Updated July 2026
If you are putting together a funeral order of service, it helps to see a few complete examples before you begin. Below you will find wording and suggested running orders for traditional funerals, cremation services, celebrations of life and non-religious services. You can copy the parts that are useful and leave out anything that does not feel right.
A typical funeral order of service includes: the person's name and photograph on the cover, the date and place of the funeral, the running order, hymns or song words, readings, and a final message from the family. It can be a simple folded sheet or a longer booklet with several photographs and tributes.
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What is a funeral order of service?
A funeral order of service is the booklet given to people as they arrive at the funeral. It shows what will happen during the ceremony and helps everyone follow hymns, prayers and readings. Afterwards, many people keep it as a small record of the person and the day.
There is no single correct format. A short crematorium service may only need four pages. A church funeral with several hymns and readings may need eight, twelve or more. The officiant or funeral director will usually help you settle the running order before the booklet goes to print.
What to include in a funeral order of service
Front cover
- Full name, and a familiar name or nickname if appropriate
- Date of birth and date of death
- A favourite photograph
- Date, time and location of the service
- A short quotation, line of poetry or scripture, if wanted
Inside pages
- The running order, including the entrance and closing music
- Hymn words or song titles
- Readings, prayers and poems
- The names of speakers, readers and musicians
- A tribute, photographs or a short life story
Back cover
- A thank-you message from the family
- Details of the gathering after the funeral
- Information about flowers or charitable donations
- A final photograph, verse or message
You will not need every item on these lists. Four uncluttered pages are better than squeezing too much into a small space. If the wording is not fitting comfortably, move to an eight-page booklet rather than making the type difficult to read.
Traditional and religious funeral order of service examples
Religious services often have an established structure, although there is usually room for personal music, readings and memories. Ask the minister, priest, rabbi or other faith leader to approve the final order before printing.
Example 1: Christian funeral service
- Entrance music
- Welcome and opening prayer
- Opening hymn, for example Abide with Me
- Bible reading, such as Psalm 23 or John 14:1-6
- Tribute or eulogy
- Second hymn or piece of music
- Prayers and the Lord's Prayer
- Commendation and farewell
- Final blessing
- Exit music
We have come together to remember and give thanks for the life of [Name], to share our sadness, and to support one another as we say goodbye.
Some church services include Communion, while others are shorter and centre on hymns, readings and the tribute. Your minister will give you the precise wording and order required. You can also read our guide to Christian funeral orders of service or see our Christian designs.
Example 2: Catholic funeral Mass
- Entrance procession and opening rites
- Liturgy of the Word, including readings, psalm, Gospel and homily
- Prayers of the Faithful
- Liturgy of the Eucharist and Communion
- Final commendation
- Recessional
- Rite of committal at the cemetery or crematorium
A Catholic funeral Mass follows a formal liturgy. The parish will normally supply the structure and advise which readings and music may be used. Eulogies are sometimes given at the vigil or after the service rather than during Mass, so it is worth asking the priest before finalising the booklet.
Example 3: Jewish funeral service
- Opening psalms and prayers
- Eulogy or hesped
- El Malei Rachamim memorial prayer
- Committal at the graveside
- Mourner's Kaddish
Customs vary between Jewish communities and families. Services are often simple and relatively brief, with the emphasis on prayer, remembrance and burial. Music and flowers are not usually part of a traditional Jewish funeral. The rabbi or funeral director should guide the wording and sequence.
Example 4: Islamic Janazah
- First Takbir and recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
- Second Takbir and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad
- Third Takbir and supplication for the person who has died
- Fourth Takbir, final supplication and Salam
- Burial and graveside prayers
The Janazah prayer is brief and is usually followed by burial as soon as possible. There is no music or singing. Practices and transliterations can differ, so any printed sheet should be agreed with the imam or the person leading the prayer.
Want to see how the words look in a finished booklet?
