How to write an order of service for a funeral
An order of service tells people what will happen and gives them the words to join in. Families often keep it for years. Nothing here has to be perfect, and the minister or funeral director will gladly help.
What goes in it
- A cover with the person’s name and dates, and the place and time.
- The order of the service, so people know what comes next.
- The words of any hymns, so nobody needs a hymn book.
- Thank-yous and arrangements on the back: refreshments, donations, the burial or cremation.
A typical order
Most church funerals follow this shape. Yours can leave out or add anything.
Wording for the cover
There is no right form of words. These are the ones people use most.
A service of thanksgiving for the life of
In loving memory of
A celebration of the life of
Hymns often chosen
If there is a celebrant
A non-religious ceremony follows the same shape, with music and readings in place of hymns and prayers. Hymnfold leaves out every hymn and prayer heading, and your celebrant can check the wording from a phone link.
Printing it
Your funeral director can usually print from a PDF, or a local print shop will do it in a day. Allow one booklet per person, plus a few spare for family. Ask for A5, on paper a little thicker than usual.