Funeral Order of Service Examples
Browse a selection of beautifully designed funeral order of service examples to inspire your own creation.
Music serves as a profound part of life, often embodying the essence of us all. In the context of a funeral, selecting songs that resonate with the life and spirit of your loved one is not just a tradition, it is a celebration of their unique story. This guide aims to navigate you through the thoughtful process of choosing funeral songs that honour the older generation, helping you to commemorate their legacy with dignity and love.
Choosing the right music is an essential part of crafting a meaningful funeral order of service. Explore our Funeral Order of Service page for tips and templates to create a programme that honours your loved one.
Selecting funeral songs is a deeply personal process, one that reflects the personality, life experiences, and preferences of the departed. It's an opportunity to pay homage to their era, their life's soundtrack, and the sounds that moved them.
Below is a list of songs that may resonate with the older generation, each with its legacy of emotion and timeless appeal.
In the solemnity of farewell, certain hymns resonate deeply within the British tradition, offering comfort and solace. We see these come up again and again in the funeral orders of service our customers create. These enduring songs serve as a bridge across generations, evoking a collective memory of faith and continuity:
These hymns, with their evocative lyrics and melodies, offer a meaningful accompaniment to moments of reflection, remembrance, and the heartfelt goodbye.
Music's role in the art of dying well is profound and far-reaching. Maggie, the Director of the Centre for the Art of Dying Well, shares:
“When words aren’t enough, God gave us music – a means to share truth, beauty, and emotion in a way that touches the depths of the soul and gives us a glimpse of eternity.” — Maggie, Director of the Centre for the Art of Dying Well
Understanding the legal considerations when playing music at a funeral is crucial. Generally, funerals are considered private events, and copyright restrictions are more lenient. However, if you plan to record or livestream the service, be mindful of copyright laws and obtain the necessary permissions to honour your loved one's memory without legal hindrance.
In the moments of planning a farewell that honours the unique life of your loved one, every detail matters. The music you choose weaves a tapestry of memories, a backdrop to the celebration of a life. Similarly, the funeral order of service holds a special place in this commemoration, serving as a tangible keepsake that encapsulates the essence of the day and the spirit of the person you're remembering.
We understand that creating a funeral program amidst a time of grief can be a challenging task. To assist you in crafting an order of service that is both beautiful and befitting, we invite you to explore our collection of carefully designed funeral order of service templates. Each template is created with the utmost respect and sensitivity, designed to help you create a meaningful tribute that resonates with the legacy of your loved one.
Our templates offer a range of styles and themes, ensuring that you can find the perfect match to reflect the personality, life, and preferences of the person you're honouring. Whether you're looking for something classic and timeless or more personalised and unique, our collection aims to provide you with a foundation to build upon, easing the burden during this difficult time.
View our funeral order of service templates, a resource created with the hope of making the process of saying goodbye a little easier. As you navigate through this period of reflection and remembrance, remember that you're not alone. We're here to support you in creating a lasting tribute, a final farewell that truly encapsulates the love and memories shared.
Choosing funeral songs for the older generation is an act of love, a final tribute to their life's melody. It's about creating a moment of reflection, celebration, and closure for those gathered to say farewell. As you embark on this journey, let the music you select resonate with the essence of your loved one, forever preserving their memory in the harmony of their favourite music.
Your journey through grief and remembrance is a path you need not walk alone. We are here to support you, share stories, and offer guidance. Connect with us or comment below to find solace, share your chosen funeral songs, and celebrate the lives of those who've left an indelible mark on our hearts.
The Expert Insight shared in this post was provided by Maggie Doherty, Director of the Centre for the Art of Dying Well at St Mary’s University, London. With her extensive background in communication, stakeholder relations, and strategic development, Maggie is a recognised figure in the conversation about living and dying well. Her focus on the role of digital health in end-of-life and bereavement care is at the forefront of modern approaches to dying well.
Passionate about governance and ethics, Maggie is also a trustee at St Joseph’s Hospice and brings a depth of knowledge to creating compassionate spaces and projects that promote interdisciplinary work and honour the lived experience. She holds membership in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, further underscoring her commitment to excellence in her field.
