A funeral order of service is a printed booklet given to every attendee at a funeral or memorial service. It guides guests through the ceremony and becomes a keepsake families treasure for years. This complete guide covers everything you need to know — from what to include and how to word it, to paper choices, page counts, and how to order professionally printed copies with free UK delivery.
I’ve been printing funeral order of service booklets since 2001. In that time I’ve helped thousands of families through this, and the one thing I want you to know before you read anything else: it’s not as difficult as it feels right now. Start by writing everything out — the name, the dates, the hymns, the readings, who’s speaking — just get it down somewhere. Once it’s in front of you, the rest falls into place. Whether you design it yourself or ask us to do it for you, that list is all you need to begin.
Esmee G, Founder — Funeral Printing by Esmee G
📋 In This Guide
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.
A funeral order of service is a printed booklet (typically A5 size, 4–20 pages) that outlines the structure of a funeral service and includes photos, biographical information, and meaningful content about the deceased.
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, and 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?
Funeral orders of service matter because they guide attendees through an unfamiliar ceremony, provide hymn lyrics for everyone to sing along, honour the person who has died, and create a lasting physical keepsake that families return to again and again.
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. Honours 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.
Many families now also create digital versions of their order of service (flipbook format) that can be shared via email or social media with those unable to attend. Most printing companies offer this as a free addition to printed orders.
Need Help Creating Your Order of Service?
Choose from 1,000+ free templates or use our free design service. Printed and delivered next day.
What to Include in Your Funeral Order of Service
A funeral order of service typically includes the full name of the deceased, their dates, a photo, the ceremony schedule, hymn or song lyrics, a short biography, and a thank you from the family. Optional additions include tributes, charitable donation details, and reception information.
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:
Essential Information Checklist
Optional but Popular Additions
- Additional photos throughout the booklet showing different life stages
- Favourite 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 afterwards
- 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 of a funeral order of service should include a meaningful photo, the full name of the deceased, their life dates, and the service details. It sets the tone for the entire booklet and is the first thing attendees see.
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
- A meaningful photo — usually a portrait, but it could be any photo that captures their personality
- Full name — some families include nicknames in quotation marks (e.g., John “Jack” Smith)
- Life dates — either “1945–2024” or written out as “15th March 1945 – 8th January 2024”
- Service details — “Funeral Service | St. Mary’s Church | 22nd January 2026 | 2:00pm”
- Optional: A short tribute phrase — “Forever in Our Hearts” / “Beloved Father, Grandfather, Friend”
Example Front Cover Text
Margaret Rose Thompson
“Maggie”
4th June 1942 – 15th January 2026
Celebration of Life
Parkside Crematorium
Friday 24th January 2026
11:00am
“A life beautifully lived”
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 is essential
Inside Pages Content
The inside pages of a funeral order of service contain the ceremony schedule, hymn and reading texts, a biographical life story, and photos. These pages are the heart of the booklet and should be laid out in the order events will occur during the service.
The inside pages contain the heart of your order of service — the ceremony schedule and biographical information. Here’s how to structure them effectively:
Pages 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.
Example Order of Service Schedule
Entrance Music
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Welcome and Introduction
Led by Reverend Sarah Johnson
Hymn
“The Lord is My Shepherd” (Lyrics on page 4)
Reading
Psalm 23, read by Emma Thompson (daughter)
Eulogy
Delivered by Michael Thompson (son)
Poem
“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Read by Sophie Martinez (granddaughter)
Reflection Music
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Prayers and Commendation
Led by Reverend Sarah Johnson
Committal
Closing Music
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
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
Write in the past tense, but focus on celebrating their life rather than dwelling on loss. Use warm, personal language. If you’re struggling, write as if you’re telling a friend about this wonderful person.
Photos Throughout
Scatter photos across the inside pages showing different life stages:
- Childhood photos
- Wedding day
- With children and 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 of a funeral order of service is typically used for a thank you message, charitable donation details, wake or reception information, or a final photo with a meaningful quote. It’s the last thing attendees see as they leave the service.
