Funeral Order of Service: Complete Guide 2026 (With Examples, Wording & Free Templates)

📋 Table of Contents

• What Is a Funeral Order of Service?
• Why Are They Important?
• What to Include in Your Order of Service
• Front Cover Essentials
• Inside Pages Content
• Back Cover Ideas
• Wording Examples & Templates
• Design Tips & Ideas
• Choosing Photos
• How Many Pages Should It Be?
• Choosing Paper & Size
• How Many Copies to Order
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Printing Options
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Funeral Order of Service?

A funeral order of service, also known as a funeral programme, memorial service programme, or funeral booklet, is a printed document given to attendees at a funeral or memorial service. It serves as both a guide to the ceremony and a keepsake to remember the person who has passed away.

Think of it as a roadmap for the funeral service. It tells guests what will happen during the ceremony, when to stand or sit, which hymns to sing, and when different people will speak. But it’s much more than just a schedule – it’s a beautiful tribute that captures the essence of someone’s life.

What Makes It Different from Other Funeral Stationery?

While there are several types of funeral stationery, the order of service is unique:

• Funeral Order of Service: Comprehensive booklet with service details, biography, photos (4-20 pages)
• Memorial Cards: Small wallet-sized cards with a photo and brief prayer or poem
• Memorial Bookmarks: Thin bookmarks with a photo and short verse
• Thank You Cards: Cards sent after the funeral to thank attendees

The order of service is usually the most substantial of these items and serves as the primary keepsake from the funeral.

Why Are Funeral Orders of Service Important?

You might wonder whether an order of service is really necessary. After all, funerals happened for centuries without printed programmes. However, they serve several important purposes in modern funeral services:

1. Guides Attendees Through the Service

Not everyone attending will be familiar with funeral customs or religious ceremonies. The order of service helps everyone feel comfortable by clearly showing what’s happening next and whether they need to stand, sit, or participate in any way.

2. Provides Hymn and Song Lyrics

If you’re including hymns or songs that attendees will sing together, printing the lyrics means everyone can join in – even those who don’t know the words by heart.

3. Honors the Person Who Died

Through photos, biographical details, and carefully chosen words, the order of service celebrates your loved one’s life and personality. It tells their story in a tangible form.

4. Creates a Lasting Keepsake

Long after the funeral, family and friends will treasure the order of service. It’s something physical they can keep, read again, and share with future generations who never met the deceased.

5. Helps Those Who Can’t Attend

You can send copies to people who couldn’t make it to the funeral, allowing them to feel connected to the service and have their own memorial keepsake.

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What to Include in Your Funeral Order of Service

The content of an order of service can vary greatly depending on personal preferences, religious traditions, and the type of service. However, there are some common elements that most include:

Optional but Popular Additions

• Additional photos throughout the booklet showing different life stages
• Favorite quotes or sayings of the deceased
• Tributes written by family members or friends
• Charitable donation information (“In lieu of flowers…”)
• Reception details if there’s a wake afterward
• Family tree or list of surviving family members
• Special memories or anecdotes
• Maps to the burial site or reception venue

Remember: there are no strict rules. The order of service should reflect the personality of the person who died and what feels right for your family.

Front Cover Essentials

The front cover is the first thing people see, so it sets the tone for the entire booklet. Here’s what typically appears on the cover:

Standard Front Cover Layout

1. A meaningful photo – Usually a portrait, but it could be any photo that captures their personality
2. Full name – Some families include nicknames in quotation marks (e.g., John “Jack” Smith)
3. Life dates – Either “1945-2024” or written out as “15th March 1945 – 8th January 2024”
4. Service details – “Funeral Service | St. Mary’s Church | 22nd January 2026 | 2:00pm”
5. Optional: A short tribute phrase – “Forever in Our Hearts” / “Beloved Father, Grandfather, Friend”

Design Considerations for the Cover

• Keep it uncluttered – Let the photo and key information breathe
• Choose fonts carefully – Traditional serif fonts work well for formal services; sans-serif for modern
• Consider a border or background – Floral designs, landscapes, or abstract patterns can add visual interest
• Ensure text is readable – Sufficient contrast between text and background

Inside Pages Content

The inside pages contain the heart of your order of service – the ceremony schedule and biographical information. Here’s how to structure them effectively:

Page 2-3: Order of Service (The Schedule)

This section lists everything that will happen during the service in chronological order. It helps attendees know what to expect and when to participate.