For more on Maggie’s work and the Centre for the Art of Dying Well, please visit her profile on St Mary's University's website.
With over 30 years of dedicated service in the funeral stationery industry, Alec brings a profound depth of understanding and compassion to the delicate task of creating funeral orders of service and accompanying stationery. His journey began in 1990, driven by a mission to support families during their most challenging times, providing them with a tangible piece of remembrance that honours the legacy of their loved ones.
In the early days, orders were designed and fulfilled offline but with ever more sophisticated online editors becoming available we started the move online in 2010. And were one of the earliest adopters to do so in the UK for Funeral Stationery.
Over time, with the increasing robustness of online systems and customers' growing confidence in embracing online ordering, the business has gradually transitioned to primarily serving an online clientele.
However, online ordering isn’t for everyone and the nature of families’ circumstances during a bereavement means that Funeral Stationery 4U will always have room to provide an offline service for those that require the help and guidance of experienced support staff.
Throughout his time as a funeral stationer, Alec has worked closely with hundreds of families, listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and crafting stationery that reflects the personality and life of the departed. His expertise encompasses a deep knowledge of what makes each farewell special and meaningful.
Alec has provided solace and support to those grieving. Recognising families' evolving needs and preferences, he has integrated uplifting designs with traditional touches, ensuring that every order of service commemorates loved ones befittingly.
As a leading authority in funeral stationery, Alec is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences through his blog, offering guidance to both families planning a farewell for a loved one and fellow professionals seeking to enhance their service to grieving families. His contributions to the field are driven by a heartfelt understanding of the importance of his work and a commitment to supporting others during their time of loss.
Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his expertise and career.
Funeral order of service examples can help you create a meaningful tribute that guides attendees through a ceremony. Understanding what a funeral order of service is can help guide attendees through the ceremony while paying tribute to the departed. Our comprehensive guide offers tips, examples, and inspiration to help you create a beautiful and personalised tribute.
For a variety of funeral order of service design templates, including customisable covers and inner page examples, explore our collection to start creating a programme that truly reflects your loved one’s memory.
A funeral order of service is a booklet given to attendees as they arrive at a funeral or memorial service. It outlines the structure of the ceremony, including hymns, readings, and eulogies, serving as a guide for participants and a keepsake to remember the day.
Creating a meaningful order of service can seem daunting, but with the right tools and resources, you can create a beautiful tribute that reflects your loved one's life story.
For customisable covers and inner page examples, explore our Funeral Order of Service templates to get started on designing a programme that honours your loved one.
For those adhering to traditional religious ceremonies, our examples describe how to weave in customary elements like prayers, hymns, and blessings while leaving room for personal touches.
A traditional Christian funeral service often includes hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible. The order of service may begin with a musical prelude, followed by a welcome message, opening prayer, hymns, a eulogy, scripture readings, a sermon, and concludes with a benediction and committal service.
Read our detailed guide 'A Comprehensive guide to Christian Order of Service Programmes and see our Christian Designs. For information and guidance on planning a Christian faith service, Funeral Partners UK has detailed information to help.
Classic Jewish memorials focus on prayers, remembrances, and the Mourner's Kaddish. The service might include the chanting of Psalms, a eulogy (hesped), El Malei Rachamim (a prayer asking for the soul's peaceful rest), and the concluding Kaddish, which mourners recite together.
For more information, visit CPJ Field's Jewish Funeral Guide.
An Islamic Janazah funeral service includes a Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer) which is performed by the community and emphasises collective prayer for the deceased. The service is concise, with no music or readings, focusing instead on prayers for forgiveness and mercy for the deceased.
Visit Islamic Burials' practical guide for Muslims
Modern services often blend various elements, reflecting the unique life and personality of the departed. These examples demonstrate how to incorporate modern readings, music, and personal anecdotes.
A Celebration of Life service is personalised and often non-religious, focusing on celebrating the deceased's life, achievements, and memories. It might include personal stories, favourite music, photo displays, and even themed decorations reflecting the interests or hobbies of the departed.
