Funeral order of service templates have changed a lot in the last few years. What used to be a purely printed booklet is now often part of a hybrid tribute: print plus digital, traditional plus modern, personal plus practical.
Looking ahead to 2026, a few clear trends are shaping how families design their funeral booklets:
- QR codes linking to videos, photo galleries and donations
- Digital flipbooks for guests who can’t attend in person
- Sustainable design and eco‑aware printing choices
- Calm, minimalist aesthetics that feel modern but still respectful
This guide walks you through each of these funeral order of service template trends for 2026, and shows how to use them well – without losing the warmth and dignity that matter most.
If you’d like to explore designs while you read, you can browse and edit templates here:
Free funeral order of service templates – easily customisable.
Why Funeral Templates Are Evolving
Families today are:
- More comfortable with technology
- More conscious of sustainability
- More likely to have relatives scattered around the world
- Less tied to very traditional, text‑heavy layouts
At the same time, the need for clarity, comfort and respect has not changed.
So the best funeral order of service templates in 2026 are those that:
- Keep the booklet simple and easy to follow
- Add helpful digital options (without overwhelming people)
- Use design and printing choices that are gentle on the planet
- Feel modern and personal, not generic or “stuffy”
Let’s look at the main trends one by one – and how to use them sensitively.
Trend 1: QR Codes in Funeral Order of Service Templates
QR codes have quietly become one of the most useful additions to funeral stationery. They’re small, simple and – when used well – incredibly powerful.
What Can a QR Code Link To?
In a funeral order of service template, you might use a QR code to link guests to:
- A photo or video slideshow of the person’s life
- A longer online obituary or memory page
- A digital condolence book or “share your memory” form
- A charity donation page in their name
- Directions or parking information for the wake
- A replay of a livestreamed service for those watching later
QR codes let you keep the booklet clean and uncluttered, while still giving people access to much richer content if they want it.
Where to Place QR Codes in the Template
Common and effective placements include:
- Back cover – linking to a memorial page, video, or donation link
- Inside back page – with a small line like “Scan to view more photos and share your memories”
- A dedicated “Online Tribute” section – especially if the service is hybrid or many guests are joining remotely
Design tips:
- Keep the QR code a sensible size – large enough to scan, small enough not to dominate.
- Leave enough white space around it so phones can read it easily.
- Add a short, clear label so people know what they’re scanning.
Privacy and Practical Considerations
A few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the link will stay live long‑term (avoid temporary URLs).
- Check that the page works well on mobile devices.
- Decide whether the content is public or password‑protected – especially for family photos.
- Test the QR code on a couple of different phones before finalising the design.
You can easily add QR codes into most of our templates by inserting a small image into a spare space, or onto the back page.
Trend 2: Digital Flipbooks and Online Orders of Service
Another major trend for 2026 is the rise of digital flipbooks – online versions of the funeral order of service that turn like a real booklet on screen.
These are especially helpful when:
- Friends and family live overseas
- People are unable to travel due to health or cost
- You want to share the order of service on social media or by email
- You’re trying to reduce the number of printed copies
Benefits of Digital Flipbooks
Digital flipbooks:
- Look almost identical to the printed booklet
- Are easy to open on phones, tablets and computers
- Can be shared with a simple link
- Don’t tear, fade or get misplaced in the same way paper can
They also pair perfectly with printed copies – you don’t have to choose one or the other.
On our side, once you’ve created your design and ordered Funeral Order of Service Printing, you can request a digital flipbook version too. This gives you the best of both worlds: tangible keepsakes and an online version to share widely.
Designing with Digital in Mind
When you know your order of service will also be viewed as a flipbook:
- Make sure fonts are legible both on paper and on screens.
- Avoid very tiny text or extremely pale colours.
- Keep photos sharp – high‑resolution images look better both in print and online.
- Consider adding a small line like “Digital version available on request” if you plan to email it later.
You can also pair a printed booklet with a QR code that opens the digital flipbook – a neat, modern touch that many families now appreciate.
Trend 3: Sustainable Design and Eco‑Aware Printing
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s something many families actively consider, even at difficult moments. In 2026, that extends naturally to funeral order of service templates and printing.
What “Sustainable Design” Means in This Context
Sustainable design is about reducing waste and impact without compromising on beauty or clarity. It often includes:
- Thoughtful use of page count – not printing more pages than you really need
- Avoiding huge areas of heavy solid ink where possible
- Choosing clean, minimal layouts rather than very ink‑heavy backgrounds
- Using colour carefully, with an emphasis on softer tints and white space
This ties in very naturally with the minimalist aesthetics that are also trending (we’ll talk about those shortly).
Eco‑Aware Printing Choices
When you order printing, you can make choices that support sustainability, such as:
- Selecting uncoated or lightly coated papers that feel natural and are generally easier to recycle
- Keeping your page count appropriate to your content – for example, choosing 8 pages instead of 12 if you don’t really need the extra space
- Combining print with a digital flipbook so fewer physical copies are required
You can see page count and material options on our printing page:
Funeral Order of Service Printing UK – Options & Prices.
Even small decisions, like avoiding unnecessary extra booklets “just in case”, contribute to a more sustainable approach.
Design Tricks That Help
- Use white (or cream) space as a design feature instead of large, dark colour blocks.
- Let photos provide most of the visual interest, rather than dense graphics on every page.
- Keep the number of typefaces and colours limited – this looks cleaner and prints more predictably.
The result tends to feel calmer and more elegant as well as more eco‑aware.
