Order of service examples
The order of service is the backbone of the program — it tells guests what's happening and who's speaking. Here are three simple samples to start from. Add each person's name next to their part, and remove anything that doesn't fit.
Traditional church service
A familiar shape for many faith services. Your pastor or officiant may adjust the order to fit your church's customs.
- Processional
- Hymn
- Scripture reading — Old Testament
- Scripture reading — New Testament
- Prayer of comfort
- Selection (solo or choir)
- Reading of the obituary
- Acknowledgments and resolutions
- Reflections (two minutes each)
- Selection
- Eulogy
- Recessional
- Interment
- Repast
Celebration of life
Often less formal and more personal — sometimes at a venue, a home or a favorite place.
- Welcome and opening words
- Opening song
- Reading or poem
- Life story / obituary
- Memory tribute video
- Shared memories from family and friends
- A favorite song of theirs
- Closing words
- Invitation to gather and share a meal
Graveside service
Short and simple, held at the cemetery — on its own or after a service elsewhere.
- Gathering and opening words
- Scripture or reading
- Brief remarks or eulogy
- Prayer
- Committal
- Benediction or closing words
- Floral tribute or releasing of flowers
Tips for a smooth service
Confirm with your officiant first. They'll know the customs of the church or venue and can suggest what to add or skip.
Set a time for reflections. Mentioning "two minutes each" in the program gently keeps things on schedule.
List names beside each part. It honors everyone taking part and helps guests know who's speaking.
We'll design it for you.
Share what you have — photos, names, dates, whatever's written so far — and we'll build the program around it.
Free funeral program template
Short on time? Let us design it for you