Non-religious or secular memorial services focus on the life and legacy of the deceased without religious rituals. These services often include readings of poetry or literature, personal reminiscences, a moment of silence, and perhaps a symbolic gesture, like a candle lighting.
For more detailed examples of a non-religious services, Humanist UK provides comprehensive information.
An eco-friendly ceremony emphasises returning to nature without harming the environment. The service might take place in a natural burial ground, with readings and actions that highlight the deceased's love for nature, including biodegradable urns or caskets and the planting of a memorial tree.
For more ideas and guidance, visit Poppy's Funerals.
A themed service can reflect the hobbies, career, or passions of your loved one, making the ceremony deeply personal and memorable.
This themed service celebrates the deceased’s passion for music, featuring performances or the playing of their favourite songs, musical tributes, and personal stories about their love for music. The program might list the songs played, the performers, and the significance of each piece to the departed.
A gardener's farewell focuses on their love for gardening and nature. The service could include floral arrangements from their garden, a seed packet memorial gift for attendees, and readings or poems about gardening and the cycle of life.
MarkYourOccassion.com has helpful guidance for gardeners and garden lovers, or visit The Royal Horticultural Society website for inspiration.
A veteran's service honours their military service, often including military honours such as the folding and presenting of the national flag, the playing of Taps, and recognition of their service achievements. The order of service may reflect a patriotic theme and include readings or remembrances that highlight their dedication and sacrifice.
For more information, visit Dignityfunerals.co.uk
Creating a personalised funeral order of service involves reflecting on what made your loved one unique. Consider including:
We offer customisable templates and design services to help you craft the perfect tribute. Contact us or visit our Done For You page for more details.
A funeral order of service is more than just a guide to the ceremony; it's a celebration of a life and a final tribute to your loved one. We hope these examples inspire you to create something beautiful and meaningful. We're here to support you every step of the way, from inspiration to the final print.
Ready to design your own? Visit our Funeral Order of Service page for templates, inspiration, and step-by-step guidance.
With over 30 years of dedicated service in the funeral stationery industry, Alec brings a profound depth of understanding and compassion to the delicate task of creating funeral orders of service and accompanying stationery. His journey began in 1990, driven by a mission to support families during their most challenging times, providing them with a tangible piece of remembrance that honours the legacy of their loved ones.
In the early days, orders were designed and fulfilled offline but with ever more sophisticated online editors becoming available we started the move online in 2010. And were one of the earliest adopters to do so in the UK for Funeral Stationery.
Over time, with the increasing robustness of online systems and customers' growing confidence in embracing online ordering, the business has gradually transitioned to primarily serving an online clientele.
However, online ordering isn’t for everyone and the nature of families’ circumstances during a bereavement means that Funeral Stationery 4U will always have room to provide an offline service for those that require the help and guidance of experienced support staff.
Throughout his time as a funeral stationer, Alec has worked closely with hundreds of families, listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and crafting stationery that reflects the personality and life of the departed. His expertise encompasses a deep knowledge of what makes each farewell special and meaningful.
Alec has provided solace and support to those grieving. Recognising families' evolving needs and preferences, he has integrated uplifting designs with traditional touches, ensuring that every order of service commemorates loved ones befittingly.
As a leading authority in funeral stationery, Alec is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences through his blog, offering guidance to both families planning a farewell for a loved one and fellow professionals seeking to enhance their service to grieving families. His contributions to the field are driven by a heartfelt understanding of the importance of his work and a commitment to supporting others during their time of loss.
Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his expertise and career.
Planning a funeral involves many decisions, and understanding the timing of the event is one of the most critical. From how soon after death a funeral should be held to the best time of day for the service, timing affects not just logistics but also emotional well-being.
At Funeral Stationery 4U, we have over 30 years of experience creating funeral orders of service, giving us valuable insight into many aspects of funeral planning. This guide covers everything you need to know about funeral timings, including service scheduling, duration, cultural considerations, and practical tips to help you plan a meaningful farewell.
Funeral timing refers to two key aspects: when the funeral takes place and how long the service lasts. In the UK, funerals typically occur within two to three weeks after death, but several factors—such as religious customs, family availability, and legal requirements—can influence the schedule. The duration of a funeral service can also vary depending on cultural traditions, the type of service, and personal preferences.
