How to Choose Music for a Tribute Video

Music can be one of the most emotional parts of a tribute video. The right song or piece of music can bring photographs, video clips and memories together in a way that feels deeply personal.

It can also be one of the hardest choices to make. Some families immediately know which song feels right. Others are unsure whether to choose something peaceful, uplifting, traditional, instrumental or personally meaningful.

Start with the person being remembered

The best music for a tribute video is not always the most obvious funeral song. It is usually the music that feels connected to the person.

Think about the songs they loved, the music they played at home, the artists they listened to, or the songs that remind family and friends of them. A favourite song can make a tribute feel much more personal than a generic piece of music.

If you are creating a tribute for a dad, mum, husband, wife, grandparent, friend or loved one, try to choose music that reflects their personality, their life and the memories people associate with them.

Decide what tone you want the tribute to have

Before choosing a song, it helps to think about the feeling you want the tribute video to create.

Some families want the tribute to feel peaceful and reflective. Others prefer something warmer, more uplifting or more like a celebration of life. Some want a traditional funeral tone, while others want music that feels more personal and familiar.

You might want the music to feel:

• peaceful and calm
• warm and nostalgic
• uplifting and hopeful
• traditional and respectful
• personal and family-focused
• gentle and emotional

There is no single correct choice. The right music is the piece that feels suitable for the person, the family and the occasion.

Should you choose a favourite song?

A favourite song can be a very powerful choice, especially if it immediately reminds people of the person being remembered.

It might be a song they loved, a song they often played, a song from their wedding, a piece of music connected to a holiday, or something that has meaning within the family.

However, it is worth listening to the full song carefully before deciding. Some songs have lyrics that may feel right in one section but less suitable elsewhere. Others may be too fast, too heavy or too distracting for the kind of tribute you want to create.

Instrumental music can work very well

Instrumental music can be a strong choice for a tribute video because it allows the photographs and memories to remain the focus.

Without lyrics, the music can create emotion without competing with the images. This can be especially useful if the video includes names, dates, messages or moments where people need time to reflect.

Instrumental music can also work well for funeral services, wakes, memorial gatherings and private family viewing where a calm and respectful tone is needed.

Uplifting music can be appropriate too

Not every tribute video needs to feel sombre. For many families, the video is also a celebration of life.

If the person was joyful, funny, energetic or known for a particular style of music, a more uplifting song may feel completely appropriate. The tribute should reflect the person, not just the occasion.

An uplifting piece of music can help people remember happy moments, family memories, holidays, laughter and the life that was lived.

Think about where the video will be shown

The setting matters. A song that feels right for private family viewing may not always feel right during a formal funeral service.

If the tribute video will be shown during the service, consider whether the music is suitable for that moment. If it will be played at a wake, remembrance gathering or celebration of life, there may be more flexibility.

It is also worth checking with the funeral director, celebrant, venue or crematorium that the chosen music can be played correctly on the day.

Should the music match the length of the video?

Ideally, the music should work naturally with the length and pacing of the tribute video. If the song is much longer than the video, it may need to fade out. If it is too short, it may need to be looped, extended or supported with another piece of music.

This is one reason a professionally edited tribute video can feel more polished than a basic slideshow. The photographs, pacing, transitions and music can be brought together so the finished video feels calm and intentional rather than rushed or uneven.

Be careful with lyrics

Lyrics can make a tribute feel incredibly personal, but they can also make it more emotionally intense.

Before choosing a song with lyrics, listen carefully and ask whether the words feel suitable for the person, the family and the setting. Some lyrics may feel too painful, too romantic, too dramatic or not quite appropriate for everyone who will be watching.

If in doubt, a softer instrumental version or a calmer piece of music may work better.

Can you use more than one piece of music?

In some tribute videos, more than one piece of music can work. This may be useful for a longer video, especially if the tone changes from reflective to more uplifting.

However, using too many songs can make the video feel disjointed. For most shorter tribute videos, one carefully chosen piece of music is usually enough.

The aim is to support the memories, not distract from them.

What if you cannot decide?

If you are struggling to choose music, do not force the decision too quickly. Make a short list of two or three options and listen to them while looking through the photos you plan to include.

Often, one choice will start to feel more natural when paired with the images.

You can also ask yourself:

• Would this song have meant something to them?
• Does it suit the tone of the video?
• Will the family recognise why it was chosen?
• Does it support the memories without overpowering them?
• Will it still feel right when watched again in the future?

A tribute video should last beyond one day

Music is not only important for the day the video is first shown. It also affects how the video feels when watched afterwards.

A carefully chosen song can make the finished tribute something the family returns to in the months and years ahead. It can bring back the feeling of the person, the memories shared and the love behind the tribute.

A simple slideshow may be made for one occasion, but a personal tribute video can become a lasting keepsake.

How Everlasting Tributes handles music

Everlasting Tributes creates personal tribute and keepsake videos from your photographs, short video clips, music choices, wording and memories.

If there is a particular song or piece of music that has special meaning to you or your family, we can use that for your tribute video where suitable. We can also create a version using the licensed library music heard in the sample video style, giving you a practical option if you are unsure which song to choose.

This means you do not have to build the video yourself, line up the music, adjust timings or try to make everything feel right during an already difficult time.

Choosing a tribute style to suit the music

Different music choices can suit different tribute styles.

A warm photo-led style can work well with personal songs, family music and nostalgic tracks.

A traditional candlelit style may suit calm, respectful or more formal music.

A peaceful cloud-filled style can work well with soft, reflective or uplifting music.

A memory-wall style can suit music that feels warm, intimate and family-focused.

Frequently asked questions

Need help creating a tribute video with music?

If choosing the music and creating the video feels overwhelming, Everlasting Tributes can help.

You can choose a tribute video style, place your order, and send us your photos, video clips, music notes and wording afterwards, using the simple method we arrange with you after ordering. If anything needs clarifying, such as the exact version of a song, we can check before editing.

View our tribute video styles or contact us if you would like help creating a personal tribute video with music.