Our designs already contain sample pages, so you can choose one and replace the wording with your own.
Contemporary and non-religious funeral service examples
A less formal service can still have a clear shape. Music at the beginning and end provides a natural frame, with memories, readings and a quiet moment in between. It does not need to sound solemn throughout. Warmth and gentle humour often belong there too.
Example 5: Celebration of life
- Favourite music as people arrive
- Welcome from the celebrant
- A reading or poem
- Tribute from the family
- Photographs or a short slideshow
- Memories shared by friends
- A quiet reflection
- Closing words
- An uplifting final song
Today is a chance to remember [Name] as we knew them: the things they cared about, the stories they told, and the many ordinary moments we will miss most.
A celebration of life can take place at a crematorium, community hall, hotel, garden or another meaningful venue. The booklet might include more photographs than a traditional order of service, along with favourite sayings or short memories.
Example 6: Non-religious or humanist service
- Entrance music
- Welcome and opening words
- Thoughts about life and death
- Tribute or life story
- Poem, prose reading or piece of music
- Time for quiet reflection
- Committal or farewell
- Closing words and exit music
A humanist funeral focuses on the person's life, relationships and influence without including worship or prayer. There may still be familiar moments of stillness and reflection. The celebrant will usually write the tribute with the family and can provide the final running order.
Example 7: Natural burial service
- Gathering at the burial ground
- Welcome and a few opening words
- Nature reading or poem
- Memories from family and friends
- A period of silence
- Committal
- Closing reading or music
A woodland or natural burial may be very simple, particularly if the whole service takes place outdoors. A folded order of service can be practical here. It might use botanical artwork, recycled paper and a reading chosen for the person's love of a particular landscape, season or garden.
Personal and themed funeral order of service examples
A theme does not have to take over the whole funeral. Often, a few quiet references feel more personal: a flower from the garden, the colours of a football club, a line from a favourite song, or photographs of a much-loved place.
Example 8: A farewell for a music lover
- Use favourite recordings as the entrance, reflection and exit music
- Ask a friend or relative to perform a piece, if that feels appropriate
- Include the words of one congregational song, rather than every lyric
- Add a short note explaining why a particular piece mattered
- Use photographs from concerts, choirs or performances
Example 9: A gardener's farewell
- Choose a cover featuring a favourite flower or part of the garden
- Include a seasonal poem or a reading such as Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
- Use photographs taken in the garden through the years
- Mention plants, gardens or landscapes that were important to them
- Give guests seeds or a small plant after the service, if wanted
Example 10: Military funeral
- Entrance procession and military music
- Recognition of service, regiment and honours
- Personal tribute and readings
- Standard, flag or insignia used with the proper permission
- The Last Post, silence and Reveille where arranged
- Committal and final farewell
UK military funeral customs depend on the service branch, regiment and the arrangements made with the relevant association or current unit. Speak to the officiant, funeral director or regimental representative before printing ranks, insignia or ceremonial details.
Cremation order of service examples
A crematorium service commonly lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. As the available time can be quite exact, agree the music and running order with the celebrant and crematorium before sending the booklet to print.
Example 11: Crematorium funeral service
- Entrance music
- Welcome and opening words
- Reading or prayer
- Tribute
- Music for reflection
- Second reading, memories or hymn
- Committal
- Closing words
- Exit music
The committal is the formal farewell and may happen with the curtains open or closed, depending on the family's wishes and the crematorium. The order of service need only list “Committal” unless the officiant has provided words for everyone to say together.
Memorial service held after a cremation
A later memorial service is not restricted by the timing of a crematorium booking. It can allow more space for photographs, several speakers and informal memories. A possible order is:
- Welcome and music
- Introduction from a family member or celebrant
- Life story and tributes
- Reading, poem or prayer
- Open sharing of memories
- Photo presentation
- Closing words and final music
- Invitation to refreshments or an ash-scattering ceremony
How to personalise a funeral order of service
The most affecting booklets are not necessarily the most elaborate. A good photograph, a familiar phrase and one or two details that could only belong to that person often say more than pages of formal wording.