Funeral proceedings vary widely, but a typical schedule may proceed as follows. Please note that we have used the starting time only as an example for ease of calculating the various timelines involved.
*Note: Crematoria often operate on strict time schedules, typically offering 30-minute slots. If a large gathering is expected or the service may take longer, consider booking a double slot to avoid time pressures. There may be additional costs involved, but it helps prevent the stress of overlapping services.
Understanding funeral timings involves balancing legal, cultural, and emotional factors. Whether planning a traditional burial, a cremation, or a modern memorial service, timing is essential to ensuring the funeral honours the deceased and supports the needs of family and friends.
If you’re planning a funeral and need personalised stationery, we offer beautiful funeral templates, superior materials, same-day printing and next-working-day delivery to ensure your order of service is ready on time.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in the funeral stationery industry, Alec Sharples brings deep insight into every aspect of planning a meaningful farewell. Having supported countless families through the complexities of arranging funerals, Alec understands how crucial timing can be in creating a respectful and well-organised service.
Since starting his journey in 1990, Alec has been committed to offering compassionate support and expert guidance. His work focuses not only on providing beautifully crafted funeral orders of service but also on helping families navigate the often-overlooked elements of funeral planning, including scheduling and timing.
Alec was one of the first in the UK funeral stationery sector to embrace online ordering, recognising the importance of convenience and accessibility for grieving families. Despite this shift, he remains dedicated to offering personalised offline support for those who need extra assistance during such difficult times.
Throughout his career, Alec has worked with hundreds of families to ensure every detail of the farewell reflects the individuality of their loved ones. His extensive understanding of funeral timings, ceremonies, and cultural considerations allows him to guide families through each stage with care and clarity.
As a trusted authority in funeral stationery and planning, Alec shares his knowledge through this blog, offering practical advice on topics such as service scheduling, funeral durations, and the importance of personalisation. His mission is to ease the burden on families while ensuring every farewell is a meaningful tribute.
Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his expertise and compassionate approach to funeral planning.
Saying goodbye to someone close is a deeply emotional time. If you are planning a funeral or memorial service as well, it can feel overwhelming.
Among the many details to consider, who you choose for your Funeral Order of Service printing holds a special significance.
In this article, we explore the key factors in funeral printing. And … what to look out for when printing a funeral service booklet.
We’ll also find out why small, personal touches are so important when celebrating the life of someone dear.
An Order of Service for a funeral serves as a lasting tribute to the life and legacy of the departed. It also provides a cherished keepsake for family and friends to remember someone close. With a little thought and careful design, you will be able to create a warm portrayal of the individual's life. And … the impact they had on those around them.
One of the key advantages of arranging your own printing is the ability to customise your content. And to do so in a way that reflects the unique personality and interests of the deceased. Things that you may wish to include might be photographs, favourite poems, or quotations. All allow you to celebrate the incredibly special life they led. And … in a way that echoes their personality, beliefs, and values.
The freedom to choose will help you to bring a truly special tone to the service.
A memorial booklet’s first job is to provide a clear outline of the service. It ensures that those attending understand the sequence of events. And … for them to be able to follow the readings, hymns, and eulogies. By providing this guidance, it allows mourners to take full part in the service. And … for them to find comfort in the shared experience of remembering.
But the service is also a celebration of life. And this is why more families are choosing designs which are bright and full of colour. This is why printing stunning photo pages plays such a significant part in this.
A typical order of service has just four pages or panels. And the written content would only fill two of those pages. Although Catholic orders of service are usually longer.
So, there is no reason why you shouldn’t turn a 4-page memorial booklet into one with eight or even 12 pages.
The service booklet should include sections which helps those attending pause for thought. Giving them time to reflect on the life of the departed.
This might involve adding pictures. You may wish to include major achievements and other key moments in their life.
Don’t worry if some of the images have aged badly or faded. This just adds a wonderful sense of time and place as the family’s most treasured memories are shared with the congregation.