The back cover provides a final opportunity to add meaningful content. Popular options include:
1. Thank You Message
Example Thank You Text
“The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support, and presence here today. Your kindness during this difficult time has meant the world to us.
We invite you to join us for refreshments at The Riverside Inn following the service.”
2. Charitable Donation Information
If the family requests donations instead of flowers:
Example Donation Text
In lieu of flowers
The family kindly requests donations to
Cancer Research UK
in memory of Margaret Thompson
Donations can be made online at:
www.examplefuneraldirectors.co.uk/margaret-thompson
Or sent to:
Smith & Sons Funeral Directors
123 High Street, Manchester, M1 1AA
3. Final Photo & Quote
A beautiful recent photo with a meaningful quote, poem, or the person’s favourite saying.
4. Reception and 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 to the family.
Ready to Create Your Order of Service?
View all our pricing and paper options.
Wording Examples & Templates
This section provides ready-to-use wording examples for the front cover, opening welcome, biography, and closing thank you — covering traditional religious, modern celebratory, and simple styles.
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:
In Loving Memory of
James Robert Williams
1952 – 2026
Funeral Service
St. Peter’s Church
Thursday 30th January 2026
1:00pm
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”
Modern Celebratory:
Celebrating the Life of
Sarah Elizabeth Davies
“Sal”
May 1965 – January 2026
Memorial Service
Woodland Crematorium
Saturday 25th January 2026
2:30pm
“She lived life to the fullest”
Simple & Direct:
Robert John Miller
10.3.1948 – 18.1.2026
Forever loved, never forgotten
Opening Welcome Examples
If your celebrant or officiant will give opening remarks, you might include something like:
Religious Welcome:
“We gather here today in the presence of God to remember with thanksgiving the life of Margaret Rose Thompson, to commend her to God our merciful redeemer, and to comfort one another in our grief.”
Non-Religious Welcome:
“We come together today to celebrate the life of Robert Miller, to share our memories of him, to support each other in our loss, and to say our final goodbye to someone who meant so much to so many of us.”
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 humour…”
- “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
Formal Thank You:
“The family wish to express their sincere thanks to all who have attended the service today, and for the many kind messages of sympathy and support received. We are deeply grateful for the care provided by the staff at Royal Hospital during Margaret’s final days.”
Personal Thank You:
“Mum would have been so touched to see so many familiar faces here today. Thank you for taking the time to be with us and for sharing your memories of her. Your friendship meant everything to her, and your support means everything to us.”
Design Tips & Ideas
Funeral order of service designs range from traditional and formal to modern and celebratory. The key principles are: use no more than 2–3 fonts, keep the cover uncluttered, choose colours that reflect the person’s personality, and ensure all text is readable against the background.
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 colours (black, navy, burgundy)
Modern & Contemporary
- Clean sans-serif fonts (Helvetica, Arial)
- Bold use of white space
- Bright or vibrant colours if appropriate
- Modern layouts with asymmetric elements
Nature & Outdoors
- Floral backgrounds and borders
- Landscape imagery
- Green, blue, and earth tones
- Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, and hikers
The design should honour the person while remaining appropriate for a funeral setting. Bold colours and creative designs are fine if they reflect the person’s personality — funerals are increasingly becoming celebrations of life.
Colour Psychology
Colours convey emotions. Consider what different colours represent:
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
For a funeral order of service, use high-resolution images of at least 300 DPI. Choose photos with good lighting where faces are clearly visible. Mix formal portraits with candid shots to show different sides of the person’s life. Avoid low-quality social media screenshots as these print poorly.
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?
Funeral order of service booklets come in multiples of four pages: 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 pages. The most popular choice is 8 pages, which provides enough space for the ceremony schedule, a short biography, 4–6 photos, and a thank you — without being excessive in cost.
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.
