What to Include in a Funeral Order of Service
A practical guide for families and funeral directors planning the printed ceremony booklet.
“A funeral booklet is both a practical guide for the ceremony and a lasting keepsake that families hold onto for decades.”
Structuring the Ceremony Booklet
Designing an order of service booklet requires balance. It must contain all essential text for readings and hymns while keeping a clean, unhurried typographic rhythm. The standard format is a 4-page or 8-page booklet printed on heavy uncoated paper, which gives a warm, tactile feel.
The front cover should be minimal: a central photo, full name, dates, and a quiet subtitle (e.g., “A Celebration of Life”). Inside pages contain the schedule of the service, names of readers, complete hymn lyrics, and any musical selections.
Adding Personal Details
The back cover is typically reserved for a final photo, expressions of thanks from the family, and details regarding donations or reception gatherings. We recommend keeping the text spacious and placing photos on dedicated pages or alongside short quotes to maintain a calm, uncrowded layout.
Our studio coordinates directly with celebrants and funeral directors to review all text and formatting before printing, ensuring complete precision during a difficult time.