An order of service, ready to print.

What goes in an order of service

There is no fixed rule, but most include:

• Front cover: full name, the name they were known by, dates of birth and death, a photo, and the date and place of the service.
• Inside: the running order, for example entrance music, welcome, a reading or poem, the eulogy or tribute, a hymn, a moment of reflection, the committal, and closing music.
• Words: hymn verses or the text of a reading, so people can follow along.
• Back page: a short thank-you from the family, details of the wake or reception, and a note about donations if there is one.

Getting the details right

The celebrant, minister or funeral director will usually confirm the final running order, so check it with them before printing. Double-check the spelling of every name and the dates. It's worth asking one other person to proofread, because it is very hard to spot mistakes in something this close to you.

Size, paper and printing

A folded A4 sheet gives an A5 booklet, which is the most common size. Allow a few more copies than the number of guests you expect. Local printers can often turn an order of service around in a day or two; you can also print at home on a heavier paper. We give you a print-ready file, so either route works.

Making it feel like them

A favourite photo on the cover, a line they used to say, a short paragraph about their life inside, or a few smaller photos on the back can make the booklet something people keep. We help you write the short life summary and the thank-you, and lay it all out for you.