How to Make a Funeral or Memorial Slideshow

A slideshow can be one of the most moving parts of a memorial. It gives everyone in the room a shared story, even if they knew the person at different times. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to feel true.

Gather photos and videos from one place

Before you open a slideshow program, collect the media in one folder. This is usually the slowest part, so start early if you can.

• Ask close family members to send their favorites.
• Look through phones, cloud albums, and social media tags.
• Scan a few printed photos if needed.
• Keep the originals safe; work with copies.

Try to include a range of ages and relationships. A life isn't only the later years.

Choose a length and structure

Most memorial slideshows run between three and six minutes. That usually means around forty to eighty photos, depending on how long each image stays on screen.

A simple structure:

• Early years and childhood
• Family and relationships
• Work, hobbies, and passions
• Later years and grandchildren if relevant
• A closing image that feels right

Let the structure follow the person's life, not a strict timeline if that feels forced.

Pick music that fits the person

The right song makes the photos land differently. It doesn't have to be sad.

• Choose something the person loved, even if it's unexpected.
• Instrumental music often works well because lyrics can compete with attention.
• Match the energy: upbeat for a celebratory life, quieter for a reflective one.
• Keep the volume low enough that people can still talk.

If you're using copyrighted music at a public venue, check whether the venue already has a license. For a private home gathering, this is rarely an issue.

Pace it gently

Each photo should stay on screen long enough for people to recognize faces and absorb the moment. A good starting point is four to five seconds per photo, with a slightly longer pause on group shots or detailed images.

• Avoid fast transitions during emotional moments.
• Use simple fades instead of flashy effects.
• Leave a little silence at the beginning and end.

The slideshow is a gift to the people watching, not a test of your editing skills.

Where to show it

Common choices include:

• A screen at the entrance or reception area, looping quietly
• A centerpiece during the service
• A shared video call for relatives who can't attend
• A private online memorial where people can watch it again later

If you share it online, make sure everyone pictured is comfortable with that. Some photos from a funeral may not belong on public social media.

It's okay to ask for help

You don't have to make the slideshow alone. Ask one or two family members to sit with you and choose photos. The conversation itself can be a small act of grieving together.