What to Include in a Funeral Order of Service

Deciding what to write in an order of service is one of those small but important jobs during funeral planning. It's a practical guide for everyone attending, and often a keepsake families hold onto for years afterwards. Here's a straightforward look at what to include and how to word each section.

The Cover

The cover typically shows the full name of the person who has died, their birth and death dates, and a photograph. A short phrase beneath the dates sets the tone, common choices include "In Loving Memory of," "Celebrating the Life of," or "Forever in Our Hearts." Keep it to one or two lines so the cover doesn't feel crowded.

The Order of Service Itself

This is the section that lists what will happen during the ceremony, in order. A typical structure looks something like this:

• Opening words or welcome from the officiant
• Opening hymn or piece of music
• A reading or scripture passage
• Eulogy or tribute
• Musical tribute
• Closing words or committal
• Recessional music

Include the names of anyone speaking or performing, and any cues guests might need, such as "please stand" for a hymn. Religious services will usually include prayers and readings specific to that faith, while a humanist or non-religious service tends to focus on personal readings and shared memories instead.

The Obituary or Life Story

A brief obituary gives guests a sense of who the person was. Include their full name, dates, surviving family members, and two or three paragraphs covering their life, career, and what mattered to them. For a short service, aim for around 200 to 300 words, enough detail without overwhelming the page.

Readings, Poems, and Thank-Yous

A meaningful verse, poem, or quote adds a personal touch, whether that's a favourite piece of scripture, a line from a poem like "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep," or something that reflected the person's own outlook. A short thank-you message to those who attended or helped with arrangements is often placed on the back page.

Getting the Wording Right

Whatever format you choose, double-check names, dates, and spellings before printing, and keep the wording clear and unhurried. If you'd like a fuller breakdown with more example wording for each section, our full guide has more detail: Funeral Program Wording Examples, which also links to ready-made order of service templates if you'd rather start from a design than a blank page.