An order of service does two things at once. On the day, it guides people through the ceremony — when to stand, when to sit, when music will play, who will speak and when. Afterward, it becomes something else: a keepsake that people tuck into a drawer, return to on anniversaries, and sometimes keep for the rest of their lives.
Getting it right matters. Here's what to include, in the order it typically appears. And if you'd like help putting it all together, the Memories Order of Service Builder guides you through with thoughtful templates, photo options, and wording prompts that make the process feel manageable.
The cover
The cover is the first thing people see as they take their seat. It should include:
• A photograph of the person — a portrait or a candid image that captures them well
• Their full name
• Date of birth and date of death
• A short line beneath, if desired — a phrase they used, a quote that suited them, or simply 'In loving memory'
Sample wording: In loving memory of [Name] / [Date of birth] – [Date of death]
The order of events
This is the practical heart of the booklet — a clear, sequential list of what will happen during the service. A typical structure might include:
• Welcome and opening words
• Music (list the title and artist)
• Reading or poem (list the title and reader's name)
• Eulogy (list the speaker's name)
• Music
• Committal or farewell
• Closing music (recessional)
The eulogy or life summary
Many order of service booklets include a short life summary — a paragraph or two covering the key chapters of the person's life. Memories Biography Writer can help you draft this with guided prompts. memories.net/products/ai-biography-writer
Readings and poems
If readings or poems are being shared during the service, including the full text in the booklet allows everyone to follow along — and to keep the words afterward. List the title, the author, and the name of the person reading it.
Hymns or song lyrics
For services that include congregational singing, print the full lyrics so people can participate. List the title and, if relevant, the page number in any hymnal being used.
Photographs
A small selection of photographs inside the booklet — childhood, family, later years — adds warmth and personal detail. Three to five images, well chosen, is usually enough.
The back cover
The back cover typically includes:
• A thank-you note from the family
• Details of any reception or gathering after the service
• Any charitable donation requests in lieu of flowers
• A QR code linking to the digital guest book or online memory book, so attendees can leave messages and access shared photos. memories.net/products/digital-guest-book
Sample wording: The family would like to thank you for your presence and support today. Your kindness means more than words can express. A reception will follow at [location]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [charity].
How many pages do you need?
• 4 pages (a single folded sheet): suitable for a short, simple service
• 8 pages: the most common format — enough space for photos, readings, and a life summary
• 12 pages or more: for longer services, or where a more complete biography is included
Putting together an order of service while managing everything else a funeral asks of you can feel daunting when you're already carrying a great deal. The Memories Order of Service Builder guides you through it — with thoughtful templates, photo options, and wording prompts that make the process feel manageable.
When you're ready, it downloads as a print-ready file. The same platform also includes a eulogy writer, tribute video builder, and online memory book, so everything created for the service stays in one place. Start for free — no credit card required.
