Funeral Order of Service: Examples & Templates

The order of service is the spine of a funeral program — the sequence that tells guests what is happening and when to stand, sing, pray, or simply listen. There is no single right order; it flows from the faith, the family, and the person being honored. Below are four complete examples you can adapt directly. Treat them as starting points, not rules: add, remove, and reorder until the sequence fits the service you are planning.

If you have not yet decided on a format for the program itself, our overview on how to make a funeral program covers sizes and layout first.

A widely used Protestant order, suitable for most non-denominational and mainline Christian services. It moves from gathering, through the word and remembrance, to committal and sending.

1. 1.Musical Prelude
2. 2.Processional
3. 3.Opening Words & Welcome — Officiant
4. 4.Opening Hymn — e.g. "Amazing Grace"
5. 5.Prayer of Comfort
6. 6.Scripture Reading — e.g. Psalm 23
7. 7.Eulogy / Words of Remembrance
8. 8.Musical Selection or Solo
9. 9.Second Reading or Poem
10. 10.Message of Hope — Officiant
11. 11.Closing Prayer & Benediction
12. 12.Recessional
13. 13.Committal (graveside)

A Catholic Funeral Mass follows a fixed liturgical structure. The program should reflect it accurately so guests — Catholic or not — can follow along with confidence.

1. 1.Reception of the Body & Greeting
2. 2.Placing of the Pall
3. 3.Entrance Procession & Opening Hymn
4. 4.Opening Prayer (Collect)
5. 5.Liturgy of the Word — First Reading
6. 6.Responsorial Psalm
7. 7.Second Reading
8. 8.Gospel Acclamation & Gospel
9. 9.Homily
10. 10.General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful)
11. 11.Liturgy of the Eucharist — Offertory, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion
12. 12.Final Commendation & Farewell
13. 13.Recessional

Because the Mass has parts guests are invited to say or sing together, many Catholic programs print short responses inline. Our dedicated Catholic funeral program guide explains each part and what belongs on the page.

A celebration of life is warmer and more flexible, often held without a strict religious framework. The tone is grateful and personal, with room for laughter as well as tears.

1. 1.Welcome & Opening Words — Host or Family Member
2. 2.A Favorite Song (recorded or performed)
3. 3.Photo Slideshow or Memory Video
4. 4.Shared Memories — open invitation to guests
5. 5.A Reading or Poem chosen by the family
6. 6.Tribute / Eulogy
7. 7.A Moment of Reflection or Music
8. 8.Closing Words & Thanks
9. 9.Invitation to the Reception

A secular service honors a life without religious readings or prayers, drawing instead on poetry, music, philosophy, and personal reflection. It is a fitting choice for those who were not religious, and it can be every bit as moving.

1. 1.Entrance Music
2. 2.Welcome & Introduction — Celebrant
3. 3.Reflection on a Life — the life story
4. 4.A Reading or Secular Poem — e.g. a public-domain verse
5. 5.Tributes from Family & Friends
6. 6.A Piece of Meaningful Music
7. 7.A Moment of Quiet Reflection
8. 8.Words of Farewell & Committal
9. 9.Closing Music

Whichever example you start from, three small edits make it yours: name the people leading each part, insert the specific hymn, song, or reading titles, and trim anything the service will not include. Keep the list clean on the page — one item per line, with sub-details (a hymn number, a reader's name) in smaller type beneath. Guests should be able to glance down and instantly know where they are.