Photographs and memories
- Use one clear portrait on the cover and smaller photographs inside
- Mix formal pictures with ordinary family moments
- Add short captions if the people, places or dates may not be obvious
- Include a photograph from childhood or early adulthood if space allows
- Ask family members for images, but nominate one person to make the final selection
Wording that sounds like them
- A saying they used often
- A line from a favourite poem, book or song
- A brief thank-you in the family's own words
- A small piece of gentle humour, if that reflects the person
- A mention of the people, places, work or interests that shaped their life
Ideas for additional pages
- A simple timeline of their life
- A gallery of family photographs
- Short messages from children or grandchildren
- A favourite recipe, handwritten note or piece of artwork
- Donation details or a QR code linking to a charity page
Keep the examples beside you while you plan
Our free 24-page guide contains sample booklet layouts, wording ideas and practical design pointers. You can open it now or save it for later.
Common mistakes to check before printing
- Names and dates: ask at least one other person to check every spelling, date and place.
- The final running order: compare the booklet with the version approved by the officiant.
- Small text: do not reduce the type just to avoid adding another four pages.
- Photograph quality: use the original image where possible, rather than a screenshot or an image saved from social media.
- Hymn words: check the exact version and number of verses with the church or musician.
- Copyright: do not assume that full song lyrics or modern poems can be reproduced without permission.
- Reception and donation details: include the address, charity name and any instructions guests will need.
- Enough copies: allow for one per household or attendee, plus copies for family members who cannot be there and a few spares.
- Enough time: leave time to receive and check the printed booklets before the funeral.
Frequently asked questions about funeral orders of service
How many pages should a funeral order of service have?
A simple service can fit into four pages: a cover, two inside pages and a back cover. Eight pages gives room for hymn words, readings and several photographs. Longer booklets usually increase in groups of four pages because they are made from folded sheets.
What is the usual order of a funeral service?
Most begin with entrance music and a welcome, followed by readings, prayers or poems, a tribute, music for reflection, the committal or farewell, closing words and exit music. The exact order depends on the faith, venue and person leading the funeral.
How long does a funeral service usually last?
A crematorium service is often 20 to 45 minutes. Church funerals and funeral Masses can take longer. Check the booking length with the funeral director or venue, as it will affect how many readings, hymns and speakers can comfortably be included.
How many order of service booklets should I print?
Start with the expected number of mourners, then allow a few extras for late additions and for relatives who cannot attend. Couples may share during the service, but many people will want their own copy to keep. If you are unsure, your funeral director may be able to suggest a quantity based on the venue and guest list.
Can I make the booklet myself?
Yes. You can choose one of our templates and personalise it online, or create the complete artwork in another piece of design software and upload the finished PDF for professional printing. If printing at home, check that the page order, double-sided settings, margins and paper weight work before producing the full quantity.
Can I include full song lyrics and poems?
Traditional hymns may be out of copyright, but many modern songs, poems and readings are protected. A funeral service may qualify for licensing arranged by the venue, but that does not automatically cover every printed reproduction. Ask the church, crematorium or rights holder if you are uncertain.
What is the difference between an order of service and a funeral programme?
In the UK, “order of service” is the usual term for the booklet that guides people through the funeral. “Funeral programme” is more common in the United States. Both may contain the running order, photographs, readings and biographical details.
What should go on the back of a funeral order of service?
The back cover often carries a family thank-you, details of the gathering afterwards, and information about flowers or donations. It can also be kept very simple with a final photograph and a short verse.
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About Alec Sharples
Alec founded Funeral Stationery 4U after working in print and funeral stationery since 1990. He and the team help families prepare and print funeral orders of service from their workshop in Ruthin, North Wales. Connect with Alec on LinkedIn.
