Funeral Order of Service: What to Include, Formats & Timings

An order of service is usually an A5 folded or stapled booklet — 4, 8 or 12 pages — that guides mourners through the service and becomes a keepsake afterwards. It is one of the most time-sensitive print jobs there is, and printers handle them with that understanding: proofs turned around quickly, printing often within a day once details are confirmed.

What goes in an order of service?

Cover: full name, dates, a photograph if wished, and the service date and venue. Inside, in service order: entrance music, welcome, hymns or songs (with words, so everyone can join), readings and who gives them, eulogy, prayers or reflections, committal, exit music. Back: a thank-you from the family, details of the wake/reception, and any donation preferences (charity name and how to give).

The funeral director or celebrant confirms the running order — the printed version simply mirrors it.

Format and paper

• 4 pages (one folded A4 → A5): simple, elegant, suits shorter services
• 8–12 pages (stapled A5): room for full hymn words and more photographs (how booklet pages work)
• Paper: a quality silk or uncoated 170–250gsm cover feel; photographs reproduce best on silk

How many copies?

Slightly more than expected attendance — spares are always wanted afterwards by family who couldn't attend, and running out is the one outcome to avoid. Round up: for 80 expected, print 100.

Timings, honestly

Once the content is final, printing is fast — often same or next day (same-day details). The time pressure is almost always in gathering hymn words, photographs and the confirmed order — so start the draft early even while details settle, and treat the final proof read as essential: names, dates and hymn verses checked by two people.

Supplying the content

A finished PDF is welcome (file setup guide), but so is a simple document with the text and photographs — layout help is part of the job, and families are never expected to be designers at a time like this. Photographs: the originals rather than screenshots, at the largest size available.

FAQs

How quickly can an order of service be printed in Ipswich? Usually within a working day of the final proof being approved — same-day is often possible before the 1pm cut-off. Call 01473 933888 and the schedule will be checked immediately.

Who usually arranges the printing? Either the funeral director (often as part of their service) or the family directly — both are completely normal.

Should hymn words be printed in full? Yes, whenever copyright allows — it lets everyone participate without hunting for hymn books. Your celebrant or church can confirm any licensing in place.

Can we include lots of photographs? Yes — an 8 or 12 page format gives room for a photo section, and it's often the part families treasure most.