Order of Service Template for Funeral Programs

The order of service is the printed outline of a funeral or memorial ceremony. It tells guests what will happen and in what sequence, from the opening words to the final recessional. In a bifold funeral program, it typically fills the inside right panel.

This guide provides copy-ready templates for several common service formats. Choose the one closest to your ceremony, adjust it to match your plans, and paste it into your program. Each template below can be paired with any design in our funeral program template collection.

General Funeral Order of Service

This template works for most traditional funeral services, regardless of denomination. It includes common elements that can be adapted for religious or secular settings by changing the terminology (for example, replacing "Prayer" with "Moment of Silence").

Musical Prelude
Instrumental or recorded music as guests are seated.
Processional
The entrance of the family, clergy, or casket.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
The officiant greets guests and sets the tone for the service.
Opening Prayer or Moment of Silence
A prayer, invocation, or quiet moment to open the ceremony.
Scripture Reading, Poem, or Personal Selection
A meaningful passage read by a family member or friend.
Reading of the Obituary
A summary of the person's life, read aloud or provided in print.
Reflections from Family and Friends
Spoken tributes, memories, or remarks from those closest to the deceased.
Musical Selection
A hymn, recorded song, or live performance.
Closing Words
Final remarks from the officiant, clergy, or a family member.
Closing Prayer or Benediction
A prayer or blessing to close the service.
Recessional
The departure of the family and casket, often accompanied by music.

Catholic Funeral Mass Order of Service

A Catholic funeral mass follows a specific liturgical structure. The order below reflects the standard rite. Your parish priest or deacon can help confirm which elements apply to your service. If you are looking for a template designed for Christian services, our Christian Devotional template is a popular choice.

Entrance Procession
The casket is brought into the church, often accompanied by a hymn.
Greeting and Sprinkling Rite
The priest greets the assembly and blesses the casket with holy water.
Placing of the Pall
A white cloth is draped over the casket as a symbol of baptism.
Opening Prayer (Collect)
The priest offers the opening prayer of the liturgy.
Liturgy of the Word
Includes an Old Testament reading, a Responsorial Psalm, a New Testament reading, and the Gospel.
Homily
The priest or deacon delivers a reflection on the readings and the life of the deceased.
Prayers of the Faithful
Intercessory prayers read by family members or the lector.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The preparation of gifts, consecration, and distribution of communion.
Final Commendation and Farewell
The priest leads the final prayers, the Song of Farewell, and the incensation of the casket.
Recessional
The casket is carried out of the church, followed by the family.

Baptist Homegoing Service Order

A homegoing celebration is a tradition in many Black Baptist and Protestant churches. The service is often joyful and deeply musical, celebrating the belief that the deceased has gone home to be with God. The structure below is a common starting point, though every church and family brings their own traditions.

Musical Prelude
Choir or soloist performs as guests are seated.
Processional
The family and clergy enter, often accompanied by a hymn.
Opening Hymn
A congregational hymn to open the service.
Scripture Readings
Old Testament and New Testament selections read by family or church members.
Prayer of Comfort
A prayer offered by the pastor or a visiting minister.
Musical Selection
A solo, choir number, or recorded song.
Reading of the Obituary
Read aloud by a family member or printed for silent reading.
Acknowledgments and Resolutions
Cards, letters, and resolutions from churches and organizations are read aloud.
Reflections from Family and Friends
Brief spoken tributes, usually limited to two or three minutes each.
Musical Selection
A second musical tribute, often a hymn with personal significance.
Eulogy
The pastor delivers the main message of comfort and celebration.
Altar Call or Invitation to Discipleship
Some pastors extend an invitation at the close of the eulogy.
Closing Prayer and Benediction
The pastor offers final prayers and a blessing.
Recessional
The family and casket depart, often accompanied by music.

Secular Celebration of Life Order of Service

A celebration of life is typically less formal and more personal than a traditional funeral. There is no required structure, so families have flexibility to include what feels meaningful. The template below provides a starting framework that you can adapt freely.

