Funeral order of service template: a practical starting point
Plan the cover, running order and thank-you message before you choose a design.
A simple four-page structure
A four-page order of service is one sheet folded in half. Page one is the front cover, pages two and three hold the ceremony and any short reading or tribute, and page four is the back cover. Start with this structure if the service is short. A longer reading or several tributes may need eight or twelve pages. Count pages, not sheets: an eight-page booklet uses two folded sheets.
What belongs on each page
For the front cover, gather the name the family wants to use, life dates if desired, a photograph, and the date, time and venue of the service. For the inside, prepare a running order agreed with the celebrant or officiant. Use separate sections for a tribute or a reading so that guests can follow comfortably. The back cover can thank people for attending, give reception details and explain any agreed donation arrangements.
Adapt the wording to the person
“In loving memory” is a starting point, not a requirement. You might prefer “Celebrating the life of” or simply their name. There is no need to make a non-religious ceremony resemble a religious service. Keep personal details accurate and use the family’s preferred tone. This editor does not decide which prayers, rituals or readings are appropriate; confirm those choices with the people leading the service.
From template to finished PDF
Enter the details in the maker and arrange the sections in the order you want. Select four, eight or twelve pages, then open the complete watermarked PDF. If the text does not fit, the maker will ask you to shorten it or choose more pages rather than silently cut it off. Empty inside pages are headed “Memories” so guests can write a message. Check those pages deliberately before you purchase.
Check before sending to print
Ask another person to check every name and date, including the weekday. Confirm the venue and reception instructions, and print one test copy at actual size. Templates cannot verify facts, image rights or permission to reproduce readings. The free preview lets you check the result; the £14.99 purchase unlocks the unwatermarked PDFs and revisions for this memorial.
Create your own program
Enter your details, preview every page free and purchase the complete printable pack for £14.99 GBP once.
Open the program maker