A funeral program order of service is a small booklet that helps family and friends know what will happen during a loved one’s funeral or memorial service. It shares important details about the person who passed away and shows the schedule of events for the service. This booklet can also be a keepsake to remember the person.
Creating a funeral program order of service may seem overwhelming, but taking it step by step can help make the process easier. It’s a thoughtful way to honour your loved one and help everyone recollect the memorable moments they shared.
To create a funeral program, the following information is necessary:
- Full Name of the Deceased
- Date of Birth
- Date of Death
- Date and time of funeral service
- Funeral location
- Officiant’s name (optional)
- Wake or Gathering Information (if planned)
- Sequence of Events during the Service
- Musical Selections (entrance music, hymns, exit music)
- Poems or Readings
- Photos
- Preferred Charities or Organizations for Donations (If any)
- Acknowledgments to Those Who Provided Support
- Mention of Special Friends or Family Members (Optional)
The information mentioned above is just an example of a funeral order of service. You can choose to put more or less information—it’s completely up to you.
Funeral program design and templates
Choose from our carefully designed funeral program templates to create a meaningful and honourable environment as you bid farewell to your loved one. These templates are a practical and beautiful way to guide attendees through the funeral ceremony, as well as providing a physical keepsake for those who want to remember their loved ones.
Our templates cater to a variety of styles, from classic and traditional to modern or more customized designs. You can select the one that best represents the personality of your loved one.
Step-by-step guide to help you create a funeral program order of service:
| Steps | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a Layout or Template | Decide on a layout and see how many pages booklet you require. | Many online resources offer free templates such as canva. We also offer over 100’s template to choose from |
| 2. Gather Information | Collect essential details like the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, and photos. Also, decide on the order of events, readings, and special notes. | Include personal touches, like favorite quotes, memories, or songs. |
| 3. Plan the Order of Service | Outline the flow of the service, including welcome remarks, prayers, readings, eulogies, and closing remarks. | Listing the names of speakers, readers, or performers helps guests follow along. |
| 4. Select Photos | Choose meaningful photos, such as a recent portrait for the cover and other images for a timeline or collage. | Use high-resolution photos to ensure quality printing. |
| 5. Design the Program | Arrange the elements on each page, adding sections like the obituary, acknowledgments, and service details. | Use readable fonts and ensure a clean, respectful design. You can also use our free “design it for me” service. |
| 6. Review and Proofread | Check for accuracy, spelling, and overall flow. It helps to have another person review it as well. | Double-check names, dates, and any special messages. |
| 7. Print the funeral program | Choose print option based on budget and time. | Opt for quality paper stock and lamination to create a durable keepsake. |
| 8. Distribute at the Service | Ensure copies are available for guests at the service | Consider mailing a few copies to those unable to attend. |
Do you provide assistance or templates to write a funeral order of service?
We provide start-to-finish assistance for creating and writing funeral program order of service content. We also have a detailed guide available that provides tips and practical advice to help you personalize the content of the order of service.
What does a funeral program look like?
A funeral program is typically a booklet or folded card that includes a cover page, order of service, and additional sections like the obituary, quotes, or photos.
How do I organize the order of service in the program?
List the events in the order they will occur in the funeral or memorial program. Include the name of each speaker or performer as it can also be helpful for guests to follow along.
Do I need special software to design a funeral program?
No, you can use our easy friendly design tool or there are simple online tools like Canva, Word templates, PowerPoint that can help you create a beautiful funeral program design without professional design software.
Can I get help with designing and printing funeral program order of service?
Yes, we offer free design service and help from start to finish. And our funeral program printing is high quality professional printed
Funeral order of service printing specifications:
Folded Leaflets: All cards are supplied folded.
Premium Paper Options: Printed on 350 GSM and 200 GSM high quality paper.
Full-Color Printing: High-quality, full-color prints on both sides.
Why is an order of service used at a funeral?
An order of service at a funeral is used to guide guests through each part of the ceremony, helping everyone follow along with the planned events. It provides structure to the service, outlining what will happen and in what order, such as prayers, readings, the eulogy, music, and closing remarks.
This guide can offer comfort to guests by giving them a sense of what to expect during the service. It also honors the memory of the deceased by sharing details about their life, favorite poems, or personal quotes. For many, it becomes a keepsake that serves as a lasting tribute to their loved one.
Can I include photos in the funeral program order of service?
Absolutely, adding photos to a funeral program order of service is a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved one. Photos can make the program feel more personal, bringing warmth and connection to the ceremony. You might include a main photo on the cover, and additional images throughout, such as a photo collage or a timeline showcasing memorable moments from their life.
When selecting photos, consider recent images, childhood snapshots, or pictures of special occasions. High-quality images are best for printing, as they’ll ensure the final program looks polished and respectful. Including these photos creates a meaningful keepsake for guests, something they can hold onto to remember and cherish your loved one long after the service.
How much does it cost to create a funeral program order of service?
The cost of creating a funeral program order of service can vary based on factors like printing options, lamination and the quantity needed.
