How to Write a Funeral Order of Service (+ Templates) » Urns (2024)

Planning a funeral for your loved one can be challenging, to say the least. It can be tough to know what to do, what’s expected, what’s appropriate, and what your loved one might have wanted.

Deciding on the order of service will help you find some peace of mind. Before you can do that, though, it’s a good idea to view at least a few order-of-service funeral examples.

I’m a funeral director, so I know a thing or two about an order of service, as well as how to write an order of service for a funeral. Let’s take a look together at everything you need to know.

What is an Order of Service?

So, exactly what is the order of service for a funeral? The funeral order of service is also sometimes referred toasa memorialfolder, funeral program, funeral booklet, or funeral order of service booklet.

No matter what you call it, it’s all pretty much the same thing: the funeral service outline highlighting what happens during the funeral service itself, typically printed on a flyer, card, or folded brochure.

If you create and print your own funeral order of service, this will not only allow you to personalize the service, but it will also save you money on the final expenses. (Especially if you use one of our free or inexpensive templates.

What elements should you include? A photograph of the deceased, date of birth and death, prayers, eulogies, a musical selection, open mic, tributes, slideshows… the options are endless. When it gets down to it, it’s simply a matter of personal preference, and you can include as much information, or as little, as you’d like. That said, below I have put together some typical order of service funeral examples, showcasing numerous types of services along with helpful and printable templates.

Order of Service Funeral Examples

Here are some more funeral order of service examples. Whether you are having a traditional funeral ceremony, a non-traditional “Celebration of Life” event, a graveside committal, a scattering ceremony, or any other type of memorial service, you’ll find appropriate examples and creative ideas here.

Sample Funeral Service Order #1

• Musical Prelude
• Welcome
• Opening Prayer
• Scripture Reading: John 14:1-3
• Hymn: Abide with Me
• Reading of Obituary
• Eulogy
• Brief Tributes
• Thank You and Acknowledgements
• Viewing of Deceased
• Closing/Benediction
• Exit Music (Tip: Make this song a little more upbeat)
• Dismissal to fellowship or graveside service

Sample Funeral Service Order #2

• Welcome
• Opening Reading: A Song of Living, by Amelia Burr
• Music Selection: Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross
• Formal Readings:
  • Scripture: Psalm 23
  • Obituary
  • A Favorite Poem
• Moment of Silence for Prayer or Reflection
• Eulogy
• Informal Tributes
• Thank You and Acknowledgements
• Viewing of the Deceased
• Closing

Sample Celebration of Life Service Order #1

11:00-12:00: Brief Reception. Guests will arrive and mingle. Drinks are served. The musicians play soft instrumental versions of the decedent’s favorite hymns or songs. Set up photo memory boards and keepsakes around the room – this is a good way to set the mood and tone for a celebration of life.

12:00-1:00: Tributes. Guests will be allowed to share brief memories and stories with everyone. Say a final farewell to the deceased.

1:00-2:00: Reception. Guests will be invited for finger foods and beverages. For a personal touch, place cards at each table for attendees to write down their favorite memories.

2:00: Dismissal. Express thanks to all who attended, acknowledge those who contributed or helped the family, provide any additional information, then dismiss the guests.

Sample Celebration of Life Service Order #2

1:00-1:30: Welcome.

Serve drinks or appetizers, or have a memorial activity (signature poster boards, write goodbyes to place in a bottle or memory jar, etc).

1:30-1:45: Seating.

Invite all guests to be seated in the chapel.

1:45-2:30: Service.

Opening remarks, Eulogy, Readings, Brief Sharing Time, Song, Prayer, and Dismissal.

Memorial Service Outline

Greetings and Eulogy. Open with a greeting and work the eulogy into it.

Hymn. Sing a favorite hymn. Provide the words.

Open Mic. Provide a microphone for close friends and family to share memories, funny stories, and special tributes.

Scripture Reading. Read some favorite passages from the Bible. Try to pick something uplifting such as Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 23, or Matthew 11:28-30.

Music. The closing music can be uplifting such as Heavenly Day by Patty Griffin, Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill, or I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me.

