Choosing Hymns and Readings for a Service

Picking the music and words for a church service can feel like an unexpected responsibility. For a wedding, you want something that feels like you. For a funeral, you may be choosing under great strain. For a christening, you might simply not know where to start. The good news is that choosing hymns and readings is usually a collaborative process, and the vicar and organist have done it many times before. This guide gives practical advice, examples of well-known choices and a few pitfalls to avoid.

Start with the basics: how many and where do they go?

The number of hymns and readings depends on the type and length of service, but a rough guide is:

Service	Typical hymns	Typical readings	Other music
Wedding	Two to four	One to three	Entry music, music during the register signing, exit music
Funeral	Two to three	One to two	Entry and exit music, sometimes a piece of reflective music
Christening or baptism	One to two	One	Sometimes a children’s song

Your vicar will tell you what is typical in your church. Ask for a draft order of service so that you can see where each choice fits.

Step 1: Talk to the vicar and organist

Before you settle on anything, find out:

• Does the church have an organist, choir or music group?
• Is there a piano or other instrument?
• Can recorded music be played, and is there equipment?
• Are there any restrictions on style or content?
• How much notice does the organist need?
• Are there any fees for musicians?

If a hymn is unfamiliar to the organist, they may need time to prepare. Some choirs also need rehearsal.

Step 2: Think about who will be there

Think about the people attending. A hymn that everyone knows can be uplifting because the whole congregation can join in. A less familiar piece might be beautiful but harder for guests to sing. If most guests are not regular churchgoers, favouring well-known hymns can help them feel part of the service.

You can also use a mix: a familiar hymn for the congregation, and a more personal piece sung by a soloist or played as a reflective moment.

Step 3: Choose hymns that suit the moment

For weddings

Many couples choose hymns that celebrate love, joy and thanksgiving. Widely used examples include:

• “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
• “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven”
• “Lord of All Hopefulness”
• “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” (also known as “Bread of Heaven”)
• “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
• “Be Thou My Vision”

You can look at several hymn books or online lists of hymns for weddings for further ideas. Many are widely available, but check wording and tunes with the organist, because different hymn books vary.

For funerals

Funeral hymns tend to be hymns of comfort, faith or thanksgiving. Popular choices include:

• “The Lord’s My Shepherd” (Psalm 23)
• “Abide with Me”
• “How Great Thou Art”
• “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”
• “The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended”
• “Amazing Grace”

Think about the person who has died. Did they have a favourite? Was there a hymn sung at their wedding or a song associated with their work or hobbies, such as a school hymn or a regimental tune?

For christenings

Christening hymns are often simple and child-friendly:

• “Jesus Loves Me”
• “Morning Has Broken”
• “Colours of Day”
• “Lord of All Hopefulness”

Check what the church normally uses. Many baptisms take place during a regular service where the hymns are already chosen.

Step 4: Choose readings

Readings are usually taken from the Bible, with additional poems or secular texts sometimes allowed depending on the service and the vicar. Ask what is possible.

Wedding readings

Frequent choices include:

• 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind”
• Song of Solomon 2, “Arise, my love, my fair one”
• Colossians 3, about living together in love
• John 15, “Love one another as I have loved you”
• Ruth 1, “Where you go I will go”

Funeral readings

Readings of comfort and hope are common:

• Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd”
• Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the hills”
• John 14, “Do not let your hearts be troubled”
• Romans 8, about nothing separating us from the love of God
• Revelation 21, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes”

Some families also choose a poem to be read, with the vicar’s agreement. Short, familiar poems often work well.

Christening readings

• Mark 10, “Let the little children come to me”
• Matthew 28, the Great Commission
• Psalm 139, about being known and loved by God

Which translation?

Many churches use modern translations that are easy to understand, while some prefer the older King James Version for its familiar language. Ask which version the church uses and whether you may choose another.

Step 5: Decide who will read

Readings are a great way to involve family and friends. Think about who is comfortable speaking in public, and who will feel honoured to be asked. If someone is nervous, give them the text in advance, suggest they practise aloud and offer a rehearsal in the church if possible. A good reader speaks slowly, pauses between sentences and looks up from the page occasionally.

If the person is very emotional, as can happen at funerals, agree in advance that the vicar will step in if they need support. There is no shame in that.

Step 6: Consider other music

Entrance and exit music

Many couples choose classical pieces or well-known tunes for the bride’s entrance and the recessional. Funerals may also have quiet music at the beginning and end. Check whether the organist can play your chosen piece, or whether recorded music is allowed.

Music during signing or reflection

At weddings, the register signing is often accompanied by music from the organist or a soloist. At funerals, a moment of quiet reflection with music can give people space to remember.

Secular music

Churches vary in their approach. Some are happy for a favourite song to be played before or after the service, while others prefer to keep the service itself to Christian music. Ask early, rather than assuming.

Copyright and licensing

If you plan to print the words of hymns or songs in the order of service, there may be copyright rules. Many churches hold licences, but you may need to check with the vicar or printer.

Step 7: Put together an order of service

Once you have chosen your hymns and readings, write a clear order of service. Include:

1. Title and date.
2. Names of the couple, the person who died or the child.
3. Order of events with hymn titles, readings and who will read.
4. Hymn words, if printed.
5. A short thank-you or note about the reception.

Ask the vicar to check the text before printing. Mistakes in spelling or titles are easy to miss and awkward to see in print.

Practical tips

• Choose hymns that are within the congregation’s range. Some hymns have difficult notes. The organist can advise.
• Avoid too many unfamiliar pieces. A service that feels like a performance can leave guests feeling excluded.
• Check the length. Hymns with many verses can be long. Ask whether verses can be omitted.
• Think about the tempo. A slow hymn at a funeral might feel heavy, while a lively one at the end can lift spirits.
• Mix old and new. Some families like a modern worship song alongside a traditional hymn.
• Give your vicar and organist your choices early. A few weeks’ notice is normal.
• Have a reserve. If your first-choice piece is not suitable, you will want an alternative.

Common pitfalls

1. Choosing something because it sounded nice online without checking the words. Some popular songs have lyrics that do not suit a church service.
2. Underestimating rehearsal time. Soloists and musicians may need to practise in the church.
3. Forgetting the congregation. If guests cannot sing, they may feel left out.
4. Leaving choices to the last minute. Printing deadlines and organist availability may limit options.
5. Assuming recorded music will work. Check the equipment and permission.

Frequently asked questions

Can we have a pop song at our wedding or funeral?

It depends on the vicar and the church. Many will allow a favourite song before or after the service, or at the reception or wake. During the service, hymns and sacred music are more usual. Ask early.

Do we have to use the vicar’s suggestions?

No, but the vicar has a responsibility for the content of the service. Most are open to your preferences and will adapt where they can.

Who pays for the organist or musicians?

There is typically a fee for the organist, choir or soloists. Ask the church what the charges are.

Can we choose a reading that is not from the Bible?

Often yes, if it is appropriate, but the vicar decides. Some churches ask that at least one reading is from the Bible.

Church of England Weddings: A Plain-English Guide
Funerals in a Parish Church: What Families Should Know

Conclusion

Choosing hymns and readings is a chance to make a service personal and meaningful. Start by talking to your vicar and organist, think about who will be there, choose a mix of familiar and personal pieces, and give everyone plenty of notice. Whether you opt for a much-loved hymn or a quiet moment of music, what matters most is that the choices feel right to you and help the people present share in the occasion.