A funeral order of service is one of the most important elements of any memorial program. It provides attendees with a structured outline of the ceremony, ensuring that everyone knows what to expect and when to participate. Beyond its practical purpose, the order of service serves as part of the keepsake value of a funeral program, allowing loved ones to look back on the meaningful moments that honored a life well lived. Creating a reusable funeral order of service template saves time, ensures consistency, and provides families with a professional design they can personalize. With resources from the Funeral Program Site, crafting a polished, meaningful order of service becomes a straightforward and comforting process.
Why an Order of Service Matters
The order of service fulfills both logistical and emotional roles:
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Clarity: Ensures attendees know when to stand, sing, or reflect.
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Coordination: Helps clergy, musicians, and family speakers stay organized.
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Keepsake Value: Serves as a written memory of the day’s flow and events.
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Respect: Reflects the dignity of the ceremony and honors the deceased.
Because of its importance, the order of service should be included in nearly every funeral program template.
Step 1: Decide on the Format
Funeral order of service templates can be created in several formats depending on the length and complexity of the ceremony:
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Bifold Programs: Four panels, often including the order of service on one inside panel.
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Trifold Programs: Six panels, allowing for longer services with multiple readings or music selections.
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Booklets: Multi-page formats ideal for large services with extended tributes, eulogies, or hymns.
The chosen layout should match the service size and family’s preference.
Step 2: Set Up the Document
Using Word, Publisher, Google Docs, or Adobe InDesign:
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Page Size: Standard 8.5" x 11" or larger for booklets.
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Margins: Set to at least 0.5 inches for clean printing.
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Guides: Add fold or column markers if needed.
This structure forms the foundation of the reusable template.
Step 3: Add Placeholder Sections
A template should include placeholders for the order of service, which typically contains:
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Prelude: Music before the ceremony begins.
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Processional: Entry of family and officiants.
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Opening Words/Prayer: Sets the tone for the service.
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Scripture Readings or Poems: Chosen passages reflecting faith or values.
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Musical Selections or Hymns: Congregational singing or solos.
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Eulogies/Tributes: Reflections from family and friends.
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Obituary Reading: A formal presentation of the life story.
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Committal/Closing Words: Blessings or farewells.
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Recessional/Postlude: Music as attendees exit.
By including these placeholders, families only need to insert names and details for each new program.
Step 4: Design for Readability
Since the order of service guides attendees, it should be clear and easy to follow:
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Fonts: Use serif or sans serif fonts for body text; reserve decorative fonts for headings.
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Hierarchy: Bold or italicize headings like “Opening Prayer” or “Eulogy.”
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Spacing: Leave adequate space between items to prevent clutter.
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Alignment: Left-aligned text is easiest to read; center alignment works for shorter lines like hymns.
Templates from the Funeral Program Site are designed with readability in mind, combining elegance with practicality.
Step 5: Save the Template
Once finalized, save the order of service design as a template:
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Word:
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InDesign:
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Google Docs: Create a master file for duplication.
This ensures the template is reusable for future services without altering the original.
Step 6: Print or Share Digitally
The order of service can be distributed in print or shared digitally:
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Print: Use quality paper such as 28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover for keepsake durability.
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Digital: Export as a PDF to email or post on memorial websites.
Professional printing ensures polished results that reflect the dignity of the service.
Personalization Options
Families can personalize the order of service by:
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Listing participants by name (officiant, readers, soloists).
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Adding full hymn lyrics or printed prayers.
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Incorporating photos, decorative motifs, or borders.
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Including cultural or faith-based rituals.
These details make the program feel authentic and reflective of the loved one’s life.
Final Thoughts
Creating a funeral order of service template ensures that every memorial ceremony is organized, dignified, and meaningful. By establishing placeholders, prioritizing readability, and offering personalization options, families can simplify the design process while honoring loved ones with grace.
For professional templates and compassionate printing, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted source. Its expertise ensures every order of service is presented clearly and respectfully, providing comfort to families and guests alike.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.
