Looking for examples of funeral order of service booklets? You've found the UK's most comprehensive collection. Below you'll discover real-world layouts with complete wording you can copy and adapt, from traditional religious services to contemporary celebrations of life. Plus, download our free 24-page PDF guide with templates you can use immediately.
Free Download: Funeral Order of Service Examples Guide
See real booklet layouts with wording you can copy, plus practical design pointers. Keep this PDF by your side while you plan.
An order of service is the small booklet given to attendees as they arrive. It guides people through the ceremony (hymns, readings, tributes) and becomes a keepsake. For a full breakdown of structure, sizes, and paper stocks, see our Funeral Order of Service guide.
Essential Elements to Include in Your Order of Service
Every funeral order of service should contain certain fundamental elements, regardless of the type of ceremony. Here's what you should consider including:
Front Cover Information
Full name of the deceased
Birth and death dates
A meaningful photograph
Service date, time, and location
A relevant quote, scripture, or poem
Inside Pages Structure
Welcome and Introduction: Opening words from family or officiant
Order of Events: Clear timeline of the service
Readings and Prayers: Full text of any readings
Hymns and Music: Song titles and verses if appropriate
Eulogy Section: Space for tribute information
Personal Tributes: Stories and memories
Photographs: A selection of meaningful images
Back Cover
Thank you message from the family
Information about post-service gathering
Charitable donation requests if applicable
Final blessing or poem
Traditional Religious Services
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.
Example 1: Traditional Christian Service
Complete Christian Funeral Service Order
1. Prelude Music (5 minutes)
Soft instrumental or organ music as guests arrive
2. Welcome and Opening Prayer (5 minutes)
"We gather today in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to celebrate the life of [Name] and to commend their soul to God's eternal care."
3. Opening Hymn (5 minutes)
Suggested: "Amazing Grace" or "How Great Thou Art"
4. Scripture Readings (10 minutes)
Old Testament: Psalm 23 — "The Lord is my shepherd"
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 — "Death is swallowed up in victory"
Gospel: John 14:1–6 — "In my Father's house are many rooms"
5. Eulogy (10–15 minutes)
Personal tribute delivered by family member or close friend
6. Hymn (5 minutes)
Suggested: "Abide with Me" or "The Lord's My Shepherd"
7. Prayers of Intercession (5 minutes)
Prayers for the deceased, family, and congregation
8. The Lord's Prayer (3 minutes)
Recited together by all present
9. Commendation and Farewell (5 minutes)
Final prayers commending the soul to God
10. Closing Hymn (5 minutes)
Suggested: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"
11. Benediction (2 minutes)
Final blessing from the minister
12. Recessional Music
Music as the congregation leaves
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.
Eulogy (Hesped) — Delivered by rabbi or family member
El Malei Rachamim — Memorial prayer for the soul's peaceful rest
Kaddish — The mourner's prayer recited by family
Committal at Graveside — Earth thrown on coffin by mourners
Typical Service Duration: 20–30 minutes
Note: Jewish funerals are typically simple and focus on prayers rather than eulogies. Music and flowers are not traditional elements.
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.
Second Takbir — Durood (blessings upon Prophet Muhammad)
Third Takbir — Dua (supplication for the deceased)
Fourth Takbir — Final dua and Salam
Service Characteristics
No music or singing
Brief and focused on prayer
Community participation essential
Prayers for forgiveness and mercy
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.
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.
Example 5: Celebration of Life Service
Celebration of Life Order of Service
1. Welcome and Gathering Music (10 minutes)
Playlist of the deceased's favourite songs as guests arrive
2. Welcome Address (5 minutes)
"We gather today not to mourn a death, but to celebrate a life well-lived and the joy [Name] brought to all of us."
3. Opening Reading (5 minutes)
Suggested: "Death is Nothing at All" by Henry Scott Holland
4. Favourite Song Performance (5 minutes)
Live or recorded performance of their most beloved song
5. Sharing of Memories (20 minutes)
Open invitation for attendees to share favourite stories and memories
6. Photo Slideshow (10 minutes)
Visual journey through their life with accompanying music
7. Eulogy by Family (10 minutes)
8. Moment of Reflection (3 minutes)
9. Closing Song (5 minutes)
Suggested: "What a Wonderful World" or another uplifting choice
10. Invitation to Reception
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 themed decorations reflecting the interests or hobbies of the departed.
