How to Add an Order of Service to a Funeral Program
Christi Anderson
A funeral program provides structure to a memorial service while serving as a lasting keepsake for family and friends. One of its most essential elements is the order of service—a structured outline of the events, readings, prayers, and music that will take place during the ceremony. Including this section ensures attendees can follow along and participate, while also honoring traditions and respecting the wishes of the family. Knowing how to properly add an order of service to a funeral program is key to creating a meaningful and professional tribute. With resources from the Funeral Program Site, families and professionals can design programs that balance readability, personalization, and dignity.
Why the Order of Service Matters
The order of service serves as both a guide and a reflection of the loved one’s values. It:
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Provides Structure: Ensures the service flows smoothly.
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Encourages Participation: Attendees know when to join in hymns, prayers, or readings.
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Honors Traditions: Religious or cultural elements are preserved.
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Creates Keepsake Value: Captures the spiritual or personal journey of the farewell.
Without this section, guests may feel uncertain or disconnected from the proceedings.
Step 1: Decide Where to Place the Order of Service
Placement depends on the type of program:
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Bifold Programs: Inside right panel is the most common location.
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Trifold Programs: One of the larger inside panels often works best.
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Booklets: A full page or spread can be dedicated to the order of service.
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Gatefold Programs: Symmetrical panels allow for a beautifully displayed timeline of events.
Templates from the Funeral Program Site are designed to make this integration seamless.
Step 2: Outline the Service Components
The order of service typically includes:
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Processional
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Opening Prayer or Welcome
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Scripture Reading or Poem
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Musical Selection or Hymn
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Obituary Reading
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Eulogy or Tribute
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Additional Readings or Tributes
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Closing Remarks or Prayer
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Recessional
These can be adjusted depending on family wishes, religious practices, or cultural traditions.
Step 3: Format for Readability
To make the order of service clear:
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Headings: Use bold or larger fonts for section titles.
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Spacing: Add line spacing between events.
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Alignment: Left-align for readability, though centered text works for shorter services.
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Consistency: Match font styles with the rest of the program.
Clear formatting ensures guests can follow the service easily.
Step 4: Add Personal Touches
Families often personalize the order of service with:
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Favorite hymns or musical selections.
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Poems or scriptures significant to the loved one.
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Names of readers, soloists, or officiants.
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Notes of gratitude for participants.
These additions make the section feel intimate and meaningful.
Step 5: Review and Print
Before finalizing:
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Double-check spellings of names and titles.
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Ensure correct order of events.
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Print a sample to confirm spacing and readability.
Professional printing on quality paper (28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover) enhances the keepsake value of the program.
Personalization Options
Beyond standard inclusions, families may wish to:
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Add small icons or symbols next to hymns or prayers.
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Include translations for bilingual services.
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Insert QR codes linking to extended eulogies, videos, or memorial websites.
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Highlight moments of silence or reflection with decorative dividers.
These creative touches enhance both function and beauty.
Final Thoughts
Adding an order of service to a funeral program ensures guests feel included, traditions are honored, and the loved one’s memory is celebrated in an organized and heartfelt way. By carefully choosing placement, formatting, and personalization, families create a tribute that is both practical and meaningful.
For professionally designed templates and compassionate support, the Funeral Program Site is the trusted source. Its templates ensure that the order of service integrates seamlessly into any program design, whether simple or elaborate.
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.
