How to Print Your Order of Service

📄 A5 Booklet (Standard)

Your PDF is pre-formatted for A5 size — that's half an A4 sheet folded in half, like a small booklet. This is the traditional funeral order of service format.

• A5 unfolded: 148 × 210 mm (5.8" × 8.3") — two facing pages
  

  Print on A4 paper, fold in half once. This is the simplest method.

• Print directly to A5: If your printer supports A5 directly, select "A5" in print settings. Fewer folds needed but less common on home printers.

How to Fold

1. Print both pages on two separate A4 sheets
2. Stack them with the programme page on top, face down
3. Fold both sheets in half lengthwise (hamburger fold, not hot dog)
4. The cover should be on the outside

Paper Colour

• White — Bright, clean, contemporary. Works with all designs.
• Ivory / Cream — Warm, classic, elegant. Softens dark designs. Very popular for funerals.
• Light Grey — Modern, subtle, sophisticated. Great for minimalist designs.

🏠 Print at Home

Best for: Quick turnaround, tight budgets, small quantities (1–5 copies)

• Printer type: Inkjet or laser both work. Most home printers handle up to 120gsm paper.
• Paper load: Use the plain paper tray. For thicker paper (160gsm+), use the bypass/manual feed tray.
• Settings: Print to "fit page" or "actual size" (do NOT scale). Choose matte or normal (not glossy) if prompted.
• Cost per copy: £0.02–0.15 (paper + ink)
• Time: 5–10 minutes

🖨 Local Copy Shop

Best for: Better paper quality, larger quantities, professional finish

• Where: Staples, independent print shops, supermarket print services (most towns have at least one)
• What to bring: The PDF on your phone or laptop. Tell them: "A5 booklet, folded, on premium paper."
• Paper options: 120–200gsm, matte, cream or white
• Cost per copy: £0.10–0.40 (paper + printing labour)
• Time: Same day (usually 1–2 hours, sometimes instant for small orders)
• Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm they can handle PDF files and A5 folding. Most can.

🏢 Professional Printing

Best for: Large quantities (50+), premium finishes, exhibition-quality results

• Services: Vistaprint, Printful, local print studios, newspaper print services
• Paper options: Full range — up to 300gsm cardstock, specialty finishes (linen, felt, etc.)
• Cost per copy: £0.30–1.00+ (depends on volume & paper)
• Time: 3–7 business days (or rush service for extra cost)
• Turnaround: Ideal if you need 100+ copies for a large funeral or memorial event

✓ Best Practices

• Test first: Print one copy on regular paper before ordering 50. Makes sure alignment is perfect.
• Colour accuracy: Designs may look slightly different on screen vs. paper. This is normal. Printers are more accurate than monitors.
• Fold when fresh: Paper folds cleanest right after printing (while slightly warm). Wait 30 mins if you prefer, but not longer.
• Use a bone folder: For thick paper (200gsm+), crease the fold line gently with a ruler edge or bone folder. Prevents cracking.
• Quantities to order: Expect 10–20% waste during folding. If you need 50, print 60. For copy shops, they'll advise.
• Quality check: The first page you print may have slight colour shift. Print 1–2 extras to match colours accurately.

Paper Jams

Problem: Printer jams with thick paper (160gsm+)

Solution: Use the manual/bypass feed tray instead of the main tray. Load paper one sheet at a time.

Colours Look Different

Problem: Print looks different from screen

Solution: This is normal — printers render colours differently. If critical, do a test print and adjust brightness in the PDF before printing all copies.

Folding Issues

Problem: Thick paper tears or cracks when folding

Solution: Score the fold line lightly with a butter knife or bone folder BEFORE folding. Or ask the copy shop to fold for you (often free for small orders).

Text Alignment Off

Problem: Text is cut off at the edges

Solution: In print settings, choose "Fit to Page" or "Scale: 100%". Do NOT let your printer auto-scale.