Middle Pages: Life Story & Tributes

These pages celebrate the person’s life through words and photos. You might include:

Biographical Section

A brief life story covering:

• Where and when they were born
• Family background and upbringing
• Education and career
• Marriage and children
• Hobbies, interests, and passions
• Character traits and what made them special
• Achievements they were proud of

Photos Throughout

Scatter photos across the inside pages showing different life stages:

• Childhood photos
• Wedding day
• With children/grandchildren
• At work or pursuing hobbies
• Recent happy moments
• Candid shots that show personality

Hymns & Readings (Full Text)

If you’re including hymns or readings that attendees will hear or sing, print the complete text. This is especially important for:

• Hymns people will sing together
• Poems that will be read aloud
• Prayers the congregation will say together

Back Cover Ideas

The back cover provides a final opportunity to add meaningful content. Popular options include:

1. Thank You Message

2. Charitable Donation Information

If the family requests donations instead of flowers:

3. Final Photo & Quote

A beautiful recent photo with a meaningful quote, poem, or the person’s favorite saying.

4. Reception/Wake Details

Full details of the post-service gathering including address, time, and any special instructions.

5. List of Pallbearers or Special Thanks

Acknowledge those who carried the coffin or provided special support.

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Wording Examples & Templates

Finding the right words can be challenging during a difficult time. Here are templates and examples for different sections:

Front Cover Wording Variations

Traditional Religious:

Modern Celebratory:

Simple & Direct:

Opening Welcome Examples

If your celebrant or officiant will give opening remarks, you might include something like:

Biography Opening Lines

Start the life story section with an engaging opening:

• “Margaret was born on a sunny June morning in 1942 in the small village of…”
• “Robert’s life was defined by his love of family, his dedication to teaching, and his infectious sense of humor…”
• “To know Sarah was to love her. Her warmth, generosity, and quick wit made her…”
• “James lived a life full of adventure, taking him from the streets of Liverpool to…”

Closing Thank You Examples

Design Tips & Ideas

The design of your order of service should reflect your loved one’s personality and the tone of the service. Here are design considerations to help you create something beautiful:

Choosing a Design Style

Traditional & Formal

• Classic serif fonts (Times New Roman, Garamond)
• Cream or white paper
• Subtle borders or religious symbols
• Traditional color schemes (black, navy, burgundy)

Modern & Contemporary

• Clean sans-serif fonts (Helvetica, Arial)
• Bold use of white space
• Bright or vibrant colors if appropriate
• Modern layouts with asymmetric elements

Nature & Outdoors Theme

• Floral backgrounds and borders
• Landscape imagery
• Green, blue, and earth tones
• Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, hikers

Color Psychology

Colors convey emotions. Consider what different colors represent:

• Purple/Lavender: Dignity, respect, remembrance
• Blue: Peace, tranquility, calmness
• Green: Life, renewal, nature, hope
• White: Purity, innocence, peace
• Gold: Value, worth, precious memories
• Pink: Gentleness, love, appreciation

Typography Tips

• Use no more than 2-3 different fonts
• Ensure text is at least 11pt for readability
• Use font weights (bold, italic) to create hierarchy
• Avoid overly decorative fonts for body text
• Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background

Photo Quality & Selection Guide

Photo Quality Checklist

Photos to Avoid

• Photos where the person looks unwell (unless showing their courage)
• Images that might embarrass them or the family
• Overly dark or underexposed images
• Low-quality social media screenshots

How Many Pages Should Your Order of Service Be?