How Many Pages Does My Funeral Order of Service Need?
Use our custom page count wizard to find out. Answer six questions about your service and we’ll recommend the right page count — 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 pages.
What type of service is it?
The right number of pages for a funeral order of service depends on how much content you are including. A simple service with no hymn lyrics and a brief tribute needs 4 pages. A standard service with one or two hymns, a short biography, and a few photos needs 8 pages, which is the most popular choice and accounts for around 45% of the booklets printed at Funeral Printing by Esmee G. A service with three or more hymns, multiple readings, an extended biography, and eight or more photos needs 12 pages. Services with detailed family tributes, large photo collections, or multiple speakers typically need 16 or 20 pages.
Use the funeral order of service page count wizard above from Funeral Printing by Esmee G to get a personalised page count recommendation in under a minute. Answer six questions about your service type, hymns, readings, photos, biography length, and additional content, and the wizard will tell you exactly how many pages you need and why.
Page Count Guide
Booklets are made from folded sheets, so pages must be multiples of 4. One sheet = 4 pages.
Simple services
Schedule, 1 hymn or poem, thank you. Cover photo only.
Standard funerals
Schedule, 2–3 hymns, short biography, 4–6 photos, thank you.
Multiple readings & extended biography
Everything in 8 pages plus extended life story, 10–12 photos, family tributes.
Large celebrations of life
Full life story, 15+ photos, multiple tributes, detailed family history.
Major community services
25+ photos, extended tributes, detailed family history and legacy.
Most families choose 8 pages as it provides enough space for meaningful content without becoming overwhelming or expensive. If you’re unsure, start planning with 8 pages in mind — you can always adjust up or down based on your content.
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 standard size for a funeral order of service is A5. The most popular paper combination is a 350gsm silk card cover with 200gsm inner pages. Cover finishes include matt lamination, gloss lamination, and velvet lamination — matt being the most popular for its understated, premium feel.
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)
- Standard funeral order of service size
- Easy to hold and read
- Fits in a bag or pocket
- Cost-effective to print
A4 Folded to A5 (210mm x 297mm)
- Larger format when opened
- More space for photos and content
- More expensive to print
- Best for extensive photo collections
Paper Weight and Type
170gsm Paper
- Lighter weight
- Budget-friendly option
- Still good quality but may feel thin
200gsm Paper
- High-quality thick paper
- Feels substantial and premium
- Good for inner pages
- Excellent value
350gsm Card
- Thick, luxurious card stock
- Perfect for covers
- Creates a lasting keepsake feel
- Used throughout or just for covers
Paper Finish Options
Silk Finish
- Smooth with slight sheen
- Modern, clean appearance
- Colours 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 a 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 stand out
- Vibrant colour reproduction
Velvet Lamination
- Soft-touch, luxurious feel
- Most premium option
- Tactile, memorable quality
- Significantly more expensive
The most popular and best value combination is: 350gsm card cover with 200gsm paper inner pages, silk finish, with optional matt lamination on the cover. This creates a premium feel without excessive cost.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Order 20–30% more copies than your expected attendance. For example, if you’re expecting 60 people, order 80–90 copies. Extra copies are needed for last-minute attendees, people who couldn’t attend but would like one, and family keepsakes.
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%:
Number to order = (Expected attendees × 1.25) + 10–20 extra
Example: Expecting 60 people? Order 85–90 copies.
How Many Copies Do I Need?
Use our custom copies calculator to get an instant recommendation. Enter your expected attendance and we’ll calculate the right print run — with enough extra copies so no one goes without.
The right number of copies depends on your expected attendance, plus a buffer of around 25% for last-minute guests, people who could not attend but would like one, and family keepsakes. For a small service of 20-30 people, order 40-50 copies. For a medium service of 40-60 people, order 60-80 copies. For a large service of 80-100 people, order 110-130 copies. For a very large service of 150 or more, order at least 180-200 copies.
