The pamphlet known as an order of service (also known as the Memorial Services program or funeral service schedule) is the document printed out that highlights key aspects of a memorial service or funeral. Typically, the funeral service booklet is printed out showing the sequence of events to be held. The order of services will include everything that is happening at a funeral or memorial site, at what time during the service, and by whom. When writing the Order of Service into your funeral services schedule, make sure you have the assistance of an officiant or representative of the facility in which the service is being held.
Once you collect the personal information, photos of your loved one, and Order of Service from the officiant, you are ready to start writing your memorial service program. If the family members are creating the memorial service program, they should be aware of the person’s life, be able to access photos and an obituary and be able to reach out to the location of the funeral. Ask to talk with the funeral director assigned to the family, and inquire about any restrictions on times, as well as other moving parts that may not have been known, including the memorial service program. The deceased’s closest friends and family members will schedule a funeral service with help from a funeral director and someone who conducts ceremonies.
Since an order of service booklet is usually what attendees keep after the funeral, including pictures of the person who died, photos of family memories, and associated materials memorializing the deceased is an excellent idea. The last page or back cover of an order of service often includes another photograph of the deceased; this can be different from that used on the front cover and can be a group photo or family photograph.
The following pages within the booklet will usually include a funeral service program The funeral service program tells attendees what is going to occur during the entire ceremony. The purpose of this handout is to provide an overview of key points at the funeral or memorial service, sometimes including quotes or poems celebrating the life being honored. The key is to decide the elements of your service first, and then decide the order and arrangement in your program.
Usually, the person conducting the ceremony will assist in running the order of the ceremony and what to include. Families often talk through their needs with the celebrant while creating an order of service, since they will be playing a critical role on the day of the funeral. Families may also decide to write and create an order of service brochure themselves, provided that they adhere to a timetable set out by the funeral home or church.