Order of Service Booklet Guide: What to Include

Putting together an order of service is rarely something anyone has done before, and it's usually needed at a difficult time. Here's a straightforward guide to what's typically included, to make the process a little more manageable.

What's commonly included

• Cover — name, dates, and often a photograph.
• Order of the service itself — hymns, readings, eulogies and any other elements in the order they'll occur.
• Hymn or song lyrics — printed in full if guests are expected to join in.
• A short tribute or biography — some families include a brief life summary or personal message.
• Details for afterward — venue information for a wake or gathering, if applicable.

Choosing a format

A simple folded card suits a shorter, straightforward service. A stapled or saddle-stitched booklet suits a service with more content, multiple readings, hymns printed in full, or a longer tribute. Page count is usually decided by how much content you want included rather than a fixed rule.

Wording and tone

There's no single correct tone, some families prefer traditional, formal wording; others prefer something warmer and more personal. What matters most is that it reflects the person and feels right to the family, not that it follows a strict template.

Timing

Because services are often arranged with limited notice, tell us your service date as early as possible along with your wording and any photographs, and we'll confirm a realistic turnaround. We understand this is usually needed quickly and handle it accordingly.

Browse our order of service printing, or contact us with your wording and service date.

Photographs

If you're including a photograph on the cover or inside, a clear, well-lit original gives a noticeably better printed result than a low-resolution or heavily cropped image, particularly if it will be enlarged for the cover. Send us the best quality version you have access to.

Quantity

Order a modest number of spares beyond your expected attendance, it's easier to have a few extra copies on the day than to be short, and any unused copies can be kept by close family as keepsakes.

See our wider funeral and memorial print range, including memorial cards and thank you cards.

Working with us

We understand this is often arranged during a difficult time, so we aim to keep the process as simple as possible: send your wording and any photographs whenever you're ready, and we'll advise on layout, page count and a realistic turnaround without adding unnecessary steps.