How to Create a Funeral Order of Service Booklet
Creating a funeral Order of Service can feel difficult, especially when there is a lot to organise. A well-made booklet helps guide guests through the ceremony and also becomes a keepsake for family and friends. This guide explains what to include, how to structure the pages, and what to check before sending your booklet to print.
What is a funeral Order of Service?
A funeral Order of Service is usually a printed A5 booklet given to guests at the service. It normally includes the running order of the ceremony, readings, hymns, poems, prayers, music and any personal tributes. It can be simple and traditional, or more personal with photographs, favourite quotes and memories.
What to include on the front cover
The front cover usually includes:
- The full name of the person
- A heading such as “In Loving Memory of”
- A photograph
- Dates of birth and death
- The date, time and location of the service
Try to use a clear, good-quality photo if possible. Older photos can still print beautifully, but very small screenshots or low-resolution images may not reproduce as well.
What to include inside the booklet
The inside pages normally follow the order of the ceremony. Your funeral director, celebrant, minister or place of worship can usually help confirm the correct running order. A typical Order of Service may include:
- Entrance music
- Welcome or opening words
- Readings, poems or prayers
- Hymns or songs
- Eulogy or personal tribute
- Reflection music
- Committal or blessing
- Closing words
- Exit music
You do not need to include everything. Some services are very simple, while others include several readings, hymns and personal messages.
Back page ideas
The back page is often used for a short closing message. You may wish to include:
- A thank-you message from the family
- Details of the wake or refreshments
- Charity donation details
- A favourite quote, poem or short verse
- One final photograph
For example: “Thank you for joining us today to remember and celebrate the life of [Name]. Your kindness, support and presence are greatly appreciated.”
Choosing the number of pages
Most funeral Orders of Service are printed as stapled booklets, so the page count normally needs to work in multiples of 4. Common sizes include:
- 4 pages — one folded sheet, suitable for a short service
- 8 pages — a popular choice with room for photos and readings
- 12 pages or more — useful for longer services, multiple hymns or extra tributes
If you are not sure how many pages you need, send us what you have and we can advise before printing.
Design tips
Keep the design clear and easy to read. Funeral booklets are often read by guests of all ages, so avoid very small text or overly decorative fonts. A few simple tips:
- Use clear fonts for hymns and readings
- Keep enough space around the edges
- Avoid placing important text too close to the fold
- Use high-quality photos where possible
- Check names, dates and locations carefully
- Keep the design calm, balanced and respectful
Soft colours, simple borders and carefully chosen photographs usually work better than a very busy design.
Other memorial printing
We can also help with matching printed items for the service or wake, including:
- Memorial cards
- Bookmarks
- Laminated posters
- Welcome signs
- Extra copies for family members who cannot attend
Ready to print your Order of Service?
You can order online, or contact us if you need help with the layout, page count or turnaround. We’ll check your file before printing and let you know if anything looks unsuitable for print. Our aim is to make the process as simple and respectful as possible at a difficult time.