Funeral Order of Service Wording
Putting the words together for an order of service can feel daunting in the middle of everything else. It does not need to be. Most orders of service follow a simple, familiar shape, and the wording can be quiet and plain — what matters is that it reflects the person.
Below is what each part usually says, with example wording you are welcome to adapt. There are no rules; use only what feels right.
The front cover
The cover carries the person's name, the dates of their life, and where and when the service is held. A short line above the name sets the tone.
In Loving Memory of
Margaret Rose Whitaker
1942 — 2026
A Service of Thanksgiving for her Life
St Mary's Church · 14th March, 11:00am
A welcome or opening words
Many families include a short welcome inside the cover — a thank-you to those who have come, and an invitation to remember together.
Thank you for being here today to celebrate the life of Margaret, and to support one another. You are warmly invited to join in the hymns and to stay for refreshments afterwards.
The order of the service
This is the running order — what happens, in sequence — so everyone can follow along. Keep it to short lines. Name the hymns, readings and the people taking part where you can.
Entrance Music — "Clair de Lune", Debussy
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Hymn — "The Lord is My Shepherd"
Tribute — read by her son, James
Reading — "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep"
Reflection
Hymn — "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
Committal and Closing Prayer
Exit Music — "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Closing and committal words
A closing line often thanks everyone again and shares details of any gathering afterwards or a chosen charity for donations in the person's memory.
The family thank you for your kindness and support. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the British Heart Foundation.
When you have your wording, you can place it into a dignified design and have a print-ready PDF in a few minutes.
Create an order of service