Closing. After a closing prayer, dismissal.

Graveside Order of Service Outline

• Scripture
• Prayer
• Reading of Obituary
• Brief Sermon
• Benediction

Scattering Ceremony Service Outline

• Opening Words
• Prayer
• Reading of Obituary
• Short Remembrances
• Scattering of Cremated Remains
• Closing Remarks and Prayers

Families often get creative at a scattering ceremony, while still keeping the overall event brief and simple. Here are some ideas of what to say and do.

All Funeral Order of Service Examples

Now, let’s talk about the actual service itself. Here are some popular ideas for you to consider including. Please remember that you do not need to include all of these ideas, and you are always welcome to adapt them to suit your loved one and the way you want to honor their memory. The style of service is totally up to you; personalization is everything, and it’s okay to be a little different.

In fact, I encourage you to tweak and customize as you see fit. Adding any of these ideas to the order of service will make your loved one’s funeral all the more unique.

I will also note what you should consider including in the printed memorial program or funeral folder.

• Welcoming Message/Opening Prayer. Name who will give the welcoming message and/or prayer.
• Songs. List the titles of songs played or sung, and be sure to either print or project the lyrics (or include hymnal page numbers) so the congregation can sing along if applicable. This is a great way to showcase the decedent’s favorite music, too.
• Instrumental Music. This can be done by live musicians or from recordings. Prelude, postlude, a time for reflection and silent prayer, or a slideshow can all be opportunities for music.
• Scripture Readings. List the Scripture references and who will do the reading.
• Sermon. If there will be a sermon, include the religious leader’s name and Scripture text.
• Eulogy. Name of the person giving the eulogy.
• Obituary. Sometimes the partial or full obituary is read in place of or in addition to the eulogy.
• Tributes/Open Mic. Include a few brief tributes – from close family members, a coworker, a friend, etc. Keep each one brief and stick to one or two short stories, appropriate readings, or messages of appreciation. This can be preplanned or “open mic” style.
• Slideshow. This can be a photo collage and/or videos, typically set to a favorite song or two. If the service is too long, you may want to play this on a loop during the reception instead.
• Viewing. If this is an open casket funeral, it is traditional to include a time for family and friends to view the body, say farewell, and pay their final respects.
• Closing prayer/remarks. Name of person saying the closing prayer and closing remarks.
• Thanks and acknowledgments. It is a good idea to publicly thank all those who volunteered to help with the service and who have extended their support to the family throughout this difficult time.
• Benediction. This is a blessing spoken over the decedent and the mourners at the end of a funeral service.
• Dismissal. Congregation will be dismissed to go to the cemetery for burial, or to a reception. Provide the details including addresses. If there is a procession, they will be given directions to line up in the procession.

Again, you don’t need to include every one of these elements. The funeral would be way too long! Instead, choose the events that you think will best honor your beloved, while trying to keep it simple.

Funeral Order of Service Programs & Templates

Let’s take a look at some premade funeral program design templates. Short of having your own design team, these elegant, customizable funeral order of service templates allow you to easily design online and print at home, online, or at a local print shop.

A funeral program is a beautiful keepsake from any service. This may be the only remembrance that people have of their loved ones. I have seen many people who collect these and pass them on to family members. With these ready-made templates, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own memorial keepsake.

How to Print Your Funeral Program

Once you are happy with the funeral program’s elements, design, and layout, it’s time to make the printed order of service. (Pro tip: It’s a good idea to print more copies than you expect people to come, just to be on the safe side.)

You have a few options when it comes to printing. Besides the expenses of ink and paper, the least expensive option is to print the folders on your home printer. You can also take your file to your local library, which may charge you a small fee to make copies. Alternatively, you can use a professional printing service, such as is offered by The UPS Store, to get the job done.

If you found this article helpful, I encourage you to go through our complete funeral program guide to decide on your order of service, songs, and readings you would like to include. Ask friends, family members, and clergy to help lead various elements. Then choose your funeral program template, personalize it, and print it.

Now you’re ready to go with the perfect service to honor your loved one!

Read Next: The Funeral Process, Explained by a Funeral Director