Involving mourners in this way will create a feeling of closeness which will help many in the healing process.
It is important to choose a good printer so that the finished booklets respect the memory of your loved one.
A printer with the necessary presses which can print on heavy card. And one which has the equipment to crease, fold and bind funeral order of service booklets.
Professional printers will also stock a range of paper and card weights to help you create an enduring tribute for you.
They can also provide guidance on typestyles and design choices. This means that the finished product looks appealing and fitting for the occasion.
Professional designers will also be able to give you a wider range of design styles for you to choose from.
Colourful floral themes and picture pages are widely popular. So, check that your designer will place these with care.
It will help the designer if you can tell them what your favourite colours are. And … topics such as hobbies and activities so that these can be used in the design.
Funeral order of service printing plays a big role in honouring the life of a loved one. And it provides great comfort to grieving families by giving a thoughtful and fitting tribute.
With careful thought and use of personal touches you can create a truly special keepsake. One that celebrates the life and values of the person who has passed away.
Remember, the order of service booklet is not just the running order for the service. It is a powerful tool for healing and remembrance during a time of loss.
Our mission is to help you every step of the way with Funeral Order of Service printing.
Call us on 01824708804, our helplines are open between 9am and 5pm on Monday to Friday.
You can also get in touch with us via the contact form on our website or email enquries@funeralstationery4u.co.uk, even if it’s just for a quick chat before you get started.
University's website.
With over 30 years of dedicated service in the funeral stationery industry, Alec brings a profound depth of understanding and compassion to the delicate task of creating funeral orders of service and accompanying stationery. His journey began in 1990, driven by a mission to support families during their most challenging times, providing them with a tangible piece of remembrance that honours the legacy of their loved ones.
In the early days, orders were designed and fulfilled offline but with ever more sophisticated online editors becoming available we started the move online in 2010. And were one of the earliest adopters to do so in the UK for Funeral Stationery.
Over time, with the increasing robustness of online systems and customers' growing confidence in embracing online ordering, the business has gradually transitioned to primarily serving an online clientele.
However, online ordering isn’t for everyone and the nature of families’ circumstances during a bereavement means that Funeral Stationery 4U will always have room to provide an offline service for those that require the help and guidance of experienced support staff.
Throughout his time as a funeral stationer, Alec has worked closely with hundreds of families, listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and crafting stationery that reflects the personality and life of the departed. His expertise encompasses a deep knowledge of what makes each farewell special and meaningful.
Alec has provided solace and support to those grieving. Recognising families' evolving needs and preferences, he has integrated uplifting designs with traditional touches, ensuring that every order of service commemorates loved ones befittingly.
As a leading authority in funeral stationery, Alec is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences through his blog, offering guidance to both families planning a farewell for a loved one and fellow professionals seeking to enhance their service to grieving families. His contributions to the field are driven by a heartfelt understanding of the importance of his work and a commitment to supporting others during their time of loss.
Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his expertise and career.
Planning a funeral or memorial service involves numerous decisions. One crucial aspect is selecting a template that’s right for you. The template you select is the foundation for creating a funeral order of service programme that both honours and celebrates the life of a loved one.
In this post, we guide you through the process of choosing a style that reflects the personality, beliefs, and unique life story of the departed.
The template should align with the overall tone and style you envision for the service. You may want more of a traditional and formal design or a more contemporary and uplifting layout.
The template's colour scheme, fonts, and graphics should evoke the desired atmosphere. And … reflect your loved one's personality, hobbies and what made them the person they were.
Consider the religious or spiritual beliefs of your loved one, as well as their personal preferences. The design you choose should enable you to incorporate these.
Additionally, consider the deceased favourite colours, symbols, or quotes. This personal touch will make the order of service feel more meaningful and reflective of their life.
Review the structure and components of the templates ensuring it meets your needs and consider the following elements:
Check if the template offers ample space for the deceased's name, birth and death dates, and any relevant images or symbols.
Ensure the template allows for a comprehensive and organised outline of the sequence of events. These will include prayers, readings, music, eulogies, and any other important components.
Check that the template provides sufficient sections for the specific readings, poems, or passages you plan to include during the service.
