How to Create an Order of Service for a Funeral: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on May 13, 2023

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.

Step 1: Gather Essential Information for the Funeral Programme

Start by collecting all the key details you want to include in the order of service:

Full name of the deceased
Dates of birth and death
Date, time, and location of the funeral
Significant accomplishments or titles
Charity donation details (if applicable)
Information about a post-service gathering

Including these details ensures the program is informative and meaningful for attendees.

Step 2: Decide on the Order of Events

Creating a logical flow for the service is essential. Below are common components to include:

Welcome message
Name and title of the officiant
Eulogies or personal reflections
Hymns, songs, or musical interludes
Readings or poems
Commemorative rituals
Closing remarks
Donation details if you wish to include
Thank-you messages

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.

Step 3: Select Readings, Poems, and Music

Choosing readings, poems, and music that resonate with the personality and values of your loved one can make the service deeply personal.

Opt for poems or passages that reflect their beliefs or values.
Select music that was meaningful to them or evokes their memory.

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.

Step 4: Professionally Design the Order of Service

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:

Use a cover page with the deceased's name, dates, and a meaningful image or symbol.
Outline the order of events clearly.
Attribute readings and music correctly.
Include personal touches, such as photos or quotes.

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.

Step 5: Seek Support to Lighten the Load

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.

Step 6: Print and Distribute the Funeral Programme

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.

Common Questions About Creating an Order of Service

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.

Get Professional Assistance

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.

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.