What is a funeral order of service?
Funeral order of service is a printed booklet that serves as a comprehensive guide to the funeral ceremony or service. This booklet typically contains relevant information about the deceased individual, often including photographs, and it outlines the sequence of events and proceedings during the service.
The purpose of a printed order of service is to facilitate active participation of attendees by providing them with necessary information. Each attendee at the funeral receives a copy of the orders of service, which are typically printed in A5 format and can have up to 20 pages.
However, these funeral booklets can be completely customized in terms of its size, length, content, and layout, enabling a traditional or personalized approach depending on personal preferences.
What should be included in a funeral order of service?
Specific details may vary based on cultural or religious practices in funeral order of service booklets. Here are several common components that can be included in a typical funeral order of service:
Cover Page:
The cover page should feature the following:
- Name of the deceased
- Their date of birth and death
- Photograph of the deceased (however, some families choose not to include a photograph at all, and this is a personal decision that is equally meaningful)
- Date, time and location of the service
- A meaningful quote (optional)
Inside Page (Order of Service):
Entrance Music:
Music played as the guests enters the venue, setting the tone of the ceremony. The songs played at the opening could be a hymn, a classical or modern piece, or the deceased’s favourite song.
Introduction and Welcome:
It set the tone for the service and express gratitude to attendees for their presence. It is often delivered by an officiant, a loved one or a close friend of the deceased.
Hymns or Songs:
Include full lyrics or references from hymns or songs. If guests will be singing it, you can include complete lyrics, if not simply mentioning the title of the hymn is enough.
Poems, Prayers or Readings:
They offer comfort, a personal tribute and reflection during the funeral or memorial ceremony. Families often choose meaningful poems, passages, or texts for celebration of life and character of their loved one.
Eulogy or Tribute:
It’s the speech made during a funeral ceremony to honour someone’s life and legacy. It can be given by family members, ministers, close friend or a celebrant.
Reflection or Silent Moment:
A formal pause in the service for a moment of quiet, allowing everyone to reflect on their personal memories of the deceased and process the emotion.
Committal or Farewell:
The committal marks the final farewell as the deceased is laid to rest. The process of committal honours the deceased’s connection to nature, reflecting the cycle of life through acts like burial, scattering ashes or planting a tree.
Closing Remarks:
Closing words that bring the ceremony to an end, offering respectful farewell to the deceased.
Exit music:
Music played as the guests leave the venue. The songs played can be a hymn, a classical or modern music.
Back Page:
Acknowledgements and Thank You:
A thank-you message for guests for attending the service and showing support in the difficult time.
Donation details (If any):
Information about the charity details chosen by the family of the deceased.
Photo of the deceased (Optional):
The back page of the order of service for funeral booklet can feature another photo of the deceased for a cherished keepsake.
Wake Information:
The location and time of the reception after the funeral service can be mentioned on the back page of the funeral booklet.
Tips:
- If there will be a post-service procession, provide instructions on the order in which attendees should leave the venue or follow designated vehicles.
- Include the contact details of the funeral home, the family, or any designated points of contact for attendees who may require further assistance or wish to extend condolences.
Funeral Order of service Template Designs
Some order of service templates for funeral aim to capture the essence of the individual’s life and provide attendees with a thoughtful guide to the funeral celebration of life.
Some of the designs ideas are:
- Simple and Elegant Design
- Custom Illustrations
- Photo Collage
- Thematic Elements
- Meaningful Quotes
- Nature-Inspired Design
- Personalized Covers
- Cultural or Religious Influences
Simple and Elegant Design
A minimalist approach can convey a sense of grace and tranquillity. Opt for clean lines, subdued colour schemes, and minimal embellishments. This design style allows the focus to remain on the content and the memories being shared.
Custom Illustrations
You can include some illustrations that can be integrated throughout the funeral order of service, offering a unique and heartfelt touch.
Photo collage
Gather the photos of the person’s life’s progression and put them together in a pleasing collage to showcase the person’s journey while preserving memories.
Thematic Elements
Incorporate a theme that was significant to the deceased. It could be a favourite flower, a hobby, or a cherished place. Use relevant symbols, patterns, or motifs to infuse the order of service with a personal touch.
Meaningful Quotes
Choose moving quotes that reflect the deceased’s life and ideals. Include these quotes prominently in the design so that they can encourage and comfort individuals in attendance.
Nature-Inspired Design
Design that draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating elements like leaves, birds, or landscapes, can symbolize the cycle of life and provide a sense of serenity and connection to nature.
Personalized Covers
Craft a cover page that showcases a favourite photograph of the deceased, paired with their name and dates of birth and the date they passed away. This personalized touch adds a heartfelt and intimate element to the funeral order of service.
Cultural or Religious Influences
You can tailor the design to reflect the cultural or religious background of the departed. Incorporate symbols, patterns, or colours that hold special significance in their tradition.
