Choosing a Funeral Order of Service Template
A funeral order of service often becomes the thread that holds the ceremony together. It gives mourners something steady to follow, sets out what will happen and when, and quietly reflects the person being remembered. At a time when families are making many decisions in quick succession, a good funeral order of service template can make one part of the process feel much more manageable.
The right template is not always the fanciest one. In most cases, families want something clear, respectful and personal. That may mean a simple folded card with hymns and readings, or a fuller booklet that includes photographs, a tribute and details of the committal. What matters is that it supports the tone of the funeral and feels true to the person’s life, beliefs and wishes.
What a funeral order of service template is for
A funeral order of service template is a starting structure for the printed booklet or sheet handed to guests. It helps you organise the running order of the ceremony and decide what information should be included. For many families, that structure is a relief. You do not have to begin with a blank page while also dealing with registrars, venues, timings and relatives’ questions.
Templates are useful because they create order, but they should not force the funeral into a shape that does not fit. A Church of England service will usually need different wording and sequence from a humanist ceremony. A cremation service may be shorter than a burial service, and some families also include a separate gathering afterwards. The template should serve the funeral, not the other way round.
What to include in a funeral order of service template
Most orders of service begin with the person’s full name, dates of birth and death, and the date, time and location of the funeral. The front cover often includes a photograph, though some families prefer a floral design, religious symbol or a plain, understated layout.
Inside, the running order usually follows the ceremony step by step. That may include entrance music, a welcome, prayers, hymns, readings, a eulogy, a moment of reflection, the committal and closing music. If there will be a burial after the service, it can help to note that clearly so guests know what to expect.
You may also wish to include the words of hymns, prayers or poems. This is often appreciated, particularly if guests may not know the words or if the service brings together people from different generations, faiths or communities. If there is a retiring collection for a chosen charity, that can be mentioned briefly and respectfully.
A more detailed booklet might also contain a short obituary, a written tribute from the family or a collage of photographs. These additions can be very meaningful, but they are optional. Sometimes a shorter format feels more fitting, especially for a quiet, intimate service.
Funeral order of service template examples by service type
The best funeral order of service template depends on the kind of funeral being arranged. There is no single correct format for every family.
For a traditional religious funeral, the order is often formal and familiar. It may include an opening sentence from the minister, prayers, one or two hymns, a Bible reading, an address, commendation and committal. In this setting, the template should leave room for set liturgy and any responses the congregation will be invited to say.
For a non-religious or humanist ceremony, the structure is often more flexible. There may still be music, readings and a eulogy, but the tone may be less formal and more reflective of the person’s character. Some families choose favourite song lyrics, a personal welcome from the celebrant or a closing message written by children or grandchildren.
For a direct cremation followed by a memorial service, the order of service can be simpler still. Because there is no committal during the memorial itself, the focus may be on storytelling, photographs, music and shared remembrance. In that case, a template that feels more like a commemorative booklet than a formal running order may be more suitable.
How to make the order of service feel personal
Personalisation does not have to mean complexity. Often the most thoughtful details are the simplest ones. A cover photo taken on a favourite holiday, a line from a much-loved hymn, or a colour palette that feels calm and understated can all add warmth without overwhelming the design.
It is also worth thinking about the person’s values and identity. Some families want to reflect cultural traditions, military service, professional life or strong ties to a local community. Others want the service to speak clearly of an inclusive family structure or a same-sex partnership, without awkward omissions or outdated wording. These details matter. They help guests feel that the ceremony genuinely represents the person who has died.
There can be a balance to strike here. Including every poem, every photograph and every memory can make the booklet long and difficult to follow during the service. If there is a lot to say, it may be better to keep the printed order focused and share further memories in a separate tribute, memorial card or online notice.
Common mistakes when using a funeral order of service template
The most common issue is trying to finalise the design before the ceremony details are confirmed. Times, music choices, officiants and readings can still change, so it is wise to treat the first draft as exactly that – a draft.
Another mistake is overlooking practical readability. Pale text, ornate fonts and crowded pages may look elegant on a screen, but they can be difficult for mourners to read in a church, chapel or crematorium. Clear type, sensible spacing and a straightforward layout are usually the better choice.
Families can also feel pressure to produce something elaborate because they want everything to be perfect. In truth, no one attending the funeral will be judging the booklet as a design project. They will be looking for comfort, clarity and a sense of the person being honoured. A simple, well-chosen order of service is more than enough.
Wording ideas for a funeral order of service template
Wording is often where families pause longest. They want to get it right, and that is understandable. A respectful front cover might read, “A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of…” or “In Loving Memory of…” For some families, a plain title using only the person’s name and dates feels more natural.
Inside, headings should be clear rather than formal for the sake of it. “Welcome”, “Opening Music”, “Reading”, “Eulogy” and “Closing Words” are perfectly suitable. If there is a prayer or hymn with traditional wording, that can be reproduced in full, provided the officiant is happy with the version used.
For the final page, some families include a line of thanks such as, “The family would like to thank you for your presence, support and kind messages.” If there is a wake or reception afterwards, this is also a good place to include the venue details.
Who can help you prepare the final version
Most families do not have to put the order of service together alone. A funeral director can help coordinate the content with the minister, celebrant, crematorium or cemetery and check that names, timings and sequence are accurate. That support can prevent small errors at a point when you have enough to think about already.
If printing is being arranged professionally, it is worth checking how many copies are needed and when the final wording must be approved. It is usually sensible to order a few extra copies for keepsakes, for relatives who cannot attend, or for anyone who may wish to place one with photographs and condolence cards at home.
Where families want guidance that is both practical and personal, Adrian Moore Funerals supports people across Catford and the wider South London area every step of the way, including the details that help a ceremony feel coherent, respectful and truly individual.
Choosing the right template with confidence
A funeral order of service template should make things easier, not add pressure. If you are choosing between a simple sheet and a fuller booklet, between traditional wording and something more contemporary, the best option is usually the one that reflects the person honestly and helps guests take part with ease.
There is no prize for complexity. There is only the question of what will feel right on the day. If the order of service gives mourners something to hold, something to follow and something to keep, it has done its job well.
If you are arranging a funeral and feel unsure where to begin, start with the essentials, leave room for the personal touches that matter most, and ask for help when you need it. A calm, thoughtful booklet can offer more comfort than many families expect.