Use the funeral order of service copy calculator above from Funeral Printing by Esmee G to get an instant recommendation based on your exact numbers. Enter your expected attendees, copies for people unable to attend, and any family keepsakes, and it will calculate the recommended print run for your service.
How Many Copies by Service Size
Always order 25% more than expected attendance. Last-minute guests, people who couldn’t attend, and family keepsakes account for the difference.
Printing in bulk is more cost-effective per unit. The price difference between 50 and 75 copies is often minimal, so it’s better to over-order slightly than risk running out. You can always keep extras as mementos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistakes when creating a funeral order of service are spelling errors in names or dates, poor quality photos, ordering too few copies, and leaving preparation until too late. Having three people proofread before sending to print will catch the majority of errors.
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:
Spelling & Date Errors
Misspelling names, wrong dates or times
- Double-check all names including middle names
- Verify dates on birth and death certificates
- Confirm time & location with the funeral director
- Have at least three people proofread
Poor Quality Photos
Blurry or pixelated images that print badly
- Use minimum 300 DPI resolution
- Scan physical photos at high resolution
- Avoid social media screenshots
- Test print a sample page if unsure
Too Few Pages
Trying to fit everything into 4 pages
The most common call we receive. An 8-page booklet costs very little more and gives the biography room to breathe, photos space to show, and hymns room to print in full.
Too Few Copies
Running out before everyone gets one
- Always order 25% more than attendance
- People who couldn’t attend will want copies
- Bulk pricing makes extra copies affordable
Missing Key Information
Forgetting reception details or charity info
- Use a checklist before sending to print
- Include wake venue, time, and address
- Add charity details if requesting donations
Leaving It Too Late
Rushing the design and missing deadlines
- Start as soon as the funeral date is set
- Allow time for proofing and revisions
- Choose next-day delivery if time is short
Inconsistent Design
Mixed fonts and styles that look unprofessional
- Use no more than 2–3 fonts throughout
- Keep heading styles consistent
- Use a template to maintain consistency
Before sending to print, verify:
- All names spelled correctly
- All dates accurate
- Service time and location correct
- Photos high quality
- Page order makes sense
- No text cut off at edges
- Hymn and reading numbers correct
- Three people have proofread
Avoid All These Mistakes with Professional Support
Our team checks every order for errors and offers unlimited revisions until you’re 100% happy.
Printing Options: DIY vs Professional
There are three main options for printing a funeral order of service: home printing, a local print shop, or a specialist funeral printing company. For most families, a specialist printer is the recommended choice — they understand urgency, offer free design help, and deliver on premium paper with next-day options available.
You have three main options for getting your order of service printed. Each has advantages depending on your situation:
Home Printing
Best for: Very small services under 10 people
- Full control over timing
- Last-minute changes possible
- Immediate access to copies
- Poor paper quality vs professional
- Time-consuming and stressful
- Hard to get layout correct
Local Print Shop
Best for: When you have a print-ready file
- Face-to-face service
- See and feel paper samples
- Same-day service often available
- Rarely specialise in funerals
- Often more expensive online
- Need to supply print-ready files
Specialist Funeral Printer
Best for: Most families
- Free design help & 1,000+ templates
- Premium paper & print quality
- Next-day UK delivery
- Unlimited revisions
- Free digital flipbook included
- Plan ahead (next-day delivery helps)
What to Look for in a Printing Company
Essential Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides & Resources
Printing & Pricing
View all paper options, page counts, and prices for our funeral order of service printing.
View Printing Options →Free Templates
Browse over 1,000 free funeral order of service templates you can customise online.
Browse Templates →Examples & Ideas
See real examples of funeral orders of service for inspiration and layout ideas.
View Examples →Printing Comparisons
Compare funeral order of service printing options side by side — from DIY to specialist printers.
Compare Printing Options →How to Write Your Order of Service
Step-by-step guide to writing the front cover, inside pages, and back cover — with wording examples for each section.
Read the Writing Guide →
