The order of service is the spine of a funeral program: the list, in sequence, of everything that will happen — who enters when, which hymns are sung, who reads, who speaks, and how the service closes. Guests glance at it constantly; participants depend on it; and the officiant runs the hour by it. Getting it onto paper is usually the moment a service stops feeling chaotic and starts feeling planned.
The traditional sequence
Most Protestant and non-denominational funeral services in the United States follow some version of this shape, trimmed or expanded to fit:
- Processional — the family enters, often to music, congregation standing.
- Opening prayer or invocation.
- Hymn or musical selection.
- Scripture reading(s) — commonly one Old Testament, one New Testament.
- Obituary reading — aloud, or noted “read silently” while music plays.
- Words of comfort / remarks — brief remembrances from friends and family.
- Eulogy — the main tribute, usually one prepared speaker.
- Closing hymn or selection.
- Closing prayer or benediction.
- Recessional — family exits first; guests follow.
A Catholic funeral Mass follows the liturgy (reception of the body, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, final commendation), so build that program with your parish — the structure is set, and the program mostly names the readings, music, and participants within it. A celebration of life runs far looser: often just welcome, music, three or four stories, a shared reading, and a closing — the same builder handles it by deleting the liturgical items.
What to print for each item
The item name comes first, in order. Under it, in smaller type, add the two details guests actually need: what (the hymn title, the scripture reference) and who (“Mrs. Dana Wells”, “the grandchildren”). Instructions belong here too — “congregation standing,” “please hold applause,” “2 minutes, please” for open remarks. If the service includes a graveside committal or a repast afterward, print those at the bottom with times and addresses; it saves the family answering the same question forty times.
Three practical rules
- Confirm the sequence with the officiant before printing — clergy often have a fixed liturgical order, and the program must match what actually happens.
- Name your participants, then tell them. Being listed in a program should never be a surprise.
- Keep it to one panel. Ten to twelve items fit comfortably on the inside page of a bifold program; if you have more, tighten details rather than shrinking the type below readable size.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides the order of service?
The family, usually together with the officiant or funeral director. Clergy will often have a preferred liturgical structure; the family typically chooses the hymns, readings, speakers, and personal touches within it.
How long should a funeral service be?
Most funeral and memorial services run 30 to 60 minutes. A useful planning habit: two to three minutes per order-of-service item, five to ten for the eulogy, and firm gentle limits on open remarks ('two minutes, please' printed in the program genuinely helps).
Do we list names in the order of service?
Yes, where you can — 'Scripture Reading — Mrs. Dana Wells' honors the person serving and helps guests follow along. If participants may change, list the item without a name.