Ensure that the template allows you to add photographs and any special acknowledgements. This flexibility enables you to create a more customised and heartfelt order of service.
When checking for the ability to include photos, ensure there are photo montage templates which allow you to create stunning photo pages.
Confirm the template includes a suitable space for closing remarks and a message of remembrance to bring a sense of closure to the service.
This closing section will also include a message of thanks from the family and … give details of any gathering for refreshments after the service.
Ensure the chosen template is user-friendly and accessible to those who will be using it. Consider factors such as the template's format (e.g., Word, PDF) and compatibility with your computer or preferred editing software. A template that is easy to modify and print will save you time and frustration during the creation process.
Many dedicated Funeral Stationery websites offer user-friendly templates that enable the online creation of documents without specialised software requirements. Also check the page size in your chosen template is a standard UK size. Typically, this would be A5. whether you can download or obtain an electronic copy which can be sent to those unable to attend the service in person.
Funeral Stationery providers should provide templates for you free of charge. So, check before you start that there are no hidden charges.
There are occasions when friends and colleagues may not be able to attend the service. If they live far away or abroad even, they may wish to attend the service remotely. The ability to send them an electronic copy of the service could be a huge comfort to them.
Take great care when selecting an appropriate typeface for your Funeral Order of Service Template.
There is often a temptation to choose ornate or script typefaces for titles and headings. But this should be resisted as they can be difficult to read.
The same applies to the main copy. Very fine or decorative type can be extremely difficult to read. Also, consider the age of the congregation. Many may be elderly and have difficulty reading so a nice clean typeface will be all the better for them.
Generally, serf typefaces such as Times New Roman are easier to read than sans serif typefaces.
But this is not always the case so we would recommend that you experiment. Why not consider asking friends or colleagues to check a sample printout to how easy it is to read.
Any good template provider should provide you with a proof to check before submitting your order.
However, online templates may not check your spelling or grammar. We would advise that you type out the content in something like Microsoft Word which will do this for you.
But even Word can’t check elements such as times and dates and postcodes so take great care to double or even triple-check key elements such as these.
If you're unsure where to find a suitable range of template designs, consider seeking inspiration from funeral service providers, grief support organizations, or online resources.
Many websites offer a wide range of templates that can be customised to your liking. Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals who can provide guidance and support in selecting the right one for you.
Choosing the right funeral template is an essential step in planning a meaningful and personalised service for someone who has passed away.
Considering the tone, style, beliefs, and preferences while assessing the template structure and practical aspects. This way, you can find a suitable design that celebrates their life and enables you to create a beautiful tribute.
Remember that during this difficult time you can always turn to professionals who can provide further assistance and support throughout the planning process.
Our Classic and Elegance ranges provide the perfect selection of Funeral Order of Service Template designs to help you every step of the way.
Please call us on 01824 708 804, where our helplines are open between 9am and 5pm on Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, use the contact form on our website or email enquries@funeralstationery4u.co.uk, even if it’s just for a quick chat before you get started.
With over 30 years of dedicated service in the funeral stationery industry, Alec brings a profound depth of understanding and compassion to the delicate task of creating funeral orders of service and accompanying stationery. His journey began in 1990, driven by a mission to support families during their most challenging times, providing them with a tangible piece of remembrance that honours the legacy of their loved ones.
In the early days, orders were designed and fulfilled offline but with ever more sophisticated online editors becoming available we started the move online in 2010. And were one of the earliest adopters to do so in the UK for Funeral Stationery.
Over time, with the increasing robustness of online systems and customers' growing confidence in embracing online ordering, the business has gradually transitioned to primarily serving an online clientele.
However, online ordering isn’t for everyone and the nature of families’ circumstances during a bereavement means that Funeral Stationery 4U will always have room to provide an offline service for those that require the help and guidance of experienced support staff.
Throughout his time as a funeral stationer, Alec has worked closely with hundreds of families, listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and crafting stationery that reflects the personality and life of the departed. His expertise encompasses a deep knowledge of what makes each farewell special and meaningful.