One of the first decisions you’ll make is how many pages your booklet needs. The answer depends on how much content you want to include.

Understanding Page Counts

First, it’s important to understand how pages work in a booklet:

• A booklet is created from folded sheets
• One sheet = 4 pages (front, inside front, inside back, back)
• Page counts must be in multiples of 4 (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 pages)
• The “cover” counts as pages 1 and 4 (in a 4-page booklet)

Most Common Page Counts

4 Pages (One Folded Sheet)

Best for: Simple services, limited information

What fits:

• Front cover with photo and details
• Pages 2-3: Order of service and one hymn/poem
• Back cover: Thank you and donation details

Pros: Most affordable, simple and elegant

Cons: Limited space for photos and biography

8 Pages (Two Folded Sheets) – MOST POPULAR

Best for: Standard funerals with moderate content

What fits:

• Front cover with photo
• Inside pages: Full order of service, 2-3 hymns with lyrics, short biography, 4-6 additional photos
• Back cover: Thank you, donations, reception details

Pros: Perfect balance of content and cost, most versatile

Cons: May feel cramped if you have lots of photos

12 Pages (Three Folded Sheets)

Best for: Services with multiple readings, more extensive biography

What fits:

• Everything from 8 pages
• Plus: Extended life story, 10-12 photos, multiple poems, family tributes

Pros: Room for comprehensive content

Cons: More expensive, may be more than you need

16-20 Pages

Best for: Major celebrations of life, well-known community figures, extensive photo collections

What fits: Comprehensive biography, 15-25+ photos, multiple tributes, detailed family history

Pros: Can tell a complete life story

Cons: Most expensive option, may be too much for some services

What If You Have Blank Pages?

It’s perfectly acceptable to have blank pages or pages with just a photo and quote. Some families intentionally leave space for attendees to write memories or messages.

Choosing Paper Type and Size

The physical quality of your order of service matters. It’s something people will hold, keep, and potentially treasure for years.

Size Options

A5 (148mm x 210mm) – MOST COMMON

• Standard funeral order of service size
• Easy to hold and read
• Fits in a bag or pocket
• Cost-effective to print
• This is what we recommend for most families

A4 Folded to A5 (210mm x 297mm folded)

• Larger format when opened
• More space for photos and content
• More expensive to print
• Best for extensive photo collections

Paper Weight and Type

170 GSM Paper

• Lighter weight
• Budget-friendly option
• Still good quality but may feel thin

200 GSM Paper – POPULAR CHOICE

• High-quality thick paper
• Feels substantial and premium
• Good for inner pages
• Excellent value

350 GSM Card – PREMIUM OPTION

• Thick, luxurious card stock
• Perfect for covers
• Creates a lasting keepsake feel
• Can be used throughout or just for covers

Paper Finish Options

Silk Finish (Standard)

• Smooth with slight sheen
• Modern, clean appearance
• Colors appear vibrant
• Good for photo reproduction

Uncoated/Recycled

• Natural, matte finish
• Eco-friendly option
• Soft, tactile feel
• Traditional appearance

Ivory/Cream Paper

• Warm, gentle tone
• Classic and timeless
• Softer than bright white
• Creates vintage feel

Lamination Options (For Covers)

Matt Lamination

• Smooth, non-reflective finish
• Protects against marks and scuffs
• Premium feel
• Subtle and elegant

Gloss Lamination

• Shiny, reflective finish
• Makes photos “pop”
• Vibrant color reproduction

Velvet Lamination

• Soft-touch, luxurious feel
• Most premium option
• Tactile, memorable quality
• Significantly more expensive

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Ordering the right number of copies ensures everyone who wants one gets a copy, without excessive waste or expense.

Calculate Your Number

Start with your expected attendance and add 20-30%:

Why Order Extra?

