info@encoreoccasions.com Dublin, Ireland.
FAQs
HOW MANY SONGS DO WE CHOOSE?
Catholic Church Ceremony – 7-9 songs
Civil Ceremony – 4-7 songs
Cremation Service – 2-7 pieces
I DON’T HAVE THE HEADSPACE TO ORGANISE ALL THIS. WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Naoise is here to help. Everybody deals with grief differently. So while some people move to ‘planning mode’, others may not be as able in the short space of time you have to plan a funeral. We will take everything at your pace. Naoise can help to gently guide you to your own decisions, or she can make decisions for you and your family to approve. A comment we regularly hear is that our service “makes everything so easy” and we hope it will be for you too.
HOW DO I CHOOSE INSTRUMENTS?
A quick phonecall with Naoise will help guide you.
We offer piano, strings, flute, harp, classical guitar, Irish whistles.
Many families choose to have a combination of singer/piano only and that is a really beautiful option.
If you decide to add more, Naoise will arrange everything for you and will liaise with your Funeral Director.
Sometimes given the short lead-in time for funerals, availability may dictate what options are available.
**Some churches have a resident musician who must be engaged. Naoise works with some resident players, when requested. However, please be aware that the wider choice of repertoire may not be available. Please call Naoise to discuss and she will help guide you.
HOW DO WE PAY YOU?
We don’t take any deposit payment for funeral services. The best way to arrange paying Encore Occasions is through your Funeral Director. We work with most Dublin-based Funeral Directors and we will call them with an update once you have chosen your final line-up. They will arrange payment with us and include it on your final bill with them. Most families choose to arrange payment this way, as it keeps everything clear for the family and/or executor of estate. It also relieves a family member of responsibilities on the day of the funeral.
HOW MUCH CAN WE EXPECT TO PAY?
With a service like ours, you may think it costs more than using a local singer/organist. However, the costs are really similar. Naoise will discuss costs with you before you make any decisions with your family.
CAN YOU PERFORM WITH OUR FAMILY SINGER/MUSICIAN?
Absolutely yes! Our musicians always accompany family members who would like to sing or play a piece at their loved one’s funeral. We consider their music so much more important than ours and will always do our absolute best to make the process of collaboration as easy and supportive as possible.
WE’RE HAVING A CHURCH SERVICE. DOES THE MUSIC HAVE TO BE ALL HYMNS?
The best thing to do here is have a chat with Naoise and with your priest. There are parts of the mass that will need to include liturgical music and Naoise can help you choose some really beautiful pieces. Some contemporary songs can be included at certain times in the mass, once your priest permits. Some favourite pieces of music that might not be suitable could perhaps be played as instrumental. Naoise will help guide you in all of this.
Click here for sample music at a Church Ceremony
WHEN DO WE TALK TO THE PRIEST OR FUNERAL TEAM ABOUT OUR MUSIC?
That’s totally up to you and will depend on when your priest visits you. However, it is a good idea to talk with Naoise first, if you can; then you’ll know what’s possible from us. You can take song lists & ideas to your family and your priest, who may also help to guide you or leave you to make your plans with us. Naoise will always advise you to ensure your priest approves your final list before the day of the funeral.
WE’RE ARRANGING A CREMATION. SHOULD WE HAVE LIVE MUSIC?
There are 2 types of Cremation Service.
1. A Committal Service:
Where the Cremation takes place AFTER a Church Service
In this case, many families opt to play recordings and don’t have live musicians. However, we do provide live music at cremations quite regularly and we’re happy to discuss this with you. You would usually have 2-3 pieces of music as time is generally restricted.
2. Full Service:
Where the Cremation Service is the Main Service:
We often provide live music for these Civil Ceremonies, which are typically longer than a Committal Service. We work with the Family & the Celebrant to create an Order of Service that is truly unique for each service. Music plays a large part in this and you can have full songs, music motifs, music underscoring and music reflections throughout. Naoise will help guide you during your conversations.
Click here for sample music at a cremation
CAN WE PRE-PLAN MUSIC WITH YOU?
Yes, of course! We have worked with many families to put a music plan in place before their loved one passes. Please contact Naoise to discuss.
