4 Simple Steps to Help You Write a Funeral Order of Service
Words by Utterly Printable
A funeral order of service booklet is much more than just an instruction manual on what to expect during a funeral or memorial service. For many families, it is a keepsake for those who attend the service or a memento for those who were unable to. Most importantly, it serves as a fitting tribute to your loved one.
Funeral order of service with photo
An order of service is appropriate for a variety of different types of celebrations of life including funerals, memorials and cremations. It often contributes to the lasting memory of your loved one and as such many people keep theirs for years to come. This is why it is important to ensure that you create a ceremony booklet which reflects your loved one. All of our funeral order of service designs are fully customisable and enable you to include as much or as little information within them as you would like to. Many of our order of service designs for funerals also include the opportunity to include a favourite photograph or two of your loved one, making it extra personal.
Below, we have put together a guide of what to include in your order of service booklet. We hope to make the process of designing one yourself as easy as possible as we know at times like this it can be very difficult to know where to start.
Step one: selecting the right order of service design
Selecting the template or design for your funeral program is an important step as it sets the tone for the service and reflects your loved one’s personality. We have lovingly created a diverse collection of elegant order of service ranging from simple and traditional to modern, colourful, or floral.
Step two: the front page
The first page – or front cover – is best kept simple with a few details and a recent picture of your loved one if you would like one.
Details to consider including
- The full name of the deceased
- The date they were born and passed away
- The date, time and location of the service
- A short message or epitaph
- A touch quote (optional)
At the very top of the page, above your loved one’s full name, you can also include a short sentence such as ‘In loving memory of’ or ‘A celebration of the life of’ to open the order of service with.
Step three: the inside pages
The inside pages of the booklet are primarily for the running order of the ceremony. As such, the length of the booklet will depend on the length of the service. You may also wish to include another page of favourite photographs of your loved one as well as a written eulogy. The order of the service is a very personal choice and will therefore be different for every family so there is no set format to follow. The person who is conducting the service for you should guide you with the running order and what to include, but below we have written a list of things to consider. For those who would prefer to keep the booklet concise then there is no need to include the words of each hymn if hymn books will be available at the venue.
An example of an order of service:
- Entrance Music
- Introduction and Welcome by the Celebrant
- Hymn, Prayer or Verse
- Reading
- A Funeral Address or Appreciation of the life
- Eulogy
- Hymn, Prayer or Verse
- Commendation & Farewell
- Committal
- Dismissal and Blessing
- Exit Music
Step four: the back page
The back page of the order of service can be used to give thanks to those who have attended the service from the family of the deceased as well as to let people know which charity you have chosen should anyone wish to donate in honour of your loved one. You can also use this page to let people know where the wake or refreshments will take place if you’re providing any. Another nice idea can also be to include an older photograph of your loved one if you have used more recent pictures elsewhere in the booklet.
Here is an example of how to structure the back page of your booklet:
Appreciation
The family of (name of deceased) would like to thank you all for your kind support during this time of sadness
(insert picture of loved one)
Refreshments will be served after the service at
The George Inn
29 Windsor Road
Wraysbury, TW19 5DE
Donations
If you wish to make a donation to our chosen charity (insert name of charity) then this can be made care of (insert name of funeral directors).
Traditional funeral booklet design
If you are in the process of organising a funeral, you might also be interested in our range of printed funeral announcement cards. Or, If you’re looking for a quicker, more flexible alternative, we also have our new range of WhatsApp funeral invitations.
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