Example 6: Non-Religious Memorial Service
Secular Memorial Service Order
1. Prelude Music (5 minutes)
Meaningful instrumental or favourite songs
2. Welcome and Opening Words (5 minutes)
3. Poetry Reading (5 minutes)
Suggested: "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye
4. Personal Tributes (15 minutes)
5. Musical Tribute (5 minutes)
6. Reading of Favourite Literature (5 minutes)
7. Candle Lighting Ceremony (5 minutes)
8. Closing Reflection (5 minutes)
9. Final Music (3 minutes)
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 such as candle lighting.
For more detailed examples of non-religious services, Humanist UK provides comprehensive information.
Example 7: Eco-Friendly Natural Burial Ceremony
Green Funeral Service Order
1. Gathering in Nature (10 minutes)
2. Welcome and Environmental Blessing (5 minutes)
3. Reading from Nature Writers (5 minutes)
Suggested: Excerpt from Rachel Carson or John Muir
4. Sharing Environmental Memories (10 minutes)
5. Tree Planting Ceremony (10 minutes)
6. Wildflower Seed Scattering (5 minutes)
7. Moment of Silent Reflection (5 minutes)
8. Closing Circle (5 minutes)
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.
A themed service can reflect the hobbies, career, or passions of your loved one, making the ceremony deeply personal and memorable.
Example 8: Music Lover's Farewell
Musical Tribute Service Order
Musical Elements Throughout
Prelude: Favourite classical piece or jazz standard
Processional: Meaningful hymn or song
During Service: Live performances by musician friends
Interludes: Recordings of them playing instruments
Finale: Choir or congregation singing their favourite anthem
Programme Elements
List of musical selections with significance explained
Stories about their musical journey
Photos with instruments and at performances
Lyrics to songs for congregation participation
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.
Example 9: Gardener's Last Journey
Garden-Themed Memorial Service
Garden Elements
Venue: Garden centre, botanical garden, or their own garden
Decorations: Flowers and plants they grew
Readings: Garden-themed poems and reflections
Activities: Seed packet gifts for guests
Memorial: Planting of a memorial garden
Suggested Readings
"The Gardener" by Rabindranath Tagore
"To Everything There is a Season" — Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
"The Garden of Memory" — various garden poetry
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.
Flag Folding Ceremony — Presentation to next of kin
Service Recognition — Reading of military service record
Service Structure
Military chaplain or civilian officiant
Patriotic music and hymns
Readings about service and sacrifice
Personal military stories and achievements
Final military farewell
A veteran's service honours their military service, often including 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.
Solution: Create a comprehensive information checklist
Tip: Include parking information and accessibility details
Design and Layout Problems
Visual Design Issues
Poor Font Choices
Avoid: Overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts
Use: Clear, readable fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri
Size: Minimum 12pt for body text; larger for headings
Cluttered Layout
Problem: Too much information crammed onto pages
Solution: Use white space effectively; consider additional pages
Tip: Prioritise the most important information
Poor Photo Quality
Avoid: Blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution images
Use: High-resolution photos (300 DPI minimum for print)
Tip: Scan old photos at high resolution or use photo restoration services
Content Length and Timing Issues
Service Flow Problems
Overly Long Services
Problem: Services exceeding 60-90 minutes
Solution: Edit content ruthlessly, focus on most meaningful elements
Tip: Consider separate reception for extended sharing
Too Much Text
Problem: Including full song lyrics or lengthy readings
Solution: Provide titles and first lines, or key verses only
Tip: Create separate booklet for complete readings if needed
Unrealistic Timing
Problem: Not allowing enough time for each element
Solution: Rehearse timing with officiant beforehand
Tip: Build in buffer time for emotional moments
Planning and Coordination Mistakes
Logistical Oversights
Last-Minute Printing
Problem: Rushing to print without proper review
Solution: Plan printing at least 3-5 days before service
Tip: Order extra copies for late attendees and keepsakes, and download or request a PDF to distribute to those unable to attend
Not Coordinating with Officiant
Problem: Order of service doesn't match officiant's plan
Solution: Review and approve with officiant before printing
Tip: Provide copy to all speakers and musicians
Forgetting Special Needs
Problem: Not considering accessibility requirements
Solution: Create large print versions if needed
Tip: Consider multilingual versions for diverse families
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Order of Service
How long should a funeral order of service be?