Welcome
A family member or close friend opens the gathering.
Opening Words and Remembrance
A brief reflection on why everyone has gathered.
Photo Slideshow or Video Tribute
A curated collection of photos and memories, often set to music.
Readings
Poems, literary passages, song lyrics, or personal writings chosen by the family.
Reflections from Family and Friends
Open or pre-arranged spoken tributes. Some families set a gentle time limit.
Musical Tribute
A live performance, recorded favorite song, or group sing-along.
Moment of Silence
A quiet pause for personal reflection.
Closing Words
A final message from the host, often including thanks and any reception details.

Military Funeral Honors

Military funeral honors are typically performed at the graveside following the main service. If the deceased was a veteran, these elements are often listed at the end of the order of service or as a separate section.

The exact honors provided vary based on the veteran's branch of service, rank, and whether they served during wartime or peacetime. A full honors funeral for a senior officer will look different from a standard honors ceremony for an enlisted veteran. The elements below represent the most commonly rendered honors, but your family's ceremony may include some or all of them depending on what the branch provides.

Presentation of the Colors
The honor guard presents the American flag.
Playing of Taps
A bugler or recorded performance of Taps.
Three-Volley Salute
A rifle detail fires three volleys in honor of the deceased. This element is not included in all ceremonies.
Flag Folding Ceremony
The flag draped over the casket is folded by the honor guard.
Flag Presentation
The folded flag is presented to the next of kin with the words: "On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation..."

Military honors are arranged through the branch of service or a local veterans' organization. Your funeral director can help coordinate the request and confirm which elements will be included in your ceremony.

Tips for Customizing Your Order of Service

Match the list to your actual ceremony

These templates are starting points. Remove elements that do not apply, add any that are unique to your service, and reorder as needed. A shorter, focused list is better than a long one padded with elements that will not actually happen.

Include speaker and performer names when you can

Listing who will deliver each reading or musical selection helps guests follow along and gives recognition to those participating. If someone has not been confirmed, you can leave the name off that line and add it later before printing.

Name specific songs, hymns, and readings

Instead of just "Musical Selection," write the title: "Musical Selection: Amazing Grace." Instead of just "Scripture Reading," write "Scripture Reading: Psalm 23." This gives guests context and makes the program more meaningful as a keepsake.

Keep formatting consistent

Use the same structure for each line. If you include speaker names, format them the same way throughout (for example, always after an ellipsis or always on a second line). Consistency makes the list easier to scan at a glance.

Leave room for the unexpected

Services sometimes include spontaneous moments, like an open invitation for attendees to share a memory. You can note this in the program with a line such as "Open Reflections" or "Remarks from Those in Attendance" so guests know there will be an opportunity to speak.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an order of service for a funeral?

An order of service is the printed sequence of events for a funeral or memorial ceremony. It appears in the funeral program so guests can follow along with each reading, musical selection, and spoken tribute as the service unfolds.

How many items should be in a funeral order of service?

Most funeral services include between 6 and 12 items. A shorter, more intimate service might have as few as 5 elements, while a full religious liturgy may have more. The goal is to give guests a clear outline without overwhelming the panel with detail.

Should I include the names of speakers in the order of service?

Yes, when possible. Listing who will deliver each reading, prayer, or reflection helps guests follow along and gives recognition to those participating. If a speaker has not been confirmed, you can list the element without a name and add it later.

Where does the order of service go in a bifold funeral program?

In a standard bifold layout, the order of service is placed on the inside right panel. The inside left panel is typically used for the obituary or life tribute. This arrangement lets guests see both the life story and the ceremony sequence when the program is open.

Can I use the same order of service format for a memorial service?

Yes. A memorial service follows the same general structure. The main difference is that a memorial service typically takes place without the casket present, so elements like the processional and recessional may be adjusted or omitted. The rest of the format applies directly.

What is the difference between a funeral order of service and a celebration of life program?

The structure is similar, but the tone and terminology differ. A traditional funeral order of service often includes religious elements such as prayers and scripture readings. A celebration of life program may replace those with personal reflections, photo slideshows, and recorded music. Both serve the same purpose of guiding guests through the ceremony.

Do I need to include times for each item in the order of service?

Most printed programs do not list specific times for individual items. The service flows naturally from one element to the next, and the officiant guides the transitions. Including the overall start time on the front cover is usually sufficient.

What if I do not know the full order of service yet?

Start with the elements you are confident about and leave placeholders for the rest. Many families finalize the order of service in the day or two before the ceremony. You can update the program and reprint as needed once the details are confirmed.