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

Planning a funeral or memorial service can feel overwhelming, and one of the most important tools for organizing the event is the funeral order of service. This document, often presented as part of a funeral program or memorial pamphlet, outlines the sequence of events for the service and ensures that family, friends, and attendees can follow along with ease.

A funeral order of service serves two critical purposes:

  1. Guiding the Ceremony – It clearly lists each element of the service, from musical selections and prayers to eulogies and closing remarks.
  2. Creating a Lasting Keepsake – Beyond the ceremony, the program becomes a memorial token that loved ones can keep, often containing a life story, photos, and meaningful quotes.
What Is a Funeral Order of Service?

A funeral order of service is a printed or digital document that outlines how the memorial or funeral will proceed. It often appears inside a funeral pamphlet, which is also known as a:

  • Memorial program
  • Celebration of life program
  • Funeral brochure or bulletin

Typical elements in an order of service include:

  • Welcome Message or Invocation – Usually by a clergy member, officiant, or family host.
  • Scripture Reading, Poem, or Reflection – Optional but common in religious or spiritual services.
  • Music or Hymns – Listed in the order they will be performed.
  • Eulogies or Tributes – Names of those who will speak or share memories.
  • Committal or Closing Message – How the service will conclude, including any graveside instructions.

Whether the event is a traditional funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, having a clear order of service ensures a smooth flow and gives guests a meaningful way to engage with the ceremony.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

Some families consider skipping a printed order of service to save time or cost, but having one offers significant benefits:

  • Clarity for Guests – Especially when the service includes multiple speakers or musical selections.
  • A Tangible Memory – Guests can take the program home as a keepsake.
  • Ease of Coordination – Officiants and speakers can follow the outline without confusion.
  • A Record of the Event – Families often save the program in memory boxes or scrapbooks.

When thoughtfully designed, your funeral order of service does more than list events — it honors the life of your loved one in a lasting, meaningful way.

Creating a funeral order of service can feel like a daunting task during an emotional time, but breaking it down into simple steps makes the process far more manageable. Below is a complete guide to designing an order of service that is both organized and heartfelt.

Step 1: Gather Essential Information

Before you start designing the program, collect all the details that must appear in the order of service. This will ensure accuracy and prevent last-minute edits.

Key items to gather:

  • Full name of the deceased (include middle names or nicknames if desired)
  • Birth and death dates
  • Time, date, and location of the service
  • Name of the officiant, clergy, or service leader
  • Names of speakers, readers, or performers
  • Special poems, scriptures, or readings
  • Musical selections and performers
  • Graveside or reception details (if applicable)

Having this content upfront ensures a smooth design process later.

Step 2: Decide on the Program Layout

The layout of your funeral order of service determines how much space you’ll have for details and photos. There are several common options:

  1. Single Page / Card Layout
    • Ideal for smaller services or minimalist designs
    • Typically includes the order of service on the front and a short obituary or thank-you message on the back
  2. Bifold Program (Single Fold)
    • A standard letter-size sheet folded in half
    • Offers four panels:
      • Front cover: Photo and “In Loving Memory” title
      • Inside left: Order of service
      • Inside right: Obituary, quotes, or poems
      • Back: Thank-you message, reception details, or photo collage
  3. Trifold or Graduated Program
    • Provides more space for photos, memories, and multiple readings
    • Often chosen for celebration of life services that include storytelling and music

💡 If you want inspiration for layouts, see our detailed guide on funeral program layouts to understand the differences between bi-fold, tri-fold, and graduated programs.

Step 3: Create the Order of Service Outline

Once you know the layout, outline the sequence of events. Below is a sample order of service for a traditional memorial:

  1. Musical Prelude
  2. Welcome and Opening Prayer
  3. Scripture Reading or Poem
  4. Song or Musical Performance
  5. Eulogy or Life Tribute
  6. Open Sharing of Memories (Optional)
  7. Closing Prayer or Message
  8. Recessional or Final Song

For a celebration of life program, the tone is often lighter and might include:

  • Slideshow or video tribute
  • Favorite songs instead of hymns
  • Open mic for family and friends to share stories
  • A casual reception immediately after the ceremony

Step 4: Design and Personalize the Program

With your outline ready, it’s time to design the program. The simplest way is to use an editable funeral template rather than starting from scratch.

  • Use a Pre-Made Template:
    Templates save hours of formatting and ensure a polished, print-ready design.
  • Add Photos and Personal Touches:
    • Include a cover photo that best represents your loved one.
    • Add a photo collage or memory section inside if space allows.
    • Consider favorite quotes, Bible verses, or song lyrics for added meaning.
  • Include Acknowledgments:
    • A brief thank-you message to attendees and supporters
    • Mention pallbearers, officiants, or anyone who played a special role

Once your funeral order of service is written and designed, the next step is printing and distribution. This final stage ensures that all your hard work translates into a professional, meaningful keepsake for attendees.

Step 5: Review and Proofread Before Printing

Before you print, take a few moments to triple-check all details. Typos or incorrect dates in a funeral program can be heartbreaking.

Key items to check:

  • Correct spelling of your loved one’s full name
  • Accurate birth and death dates
  • All times and locations for services, graveside, or reception
  • Correct speaker and song titles
  • Photo quality (print resolution should ideally be 300 dpi)

💡 Tip: Ask another family member or friend to review it. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you may have overlooked.

Step 6: Choose the Right Paper and Printing Method

Your choice of paper and printing method affects both the look and feel of the program. Here are some simple guidelines:

  • Paper Choice:
    • Use heavyweight paper or cardstock (28–32 lb for paper, 60–80 lb for cardstock)
    • Glossy paper enhances photos; matte paper offers a more traditional feel
  • Printing Methods:
    • Home Printer: Fast and budget-friendly for small quantities
    • Local Print Shops: Offer professional quality, trimming, and folding
    • Online Printers: Convenient for larger orders but require 2–3 days lead time

If using a bifold or trifold layout, make sure the folds are crisp. For large gatherings, consider batch printing to save time.

Step 7: Distribute and Preserve the Program

On the day of the service:

  • Hand programs to guests as they enter
  • Place them on chairs if you expect a large crowd
  • Keep a few extras for family scrapbooks or memory boxes

Programs often become cherished keepsakes, so you may want to:

  • Save a digital PDF version
  • Print a few laminated copies for long-term preservation

Step 8: Consider Creating Coordinated Keepsakes

Many families expand the program into additional memorial items, which are appreciated by attendees and make the tribute even more memorable:

  • Funeral cards or prayer cards with the deceased’s photo and a short message
  • Bookmarks with a quote or Bible verse
  • Photo memory boards or slideshows

If you want something unique, explore our customizable funeral cards for designs that match your program theme.

Why a Well-Crafted Funeral Order of Service Matters

A thoughtfully designed funeral order of service does far more than guide attendees. It:

  • Honors your loved one’s life and personality
  • Brings structure and clarity to the ceremony
  • Provides a lasting keepsake for family and friends

By using editable funeral program templates, you save time, reduce stress, and ensure a professional, meaningful result — even if you have no design experience.

💡 Quick Start: Download our free funeral program template to create your order of service today. Simply customize it in Microsoft Word, add your loved one’s details and photos, and print a beautiful, memorable program.

Conclusion

Creating a funeral order of service may feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into simple, actionable steps makes the process far more manageable. From gathering key information and choosing a layout to printing and distribution, each step is an opportunity to honor your loved one with care and respect.

With the right template and a touch of personalization, your program will serve as both a guide to the ceremony and a lasting tribute that family and friends can cherish for years to come.