As the year comes to a close, it’s a natural moment to pause, reflect, and acknowledge what the past twelve months have meant for the families we have supported.
For many, 2025 was not an easy year. Loss rarely arrives at a convenient time, and arranging a funeral often happens alongside grief, shock, and emotional exhaustion. Behind every order of service for funeral created was a family doing their very best during an incredibly difficult moment.
What Families Need When Arranging an Order of Service
Esmee and the team processed 1000s of funeral order of service designs and prints over the past year, and their key takeaways based on their reports and findings are:
Simplicity Comes First
Families need funeral orders of service that are clear and easy to follow.
What helps most:
- Clear layouts
- Easy-to-read fonts
- Calm, neutral colours
- A logical service order
Why it matters:
Simple designs reduce stress and help guests follow the service without confusion.
Personalisation Is Essential
An order of service is deeply personal.
Families want:
- Photos that reflect the individual
- Personal wording rather than generic text
- Designs that feel unique
Key takeaway:
An order of service is not just a programme — it becomes a keepsake.
Clear Guidance Reduces Pressure
Many families are unsure where to begin.
Common questions include:
- What information should be included?
- How many pages are needed?
- How many copies should be ordered?
What helps most:
Step-by-step guidance and reassurance, without overwhelming choices.
Flexibility and Urgent Printing Are Crucial
Funeral arrangements can change quickly.
Families often need:
- Last-minute edits
- Fast proof approval
- Short turnaround times
Why this matters:
Printing should adapt to changing plans without adding further stress.
Print and Digital Work Together
Families value having options.
What they appreciate:
- Printed booklets for the service
- Digital versions to share with loved ones
- Easy access without technical difficulty
Result:
Everyone feels included, even if they cannot attend in person.
Language Matters More Than Ever
The tone of wording plays an important role.
Families prefer:
- Warm, natural language
- Short, meaningful messages
- Less formal wording where appropriate
Purpose:
To honour and celebrate life, not just mark loss.
Common Challenges Families Face
Reassurance Matters
Many families experience similar worries.
Common concerns include:
- Leaving printing too late
- Ordering too few copies
- Feeling unsure about wording
- Worrying about making mistakes
These concerns are entirely normal, and the right support can make a real difference.
Looking Ahead to 2026
What Families Can Expect
Order of service for funeral printing in 2026 focuses on:
- Clarity over complexity
- Support over pressure
- Thoughtful personalisation
- Reliability families can depend on
An order of service is more than a booklet.
It is a guide, a tribute, and a memory.
With Gratitude
To every family who trusted us during 2025, thank you. We recognise how difficult this journey can be, and we are grateful to have supported you during such personal moments.
As we move into 2026, our commitment remains the same: to provide clear, compassionate, and dependable funeral order of service printing, allowing families to focus on what truly matters.
