Table of Contents
ToggleWhat is cremation funeral service?
A cremation funeral is a service to honour the deceased, where the body is cremated instead of buried. It can be a formal ceremony, a simple gathering, or even a private process with no service at all.
Types of Cremation Services:
A cremation service can be arranged in different ways, depending on personal preferences, traditions, and budget. Below are the main types of cremation services:
Traditional Cremation Funeral Service
- It is similar to a burial funeral, but ends with cremation.
- The body is placed in a coffin, and a formal ceremony is held.
- After the service, the body is taken to the crematorium for cremation.
Direct Cremation (No Service Cremation)
- It is the simplest and most affordable cremation service option.
- No funeral or attendees; the body is cremated privately.
- Families may choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life later.
Memorial Service After Cremation
- The cremation takes place first, and a service is held later.
- The urn with the ashes may be present during the service.
- Can take place at a crematorium, church, home, or any chosen location.
Celebration of Life
- It is a personalized, uplifting gathering focused on memories and stories.
- Often non-traditional, with music, photos, and a relaxed atmosphere.
What is a Cremation Funeral Order of Service?
A cremation funeral order of service is a printed or digital program that details the schedule of a cremation funeral. It helps attendees follow the ceremony while also serving as a keepsake in memory of the deceased.
Cremation Funeral Order of Service Layout
A cremation funeral service typically follows a structured format, ensuring a meaningful and respectful farewell. Below is a common layout:
1. Cover Page
- The name of the deceased
- Their birth and passing dates
- A photo of the deceased
- A short quote, verse, or meaningful phrase
2. Introduction & Welcome
- A greeting from the officiant (priest, celebrant, or family member)
- A short tribute or introduction to the service
3. Music & Readings
- Hymns, songs, or instrumental pieces played during the ceremony
- Poems, religious scriptures, or personal readings
4. Eulogies & Tributes
- A speech honouring the life of the deceased, given by family or friends
- Sharing of memories, achievements, and personal stories
5. Reflection Time
- A moment of silence or music for personal reflection
- A slideshow or video presentation of memories
6. Committal Ceremony
- The part of the service where the body is formally committed for cremation
- This may involve final words, prayers, or a symbolic gesture
7. Closing Words & Farewell
- Final messages, blessings, or goodbyes
- Closing music or a special song chosen by the family
8. Details for After the Service
- Information about the wake, reception, or gathering
- Where the ashes will be placed (if known)
- A message of thanks from the family
Cremation funeral order of service example
Order of Service | Details |
---|---|
Cover Page | – In Loving Memory of [Full Name] – Date of Birth – Date of Passing – A meaningful quote or short verse – A photograph of the deceased |
Welcome & Introduction | – Given by [Officiant/Celebrant’s Name] – A brief message about [Deceased’s Name] and their life |
Opening Music | – 🎵 “[Song Title]” by [Artist] (Chosen by family) |
Reading or Prayer (Optional) | – A poem, scripture, or personal message – Example: “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye |
Eulogy & Personal Tributes | – Shared by [Family Member/Friend’s Name] – Special memories, achievements, and words of remembrance |
Reflection Time | – A moment of silence or slideshow presentation – Background music playing softly |
The Committal (Final Goodbye) | – The officiant says final words of farewell – Curtains close or a symbolic gesture (e.g., placing flowers, letters) |
Closing Words & Thank You Message | – Final message from the family – Appreciation for those attending |
Closing Music | – 🎵 “[Song Title]” by [Artist] (Exit music chosen by the family) |
After the Service (Optional) | – Invitation to a reception/wake at [Location] – Donation details (if applicable) in memory of [Deceased’s Name] |
What Happens During a Cremation Funeral Service?
1. Arriving at the Crematorium
- Guests arrive at the crematorium and may either wait outside for the hearse or go directly into the chapel.
- The coffin may already be in place or brought in after guests arrive.
- The coffin is placed on a raised platform at the front for everyone to see.
2. Starting the Service
- Once guests are seated, the service begins.
- It’s important for guests to arrive on time to ensure the service runs smoothly.
3. The Service:
- The family can choose music, hymns, readings, or eulogies to honour the deceased.
- Poems, prayers, or other tributes may be included.
- The tone can be formal or casual, depending on the family’s wishes.
- Additional time can be arranged for extra tributes if needed.
4. The Committal:
- At the end of the service, the coffin is typically moved out of sight.
- This marks the beginning of the cremation process.
- The coffin may be hidden behind curtains, a glass partition, or moved to another area.
5. Leaving the Service:
- Mourners leave the chapel after the service concludes.
- Guests can offer their condolences to the family, view the floral tributes, and reflect on the ceremony.
- People may proceed to the next event, such as the wake.
- The wake is a gathering that takes place after the cremation service.
- It’s an informal setting where family and friends can come together to share memories and support each other.
- There may be food, drinks, music, and photographs of the deceased to help everyone remember the person’s life.
Find the Perfect Template for Your Loved One
We understand that every funeral is unique, which is why we provide a wide range of cremation funeral order of service templates to choose from. Whether you prefer a simple and elegant design or something more personalized, you’ll find the right option on our blog.
Browse our collection of templates and find the perfect one today!
Popular Songs for a Cremation Funeral Service
Selecting the appropriate music for a cremation funeral can add meaning and comfort to the service. The right songs can honour the personality of the departed, offer solace to grieving loved ones, and create a fitting atmosphere for the farewell.
Here are some commonly chosen popular cremation funeral service songs:
1. Traditional Funeral Hymns (Religious & Spiritual)
These hymns offer comfort and hope, especially for religious services.
- Abide With Me – A classic hymn about finding peace and guidance.
- Amazing Grace – A well-loved hymn about faith and redemption.
- The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) – A hymn of comfort and trust in God.
- How Great Thou Art – A powerful song praising God’s creation.
- Morning Has Broken – A gentle hymn celebrating new beginnings.
2. Classical & Instrumental Music (Peaceful & Soothing)
Instrumental pieces create a calm and reflective atmosphere.
- Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel (a gentle and emotional piece)
- Ave Maria – Schubert (a beautiful and spiritual composition)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (soft and peaceful piano music)
- Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber (deeply moving orchestral piece)
- Largo (from Xerxes) – Handel (a slow and soothing melody)
3. Modern & Contemporary Songs (Meaningful & Uplifting)
These songs are often chosen for their emotional lyrics and comforting messages.
- Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton (a heartfelt tribute to lost loved ones)
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (hopeful and peaceful)
- You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (a song of strength and support)
- Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley / Leonard Cohen (a reflective and emotional piece)
- Angels – Robbie Williams (a song about protection and guidance)
4. Sentimental & Personal Songs (Reflecting Love & Memories)
Families often choose songs that hold personal significance.
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (about appreciation and love)
- My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion (a song of remembrance and love)
- Unforgettable – Nat King Cole (a song about cherished memories)
- Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman (a powerful farewell)
- I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (expressing deep love and loss)
5. Songs for a Celebration of Life (Joyful & Uplifting)
For those who want a lighter, more celebratory tone.
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (a song of gratitude and beauty)
- Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum (a joyful song about the afterlife)
- Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (an uplifting and hopeful anthem)
- Somewhere Only We Know – Keane (reflecting on memories and places)
- We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn (a hopeful song about reuniting one day)
Choosing the Right Music
Choosing meaningful music for a cremation funeral can bring comfort to those attending. The right songs can reflect the personality of the deceased and provide emotional support to loved ones. Music also helps set the tone of the farewell, making the ceremony more personal and memorable. Here are some popular choices.