Alec has provided solace and support to those grieving. Recognising families' evolving needs and preferences, he has integrated uplifting designs with traditional touches, ensuring that every order of service commemorates loved ones befittingly.
As a leading authority in funeral stationery, Alec is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences through his blog, offering guidance to both families planning a farewell for a loved one and fellow professionals seeking to enhance their service to grieving families. His contributions to the field are driven by a heartfelt understanding of the importance of his work and a commitment to supporting others during their time of loss.
Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his expertise and career.
Planning a funeral is a deeply emotional and often overwhelming task. One essential step is creating an order of service for a funeral, which provides a clear structure and allows attendees to follow the sequence of events. A well-designed funeral programme serves as a lasting tribute, reflecting the personality and life of your loved one.
This guide will take you through a step-by-step process to ensure your funeral order of service is thoughtful, beautifully designed, and memorable.
Start by collecting all the key details you want to include in the order of service:
Including these details ensures the program is informative and meaningful for attendees.
Creating a logical flow for the service is essential. Below are common components to include:
Consult family members, friends, and the officiant to personalise the service. Keep in mind that hymns or readings can be adapted to suit the tone and beliefs of your loved one’s life.
Choosing readings, poems, and music that resonate with the personality and values of your loved one can make the service deeply personal.
Collaborating with family members ensures the content aligns with the tone of the service. If you’re unsure, a celebrant or officiant can guide you in making selections.
Once the content is finalised, it’s time to create the document. Whether you use professional design software like our funeral templates, or a simple tool like Canva, follow these tips for a polished result:
Most funeral programs are 4 pages (A5 size), but they can extend to 8, 12, or even 16 pages for longer services or photo montages. Save your design as a PDF for compatibility with printers, and check the print provider's guidelines before submission.
If you're unsure about layouts or designs, explore our Funeral Order of Service Examples for inspiration and ideas.
Creating a funeral order of service can be overwhelming. Ask family members or friends to help gather details, proofread the design, or liaise with the printer. This not only eases the burden but also allows for a collaborative tribute.
Printing enough copies ensures all attendees can follow along during the service. It’s better to have a few extra copies for those unable to attend or as keepsakes for family and friends.
Q: What size should a funeral order of service be?
A: The most common size is A5, but the number of pages can vary depending on the amount of content.
Q: How many pages might I need?
A: Booklets start with 4 pages and go up in increments of 4 (because each page has two sides). So you can have a 4, 8, 12, 16 and so on pages depending on the amount of content you wish to include. You can also have a single sheet leaflet style order of service which has two sides.
Q: Can I create a funeral order of service myself?
A: Yes, you can use tools like Canva, Microsoft Publisher, and online templates from funeral stationery providers like our own.
Q: How many copies should I print?
A: Estimate the number of attendees and print a few extras to ensure everyone has one.
If you need help creating an order of service for a funeral, we’re here to guide you. At Funeral Stationery 4U, we provide beautifully designed templates and next-day printing to make the process as smooth as possible.
Call us on 01824 708 804 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email assist@fs4u.co.uk to discuss your needs.
Browse a selection of beautifully designed funeral order of service examples to inspire your own creation.
Ensure nothing is missed with this comprehensive checklist for planning a meaningful funeral service.
Find helpful tips for selecting hymns, poems, and readings that reflect the personality of your loved one.
Memorial cards are often handed out at funerals as small tokens and mementos of remembrance. They aren’t often very long but are a lovely way to pay tribute to a lost loved one and give those in attendance something special to take away.
Oftentimes you will include a picture of the deceased, usually a happy one where they are smiling and enjoying their time so that people can look at the card and remember them as they were, at their best and happiest.
Traditionally, you would also include their name and birthdate, as well as the date they passed away and you may also choose to add their age as well. This provides some information for guests and also allows you to keep note of the important landmark dates of their life.
Poetry, religious verses, quotes and other sayings are often used on a memorial card. Often these will relate to what the person was interested in, whether it is an inspirational quote from themselves, a memorable passage from their favourite book or a poem that speaks to who they were as a person.
This is a lovely way to personalise the memorial card and make it something that truly reflects your lost loved one. You may also wish to include a small passage talking about them, who they were as a person and reminisce about some of their favourite pastimes and special moments in their life.