Trend 4: Minimalist Aesthetics and Calm Layouts
Minimalism has been growing in popularity for several years, and by 2026 it’s firmly established as a leading style for funeral order of service templates.
Minimalist aesthetics are not about being cold or plain – they’re about clarity and focus.
Characteristics of Minimalist Funeral Templates
You’ll notice:
- Simple, clean fonts
- Generous margins and spacing
- One or two key colours, often soft or neutral
- A small number of carefully chosen photos
- Very little decorative clutter – no heavy borders, patterns or clip art
This style:
- Works beautifully in both print and digital flipbooks
- Feels appropriate for both religious and non‑religious services
- Ages well – it won’t look “dated” in a few years’ time
You can find many minimalist and modern options in our main collection:
Browse modern and minimalist funeral order of service templates.
Why Families Are Choosing Minimalist Designs
Minimalist funeral order of service templates are popular because they:
- Put the person at the centre, not the decoration
- Are easier to read, especially for older guests
- Feel calm and uncluttered at an emotional moment
- Pair nicely with simple floral arrangements and modern venues
They also tend to be very forgiving for non‑designers. With a strong template, it’s hard to “overdo” things.
Combining Minimalism with Other 2026 Trends
Minimalism works hand‑in‑hand with:
- QR codes – a small code at the back doesn’t disturb a clean design
- Digital flipbooks – simple layouts look especially good on screens
- Sustainable printing – fewer large ink areas, more emphasis on whitespace
So if you want to follow several 2026 trends at once, a minimalist template is often the easiest way to do it.
How to Apply These 2026 Trends to Your Own Template
Let’s pull this together into a practical plan you can use today.
Step 1: Choose a Future‑Friendly Template
From the free templates collection, look for designs that:
- Have a clean, modern layout
- Leave a little space on the back or inside back page (ideal for QR codes)
- Use fonts and colours that will read well both in print and online
- Match the overall tone of the funeral (traditional, modern, floral, hobby‑based, etc.)
If you’re unsure how much space you’ll need for your order of service, browse:
Funeral Order Of Service Examples & Ideas.
Step 2: Design the Core Booklet First
Before adding any 2026 extras, focus on the essentials:
- Structure the running order of the service
- Add your text (hymns, readings, prayers, tributes)
- Insert and arrange your photos
- Make sure everything is clear and readable
For help with wording and layout, use:
How to write a funeral order of service guide.
Only once the core booklet feels right should you move on to QR codes and digital extras.
Step 3: Decide What, If Anything, Needs a QR Code
Ask yourself:
- Is there content that would be lovely to share, but too long for the booklet?
- Are some guests attending online or unable to attend at all?
- Would a donation page link be helpful?
If yes, create or choose the relevant online page (gallery, video, obituary, donation link) and then add a single, well‑labelled QR code – usually on the back page.
Resist the urge to add multiple different QR codes; one or two is usually plenty.
Step 4: Plan for Both Print and Digital
If you’d like printed copies and a digital flipbook:
- Finish your design in the online editor.
- Proof‑read it carefully (and ask someone else to check too).
- Order printed copies via:
Funeral Order of Service Printing UK – Next Day Delivery. - Request a digital flipbook version at the same time.
You can then:
- Hand out printed booklets at the service
- Email or message the flipbook link to those who couldn’t attend
- Include the link in any online obituary or memorial page
Step 5: Make Small Sustainable Choices Where You Can
Without adding stress or complexity, you might choose to:
- Use the smallest page count that comfortably fits your content
- Avoid fully ink‑heavy backgrounds where possible
- Print enough copies for guests, but not excessive extras
- Combine print with digital so nobody misses out, even if you print fewer booklets
Every little decision adds up – and none of them need to compromise beauty or respect.
Common Mistakes with New Template Trends (And How to Avoid Them)
When families first start using QR codes, flipbooks and minimalist designs, a few patterns crop up.
Too Many Digital Elements at Once
- Multiple QR codes linking to different places
- Long instructions that clutter the page
- Over‑complicated “tech” language
Better: One or two QR codes, very clearly labelled, and keep the running order itself simple.
Forgetting to Test QR Codes and Links
A QR code that goes nowhere is more frustrating than helpful.
Always:
- Test on at least two phones
- Check the link works on mobile data (not just your home Wi‑Fi)
- Ensure the destination page looks good on a phone screen
Over‑Minimalist Layouts that Reduce Readability
Sometimes in the quest to be minimal, people make text too small or pale.
Fix:
- Prioritise readability over style every time.
- Keep font sizes generous and colours high‑contrast.
- Remember guests may be emotional and not in the mood to squint.
“Eco” Choices that Don’t Suit the Context
Recycled‑look papers or ultra‑light stocks can sometimes feel too flimsy for a keepsake.
Fix:
- Aim for good‑quality paper with a natural feel, not the thinnest possible option.
- Keep the booklet simple, but still treat it as something people will want to keep.
Looking Ahead: Timeless, Not Trendy
The goal with any funeral order of service template – trends or no trends – is simple:
- Honour the person
- Support guests through the service
- Create a keepsake that will still feel right in years to come
QR codes, digital flipbooks, sustainable design and minimalist aesthetics are all tools that can help you do that better in 2026. The key is to use them lightly and thoughtfully.
If you’re ready to start, choose a template that feels right here:
Free funeral order of service templates – easily customisable.
When your design is ready, we can print it with care – and provide a digital flipbook if you wish:
Funeral Order of Service Printing UK – Next Day Delivery.