Most funeral services last between 30-60 minutes. A traditional religious service might run longer (45-90 minutes), while a simple memorial service could be shorter (20-30 minutes). The key is balancing meaningful tribute with attendee comfort. Consider your audience - elderly attendees or children may need shorter services.
Do I need to follow a strict order for religious services?
Religious services often have traditional structures that should be respected, but most officiants welcome personal touches. Christian funerals typically follow a set pattern, but you can usually add special music, readings, or personal elements. Always discuss any modifications with your officiant to ensure they align with religious practices and venue requirements.
What should I leave out of a service program?
Avoid controversial topics, overly detailed medical information, family disputes, or sensitive personal details. Focus on celebrating their life rather than dwelling on illness or difficult circumstances. Also avoid content that might be triggering for grieving attendees, and ensure all shared information has family approval.
How many copies should I print?
Generally, print one copy per expected attendee plus 20-30% extra. Consider that some families want copies for absent relatives, and others may want multiple copies as keepsakes. It's better to have too many than too few. Digital copies can also be created for distant family members.
Can I include non-religious elements in a religious service?
Many religious officiants are open to incorporating personal elements like favourite songs, poems, or stories, as long as they don't conflict with religious teachings. Discuss your ideas with the officiant early in planning. Some may suggest alternative ways to include meaningful elements that fit within religious guidelines.
What if I want a bilingual or multilingual service?
Multilingual services are increasingly common in diverse communities. You can include translations of key prayers, readings, and songs, or alternate between languages throughout the service. Consider the comfort level of your officiant with multiple languages, and plan extra time for translations during the service.
How do I choose appropriate music for the service?
Select music that was meaningful to your loved one or reflects their personality and beliefs. For religious services, traditional hymns are often appropriate, but personal favourites can usually be included. For secular services, you have more flexibility. Consider the emotional impact on attendees and choose pieces that offer comfort and reflection.
Can children participate in creating the order of service?
Absolutely. Children can contribute drawings, poems, or short messages about their loved one. This can be therapeutic for them and adds touching personal elements to the service. Consider age-appropriate ways for them to participate, such as selecting photos or choosing a special song.
What's the difference between an order of service and a memorial program?
An order of service focuses on the structure and flow of the ceremony itself, while a memorial program often includes more biographical information, photos, and tributes. Some families create combination booklets that serve both purposes. The choice depends on your preferences and the type of service you're planning.
How do I handle last-minute changes to the service?
Build flexibility into your planning by having backup options and key contacts readily available. If changes are minor, you can announce them at the service. For major changes, consider having someone make announcements or prepare simple inserts. Digital versions can be updated more easily than printed ones.
Expert Tips for a Meaningful Service
Professional Recommendations
Planning Timeline
1 Week Before: Finalise service order and speakers
5 Days Before: Complete order of service design
4-5 Days Before: Print and review final copies
1 Day Before: Distribute copies to key participants
Quality Assurance
Have multiple people proofread all content
Verify all names, dates, and locations
Check photo quality and placement
Confirm music and reading selections with performers
Test any technical elements (microphones, projectors)
Day of Service
Assign someone to distribute programs to attendees
Keep extra copies available for late arrivals
Have digital backup of all content available
Prepare announcement cards for any last-minute changes
Final Thoughts on Funeral Order of Service Examples
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.
Key Takeaways
Start planning early to avoid last-minute stress
Focus on what made your loved one unique
Don't try to include everything — quality over quantity
Involve family and friends in the planning process
Consider your audience when planning service length and content
Professional help is available if you need it
Ready to Create Your Order of Service?
Choose from professionally designed templates, personalise online, and receive beautifully printed booklets with next-day UK delivery.
Alec Sharples has over 30 years of experience in the funeral stationery industry, having worked with hundreds of families to create meaningful funeral orders of service since 1990. He founded Funeral Stationery 4U and continues to support families through their most challenging times with compassion and expertise. Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his work.
Creating meaningful funeral stationery with compassion. We provide high-quality, custom funeral stationery that honours your loved one's memory, easing your burden during a difficult time.
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Alec Sharples has over 30 years of experience in the funeral stationery industry, having worked with hundreds of families to create meaningful funeral orders of service since 1990. He founded Funeral Stationery 4U and continues to support families through their most challenging times with compassion and expertise. Connect with Alec on LinkedIn to learn more about his work.
