What an order of service is
An order of service is the small program guests receive as they arrive — and, just as much, it is the plan the service follows. One folded page tells everyone where they are in the hour: what will be read, what will be played, who will speak, and what comes next. Once it is settled, no one in the family has to carry the running order in their head.
You do not need experience to write one. Most services settle into a familiar shape, and everything in this guide can be moved, added to, or left out until it sounds like the person you are remembering.
What usually goes in
- The cover — their full name, the years of their life, a photograph if you would like one, and the date and place of the service.
- Opening words — a short welcome from the officiant, celebrant, or a member of the family.
- Music — pieces chosen for the arrival, for reflection partway through, and for the close.
- Readings — poems, passages, or letters, each with the reader's name beside it.
- The eulogy and tributes — who will speak, in the order they will speak.
- A moment of quiet — unhurried time for everyone to sit with their own memories.
- Closing words — thanks, and where everyone is invited afterwards.
- A note from the family — one or two lines of thanks, often set on the back cover.
A simple order that works
This shape holds thirty to forty minutes comfortably, which is the length most services settle near:
- Music as guests arrive and are seated
- Welcome and opening words
- First reading
- Eulogy
- Music or a slideshow, for reflection
- Second reading, or open tributes from guests
- Closing words and thanks
- Music as guests leave
Treat it as a starting point rather than a rule. A service with three speakers and no readings is just as complete as one with none of each. If someone may find speaking difficult on the day, it can help to name a second person who will hold their place, quietly, just in case.
Words you can borrow
If the blank page is the hardest part, these lines are yours to use or change. Each has been written to be read aloud.
"Thank you for being here with us today, as we remember and celebrate the life of [name]."
"The family of [name] thanks you for your presence today, and for every kindness shown to them. It has meant more than they can say."
"Please join us afterwards at [place], where we can be together a little longer."
The practical part
- How many to print — one per household expected, plus about ten extra. People often keep them.
- What size — a folded letter sheet or A5 booklet is the most common and the easiest to hold. A few large-print copies are a quiet kindness for anyone who needs them.
- Printing — a home printer manages small gatherings well; for fifty copies or more, a local print shop will do it the same day on heavier paper.
- When to finish — aim to have the file final two days before the service, so printing is never rushed.
- One last read — ask someone a step outside the immediate family to check every name, date, and spelling. Fresh eyes catch what tired ones cannot.
When you are ready
Solace Paper makes order of service programs — templates you can edit yourself, and programs we prepare for you, checked letter by letter. The collection opens soon at our Etsy shop.