A funeral order of service booklet serves as both a practical guide for attendees and a lasting memorial to your loved one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of creating a meaningful and professional-looking order of service that honors their memory.
Key Considerations:
– Focus on clear organization of service elements
– Include essential biographical information
– Consider design and printing options
– Allow time for proofreading and verification
– Think about the booklet as a lasting keepsake
Understanding the Purpose and Significance
The order of service booklet plays multiple important roles during and after the funeral ceremony. During the service, it guides attendees through the proceedings, ensuring everyone can follow along and participate appropriately. After the ceremony, it becomes a cherished keepsake that helps preserve memories of both the person and the celebration of their life.
Essential Content Elements
The front cover sets the tone for the entire booklet and should include fundamental information about your loved one. This typically begins with their full name prominently displayed, accompanied by their dates of birth and death. Including the service details – date, time, and location – helps the booklet serve as both a program and a memorial document. Many families choose to feature a favorite photograph or meaningful image that captures their loved one’s spirit.
The internal pages require thoughtful organization to guide readers through the service while incorporating personal elements. Begin with a clear schedule of the ceremony, detailing each element in chronological order. This helps attendees understand what to expect and when to participate. Include the full text of any readings, hymns, or songs to encourage participation and create a more inclusive atmosphere.
Incorporating Personal Touches
Personal elements transform a simple program into a meaningful tribute. Consider including a brief biography or timeline highlighting significant moments in your loved one’s life. Photographs from different periods can illustrate their journey and bring comfort to those attending. Family members might contribute short memories or tributes that capture special qualities or moments shared with the deceased.
The final pages often include practical information about gatherings after the service, such as wake details or reception locations. Many families also use this space to express gratitude to attendees and suggest charitable donations in memory of their loved one, if desired.
Design Considerations
Modern technology offers numerous options for creating professional-looking booklets. Online platforms like Canva provide user-friendly templates specifically designed for funeral orders of service. These templates offer a foundation that you can customize with your own content, photos, and design elements while maintaining a polished appearance.
For those comfortable with more advanced software, programs like Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher offer greater control over layout and design elements. These tools allow for precise positioning of text and images, creating truly unique designs that reflect your loved one’s personality or interests.
Printing Options and Considerations
The choice between home printing and professional services depends on several factors. Home printing works well for smaller services, offering control over the process and the ability to make last-minute adjustments. When printing at home, invest in high-quality paper that will enhance the presentation and durability of the booklets.
For larger services or when seeking a more professional finish, local print shops offer valuable expertise. They can advise on paper types, binding options, and appropriate quantities. Professional printing often provides more consistent results and can handle special finishing touches like foiling or embossing that might be difficult to achieve at home.
Making Design Decisions
When designing your order of service, consider practical aspects such as readability and durability. Choose fonts that are clear and easily readable, particularly for older attendees. Consider using slightly larger text sizes and maintaining good contrast between text and background colors. If including photographs, ensure they are high-resolution and properly formatted for printing.
Final Review Process
Before proceeding with full printing, conduct a thorough review process. Share drafts with family members and the service officiant to ensure all information is accurate and appropriately presented. Check that all names are spelled correctly, dates are accurate, and the order of events matches the planned service structure.
Production Timeline
Allow adequate time for design, review, and printing. Ideally, begin working on the order of service as soon as the funeral arrangements are confirmed. This provides time for thoughtful design choices and thorough proofreading while reducing stress in the days immediately preceding the service.
Conclusion
Creating your own funeral order of service allows for a deeply personal tribute while providing practical guidance for the ceremony. By carefully considering content, design, and production elements, you can create a meaningful document that honors your loved one’s memory and provides comfort to those attending the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many copies of the order of service should we print?
Order slightly more than your expected attendance – typically 10-15% extra to account for unexpected guests and to have copies for those unable to attend.
What paper type is best for funeral orders of service?
A slightly heavier paper stock (around 160-200gsm) works well, providing durability while remaining easy to fold. Consider a matte finish for better readability.
Can we include color photographs in our order of service?
Yes, color photographs can be included, though consider printing costs and quality. Ensure images are high-resolution and properly formatted for the best results.
How many pages should an order of service include?
Typical booklets range from 4-12 pages (including covers), though this can vary based on service length and additional content. Consider printing costs when determining length.
Should we include music lyrics in the order of service?
If congregational singing is planned, including lyrics helps attendees participate. Remember to check copyright requirements for published works.
This guide is provided by Newrest Family Funerals, committed to supporting families through affordable funeral choices with dignity and care. All prices and information are current as of January 2025 but may be subject to change. Please contact us directly for the most up-to-date information and pricing for your specific requirements.
For guidance and support available 24/7, contact Newrest Family Funerals:
Phone: 0800 111 4971
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.newrestfunerals.co.uk
Please contact for more details.