• Last-minute attendees: There are always a few unexpected guests
• People who couldn’t attend: You’ll want to send copies to those who missed the service
• Family keepsakes: Close family may want multiple copies
• Future requests: People may ask for copies weeks or months later
• Personal archive: Keep some for your own records

Quantity Guidelines

• Small funeral (20-30 people): Order 40-50 copies
• Medium funeral (40-60 people): Order 60-80 copies
• Large funeral (80-100 people): Order 110-130 copies
• Very large funeral (150+ people): Order 180-200+ copies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating an order of service during a difficult time means it’s easy to overlook details. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Spelling and Date Errors

The Problem: Misspelling names, wrong dates, incorrect times or locations

How to Avoid:

• Double-check all names (including middle names)
• Verify dates on birth/death certificates
• Confirm service time and location with funeral director
• Have at least three people proofread
• Check hymn numbers if using hymn books

2. Poor Quality Photos

The Problem: Blurry, pixelated, or dark photos that print poorly

How to Avoid:

• Use high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI)
• Test print a sample page
• Scan physical photos at high resolution
• Avoid using photos from social media (often low quality)

3. Too Much or Too Little Content

The Problem: Pages too cramped or too sparse

How to Avoid:

• Use white space effectively
• Don’t feel obligated to fill every inch
• Consider adding an extra 4 pages if content feels squashed
• A simple design is often more elegant than crowded

4. Ordering Too Few Copies

The Problem: Running out before everyone gets one

How to Avoid:

• Always order 20-30% more than expected attendance
• Remember people who can’t attend will want copies
• Bulk pricing makes extra copies affordable

5. Missing Important Information

The Problem: Forgetting reception details, donation information, or acknowledgments

How to Avoid:

• Create a checklist of all information needed
• Include reception venue, time, and address
• Add charity details if requesting donations
• Thank those who provided care

6. Leaving Preparation Until Last Minute

The Problem: Rushing design and printing, missing delivery deadlines

How to Avoid:

• Start planning as soon as funeral date is set
• Allow time for proofing and revisions
• Choose next-day delivery options if needed
• Work with experienced printers who understand urgency

7. Inconsistent Design or Formatting

The Problem: Mixed fonts, sizes, or styles that look unprofessional

How to Avoid:

• Stick to 2-3 fonts maximum
• Use consistent heading styles
• Maintain consistent margins
• Use templates for consistency

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Printing Options: DIY vs Professional

You have three main options for getting your order of service printed. Each has advantages depending on your situation:

Option 1: Home Printing

Pros:

• Complete control over timing
• Can make last-minute changes
• Potentially cheapest if you have equipment
• Immediate access to printed copies

Cons:

• Limited paper quality and size options
• Consumer printers rarely match professional quality
• Time-consuming to print, fold, and assemble
• Can be very stressful if printer issues arise
• May not save money once you factor in premium paper and ink
• Can be hard to get the layout correct 

Best for: Very small services (under 10 people) or when you need immediate copies

Option 2: Local Print Shop

Pros:

• Face-to-face service
• Can see and feel paper samples
• Same-day or next-day service often available
• Support local business

Cons:

• May not specialize in funeral stationery
• Often more expensive than online specialist printers
• Limited design assistance
• You need to provide print-ready files
• Quality and service varies greatly between shops
• Might invovle multiple trips 

Best for: When you have a print ready file 

Option 3: Specialist Funeral Printing Company (Recommended)

Pros:

• Experts and dedicated in funeral stationery
• Free templates and design tools
• Professional design assistance (often free)
• High-quality printing on premium paper
• Competitive pricing due to specialization
• Express delivery options
• Understanding and compassionate service
• Free digital versions
• Unlimited revisions

Cons:

• Requires planning ahead (though next-day available)
• Can’t see physical samples first (though most offer sample packs)

Best for: Most families – offers the best combination of quality, service, and price

What to Look for in a Printing Company

Additional Common Questions

Related Guides & Resources