Funeral – Process, Music, Duration, Costs and Conduct Overview
What is a Funeral?
A funeral is a ceremonial act after a person's death, where the relatives have time once more to say goodbye together.
It can take place as a church funeral (Requiem) with organ, choir, and sermon.
Or as a secular funeral, accompanied by a funeral speaker, often with classical or jazz music.
What does funeral in the closest family circle mean?
This means that only the closest relatives participate, no public ceremony takes place.
When is the funeral after death?
Usually 4–10 days after death occurs, depending on organization, appointment coordination, and type of burial.
Process of a Funeral – How Does It Proceed?
Many ask specifically: How does a funeral proceed?
Arrival and Greeting → Guests take seats in the chapel, often accompanied by music.
Speeches → Pastor or funeral speaker speaks about the life of the deceased.
Musical Pieces / Songs → Classical organ music, singers, or on request modern titles.
Remembrance and Silent Moments → Relatives lay down flowers.
Exit → Depending on type, burial at the grave follows or only urn burial.
Depending on type, there are small differences between church Requiem (with fixed liturgical elements) and secular farewell ceremony (more freely designed).
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Duration of a Funeral – How Long Does It Last?
How long does a funeral last?
Usually 30–60 minutes.
How long does a funeral with burial last?
Approx. 60–90 minutes, since the way to the grave is added.
How long does a funeral without burial last?
Shorter, often only 20–30 minutes.
How long does an urn burial without funeral last?
10–20 minutes.
How long does an urn burial with funeral last?
Approx. 45–60 minutes including chapel part.
Costs of a Funeral
Another frequent topic: What does a funeral cost?
Classic funeral (with music, speaker, chapel): from 1,500 to 3,000 €
Urn burial with funeral: from 1,500–2,500 €
Urn burial without funeral: from 800–1,200 €
Anonymous burial without funeral: from 800 €
Additional costs arise for:
Musicians (organist, female singer, brass group): 150–800 €
Flower decoration (wreaths, arrangements): 200–600 €
Funeral cards, invitations: 50–200 €
Music at the Funeral
Music for funerals is considered the most important part of the ceremony – it intensifies emotions and gives the farewell a dignified mood.
Church Funeral
Organ and church choir
Pieces like Mozart's "Requiem" or Bach's "C Major Prelude"
Secular Funeral
Pianist with singer, possibly with trumpet or trombone
Modern musical pieces or favorite songs of the deceased
Songs for Funeral – Examples
Popular classical songs for funeral:
"Ave Maria" (Schubert/Gounod)
"Air" (Johann Sebastian Bach)
"Pie Jesu" (Fauré)
Well-known songs at funerals from modern times:
"Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)
"Angels" (Robbie Williams)
"Tears in Heaven" (Eric Clapton)
Famous Performances:
At Franz Beckenbauer's funeral, Jonas Kaufmann sang. Such moments show how formative music is for memory.
Prominent funerals (e.g., Pope Francis, Carolin Reiber, Christoph Daum) are often accompanied by live singing or orchestra.
Clothing at Funeral
What do you wear to a funeral?
Traditionally dark colors (black, dark gray, navy blue).
Simple cuts, serious, not conspicuous.
Men: black suit, white shirt, tie.
Women: dark dress or suit, coat.
Clothing at funerals shows respect.
Questions like "What do you wear to a funeral?" or "What do I wear to a funeral?" can clearly be answered as: dignified, simple, discreet.
Flowers and Gestures
Relatives often search for "Which flowers for funeral without burial?"
Common are white lilies, roses, chrysanthemums as symbols of hope and purity.
At urn burials, smaller flower arrangements are often used.
Bringing & Wishes
What do you bring to a funeral?
Flowers, wreaths, or funeral cards.
At personal funerals also small condolence gifts.
What do you wish at a funeral?
Personal words of sympathy.
Respectful gestures (handshake, hug).
Anonymous burials ("anonymous burial without funeral") usually exclude this part.
Invitation to Funeral
Some families send "Invitation to funeral" by card or announcement. Common are:
Printed cards with location, date, time.
Newspaper announcements.
Digital messages to further acquaintances.