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Funeral Order of Service: Template, Examples & What to Include
The funeral order of service (also called the order of service or order of worship) is the heart of any funeral, memorial, or celebration of life program. It tells guests what will happen and in what sequence, so they can follow along with confidence.
Many families feel unsure about how to structure it or what to include. This guide gives you a clear, ready-to-use template, real examples, and practical advice so you can create a meaningful order of service without stress.
What Is a Funeral Order of Service?
A funeral order of service is the section of the program that outlines the sequence of events during the gathering. It typically lists:
- Readings
- Prayers or reflections
- Musical selections
- Speakers and eulogies
- Any special rituals or moments of silence
It can be formal or flexible, depending on whether the service is traditional, religious, or a celebration of life.
Free Order of Service Template
Here’s a clean, adaptable template you can copy and customize:
Order of Service
- Prelude / Gathering Music
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Opening Prayer or Reflection
- Hymn or Musical Selection
- Scripture Reading or Poem
- Eulogy / Life Tribute
- Additional Reflections or Open Sharing
- Musical Selection
- Closing Prayer or Words of Commendation
- Recessional
- Reception / Graveside Information (if applicable)
You can shorten or expand this list based on the length and style of your service.
Want this in a ready-to-edit format?
Download the free Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit. It includes order of service templates for traditional funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life, along with full program templates, an obituary helper, and a fill-in-the-blank eulogy guide.
Sample Funeral Order of Service Examples
Example 1: Traditional Funeral Service
- Prelude Music
- Processional
- Welcome and Opening Prayer
- Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
- Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
- Eulogy
- Musical Selection
- Closing Prayer
- Recessional
- Graveside Service to Follow
Example 2: Celebration of Life
- Gathering Music
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Photo Slideshow or Video Tribute
- Reading or Poem
- Personal Reflections (family and friends)
- Musical Selection
- Open Sharing
- Closing Words
- Invitation to Reception
Example 3: Simple Memorial Service
- Welcome
- Opening Reflection
- Life Tribute / Eulogy
- Favorite Song or Reading
- Moment of Silence
- Closing Words
- Reception Immediately Following
What to Include in the Order of Service Section
When writing your order of service, consider including:
- Clear headings for each part of the service
- Names of speakers, readers, and musicians
- Titles of hymns, songs, or readings
- Brief descriptions when helpful (for example, “Open Sharing – Guests are invited to share a short memory”)
- Timing notes only if the service is strictly timed
Keep the language simple and warm. Guests should be able to glance at the program and know what is happening.
Tips for Creating a Clear and Meaningful Order of Service
- Keep it concise — most services flow better when the program isn’t overcrowded
- Match the tone to the gathering (formal for traditional services, warmer for celebrations of life)
- List participants by full name and role when possible
- Leave a little white space so the section is easy to read
- Proofread carefully for spelling of names and song titles
How the Order of Service Fits Into the Full Program
The order of service is usually placed on the inside left or center panels of a bi-fold program. Surrounding sections often include:
- Cover with photo, name, and dates
- Short life tribute or obituary
- Poem, scripture, or meaningful quote
- Acknowledgments from the family
- Reception or donation information
If you’d like a complete program that already includes a well-structured order of service section, you can start with the free templates in the Farewell Files kit or browse customizable designs in my Zazzle Texas2Step store.
Printing Your Program
Once your order of service and full program are ready:
- Print at home on good quality cardstock
- Use a local print shop
- Or order professionally printed copies through Zazzle if you used one of the designs from my store
Always print a test copy first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the order of service be?
Most fit comfortably on one or two panels of a bi-fold program. Aim for clarity over length.
Do I need to include every single song and reading?
Include the main ones. You can note “additional music” or “personal reflections” if the service has flexible elements.
Can I use the same order of service for a celebration of life?
Yes. Simply adjust the language and structure to feel warmer and more personal.
Where can I get a free order of service template?
Download the free Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit for ready-to-use templates.
How many programs should I print?
Most families print 50–150 copies depending on expected attendance.
Ready to Create Your Order of Service?
A clear order of service helps guests feel comfortable and honors the flow of the gathering you’ve planned.
Start here:
Download the free Farewell Files kit for templates you can customize today.
Prefer a polished design that’s ready to personalize?
Browse the funeral and memorial program collections in my Zazzle store.
If you need extra support while putting everything together, you can also reach out about custom design help or my Funeral Friend support service.
You’re creating something meaningful. One clear step at a time is enough.
