Funeral guide

What to put in a funeral order of service booklet

An order of service is the booklet guests hold during a funeral or memorial. It tells them what's happening, and afterwards it becomes a keepsake. Here's what usually goes in, in order, with a simple checklist.

The front cover

• Their full name, and the name people knew them by if it's different
• Dates of birth and passing, or just the years
• A photo that looks like them, often a recent one or a favourite
• A short line such as "In loving memory" or "Celebrating the life of"

The inside pages

Most services follow the same order. List each part with the name of the person leading it.

• Entry music
• Welcome, by the celebrant or minister
• Readings or poems, with the reader's name
• Eulogy or tribute, with the speaker's name
• Photo slideshow or a piece of music for reflection
• Prayers or a hymn, for a religious service
• Words of thanks from the family
• Committal or final farewell
• Exit music

A short life tribute

Many families include a short paragraph about the person: where they grew up, their work, their family and what they loved. Keep it to 100 to 200 words. Dot points from a few family members are a good place to start.

The back cover

• A favourite photo, quote or poem
• Details of the wake or gathering afterwards
• A note about donations to a charity in lieu of flowers, if the family wishes
• Thanks to the funeral home, nurses or carers

Size, pages and how many to print

The most common format is A5: an A4 sheet folded in half, which gives four pages. Choose eight pages if you want more photos or a longer tribute. Print enough for the guests you expect, plus 10 to 20 percent extra for family keepsakes and people who couldn't attend.

A note on song lyrics

Modern song lyrics are protected by copyright, so it's safest to list the song's title and artist rather than printing the words. Poems, hymns and scripture that are out of copyright can be printed in full.

Timing

Funerals in Australia are often held within one to two weeks. Allow a day for design and proofing, and one to three business days for printing and delivery, depending on the printer.