How to Choose the Right Funeral Order of Service Template

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 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.

Consider Tone and Style:

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.

Reflect on Personal Beliefs and Preferences:

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.

Assess the Template’s Structure and Components:

Review the structure and components of the templates ensuring it meets your needs and consider the following elements:

Cover Page:

Check if the template offers ample space for the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, and any relevant images or symbols.

The Order of Service:

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.

Readings and Reflections:

Check that the template provides sufficient sections for the specific readings, poems, or passages you plan to include during the service.

Personalisation Options:

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.

Closing and Farewell:

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.

Practical Considerations:

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.

Online templates:

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.

Cost:

Funeral Stationery providers should provide templates for you free of charge. So, check before you start that there are no hidden charges.

Downloadable PDFs:

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.

Typefaces: 

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.

Proofs:

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.

Seek Inspiration and Guidance:

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.

Conclusion:

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.