Memorial cards are entirely customisable and can be as classic or untraditional as your life.
Making sure they reflect the deceased and showcase them in a celebratory, special way as one last token to take away from the funeral is important. Try and include content that you know they would enjoy, find funny or feel touched by.
John Motson was a household name for decades as a football commentator, with his passing last month at the age of 77 being widely mourned.
His funeral date has been announced as March 24th, the Racing Post reported, with the service taking place at the Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes.
The details reported were fairly scant, with the paper breaking news of the funeral because Motson’s other great sporting love was racing and he part-owned a horse.
However, one notable element was that no flowers were requested. This is the kind of detail that can often be planned for a funeral ahead of time, often with the wishes of the deceased being expressed in their later days.
This may well have been the case for Motson, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014. Indeed, a theme of the event will be that donations will be accepted for Bobby Moore Fund and Bowel Cancer UK.
While there may be no floral elements present, other details accompanying the funeral order of service are sure to include some notable sporting aspects focused on football and racing, with a 50-year career at the BBC offering a copious back catalogue of famous commentary moments and quotes to remember.
However, as much as his famous description of a goal scored by Ronnie Radford for then non-league Hereford in the 1972 FA Cup, or his quote after Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 final that “the crazy gang have beaten the culture club”, perhaps the most famous sight was less of Motson speaking, but shivering in his famous sheepskin coat in a blizzard after a game was postponed.
Indeed, it may be that one of the personalised elements will involve a lot of sheepskin coats at the ceremony. The commentator had several made by Savile Row tailors and one of them is in the National Football Museum in Manchester.
The death of a friend, relative or loved one can be a devastating shock, one that can take some time to process. It also leads to two instinctive schools of thought when it comes to making arrangements for funeral dates, funeral stationery and making preparations with a place of rest.
Some people, understandably, need more time to register what has happened, not only officially but also mentally, whilst others want to arrange a date as soon as possible so they can celebrate the person’s life and say their farewells, as well as according to particular wishes or religious beliefs.
There is no right or wrong answer to this, and a funeral date is typically set based on the days the majority of family and friends can make, the availability of the funeral director, church or crematorium, as well as other extenuating circumstances which may delay the ceremony.
Typically, funerals take place on a weekday in the middle of the day, from late morning until early afternoon, to take into account that some people may need to travel a considerable distance to make the ceremony, as well as give time for a wake.
It is possible for a funeral to be booked on a weekend if that is the only day many of the guests can make, but these often have more limited availability and may cost more due to the difficulty of making arrangements alongside traditional Sunday service.
Funerals can also be held at night, but because this often involves staff working outside of business hours it would need to be a special request and may also incur additional charges.
There is no official need to rush. As long as the death certificate is registered within five days, a funeral can be arranged whenever the time is right for you, your family and your loved ones to make the proper arrangements to appropriately celebrate their life.
Arranging a funeral when dealing with grief is very difficult for most people, especially when so many decisions need to be made at a time when your mind feels numb and foggy.
To make one decision easier for you, we reveal the most popular hymns to include in a funeral’s order of service.
Christian funerals feature traditional hymns, and, according to Dignity Funerals, Jerusalem is the most commonly-chosen one.
Indeed, many people admit to feeling emotional when singing: “And did those feet in ancient times / Walk upon England’s mountain green? / And was the holy Lamb of God / On England’s pleasant pastures seen?”
Another favourite hymn is Amazing Grace. This is just as often sung accompanied by bagpipes as it is in gospel churches, making it a universally-loved song.
The lyrics, which include “I once was lost, but now am found / Was blind, but now I see”, tell the story of finding harmony in death, which often gives mourners a sense of peace.
Abide with Me is frequently sung at funerals, as well as at military services across the Commonwealth, Sunlife revealed.
It is written as a prayer seeking guidance from God during difficult times, including death.
“Abide with me; fast falls the eventide / The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide / When other helpers fail and comforts flee / Help of the helpless, O abide with me.”
2024 © Copyright Funeral Stationery 4U