How to create a funeral order of service
Creating a personalised and meaningful funeral order of service is a thoughtful way to honour a loved one's life and guide attendees through the ceremony.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you design an order of service that reflects the individual's personality and provides clarity for participants.
What is a Funeral Order of Service?
A funeral order of service is a printed booklet that outlines the structure and content of the funeral ceremony. It typically includes details about the deceased, the sequence of events, readings, hymns or songs, and any other elements that will be part of the service. This guide assists attendees in following along and participating appropriately.
Do You Need a Printed Order of Service?
While not mandatory, a printed order of service can be beneficial. It provides attendees with a clear outline of the ceremony, including the words to hymns or songs, readings, and other participatory elements. Additionally, it serves as a keepsake for those who wish to remember the service and the individual being honored.
Is there a template for a funeral order of service that I can use?
At Membrance, we understand that creating a funeral order of service from scratch can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer easy-to-customise templates designed to help you get started quickly. Our templates are thoughtfully crafted to suit a variety of styles and preferences, and they can be personalised to reflect your loved one’s unique life and personality.
You can also use our Google Form as a guide to ensure nothing is missed. Once your design is ready, we’ll handle the professional printing, so you can focus on what truly matters.
We have a large selection of designs
What should I include in a funeral order of service:
Front Cover:
Full name of the deceased.
Dates of birth and death.
Date, time, and location of the service.
A photograph of the individual.
A meaningful quote or epitaph.
Inside Pages:
Order of Service: A detailed list of the ceremony's proceedings, which may include
Welcome or introduction by the celebrant.
Musical selections (e.g., hymns, songs) with lyrics if participation is encouraged.
Readings or poems, noting the readers' names.
Eulogy or tributes from family and friends.
Committal or farewell statements.
Closing remarks and exit music.
Back Page:
Expressions of gratitude to attendees and those who provided support.
Information on charitable donations.
Details about post-service gatherings or receptions.
Personalising your loved one’s Order of Service:
To make the order of service a true reflection of your loved one:
Design and Imagery: Incorporate favorite colors, themes related to hobbies or passions, or personal artwork.
Photographs: Use individual photos, collages, or images that capture significant moments.
Our new ‘Stained Glass‘ Order of Service Design
Religious vs. Non-Religious Services:
The content and structure of the order of service can vary based on religious traditions or personal preferences. For religious ceremonies, consult with the officiant to ensure all necessary elements are included. For non-religious services, there's greater flexibility to design a ceremony that uniquely honors the individual's life and beliefs.
Do You Print the Order of Service?
Yes, at Membrance, we handle the entire printing process for your funeral order of service. Once your design is finalised we ensure it’s printed to the highest professional standards. We use high-quality paper and finishes to create a beautiful, lasting keepsake. With our efficient printing service, you can focus on honouring your loved one while we take care of the details.
How Many Copies Should I Print?
While it’s always good to minimise waste, we recommend printing a few more copies than you anticipate needing. At Membrance, the main cost lies in the initial set up of the press, so adding a few extra copies typically won’t increase the overall cost significantly. This ensures every attendee has a keepsake, and you'll have spares for those unable to attend or as cherished mementos for family and friends.
Our new ‘Gone Fishing‘ Order of Service Design
You can view all of our beautiful order of service designs here:
