at the discretion of the individual. The only exception is where some mourners choose to make their way to the graveside without delay. That day in the funeral director’s office seems quaint now. Since then, I have officiated two more funerals, and each time, it becomes a little bit easier, easier to grasp, to hold.If you are standing where I was, pages in hand, and cannot make out three-quarters of what you’re reading, know that no one expects you to memorize this ahead of time, nor were we born knowing what a cortege is.
You learn this just like everything else: exactly when you need to. Use what makes sense here, ignore the ones that don’t, and go with your own instincts about the person you’re remembering. The perfect processional song just ‘fits’ them.
Additional Resources:
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA):Professional resources and guidance on funeral planning.
- Emily Post Funeral Etiquette Guide: Practical guidance on respectful behavior, seating, and funeral processions.
- Dignity Memorial Funeral Music Guide: Ideas for selecting meaningful songs and arranging funeral music.
- Funeral Music Planning Guide: A practical resource for organizing processional, reflection, and recessional music.
