Finding the right words for a funeral order of service is hard, especially when you're writing through grief. This guide offers example wording for every part of the booklet, which you can use as a starting point and adapt to reflect your loved one. There's no single correct way to word an order of service — only what feels true to the person you're remembering.
For a full walkthrough of the structure and how many copies to print, see our complete guide to writing a funeral order of service.
Front Cover Wording
The front cover usually carries a short introductory line above or below the name. Common examples include:
- In Loving Memory of
- Celebrating the Life of
- In Memory of a Dearly Loved Husband, Father and Grandfather
- Remembering [Name]
- A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of [Name]
Below the name, include the dates, for example: [Date of birth] – [Date of passing], followed by the date, time and place of the service.
Opening & Welcome Wording
Many families include a short welcome inside the front cover to set the tone. For example:
"Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of [Name]. Your presence, love and support mean a great deal to our family as we say goodbye to someone so dear to us all."
For a more reflective tone:
"We gather today not only to mourn the passing of [Name], but to give thanks for a life richly lived and deeply loved."
Committal Wording
The committal marks the formal farewell. Religious services often use traditional liturgical words led by the officiant. A simple, non-religious committal might read:
"We now say our final farewell to [Name]. We release [him/her] with love and gratitude for the years we shared, and we carry [his/her] memory forward in our hearts."
Thank-You & Closing Wording
The back cover typically closes with thanks from the family. Examples:
"The family would like to thank you for your kindness, support and many messages of sympathy, and warmly invite you to join them for refreshments at [venue] following the service."
A shorter closing line beneath a final photograph might read:
- Always in our hearts
- Forever loved, never forgotten
- Until we meet again
- Treasured memories of a wonderful [mum/dad/friend]
Donation & Collection Wording
If you're inviting donations in place of flowers, a clear line helps guests know what to do:
"Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of [Name] may be made to [Charity], either at the service or online at [link]."
Popular Readings & Hymns
Families often include a reading or poem and one or two hymns. Frequently chosen readings include Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep, Death Is Nothing at All, and Psalm 23. Popular hymns include Abide With Me, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Amazing Grace and All Things Bright and Beautiful. List each with the title and the name of the person reading, for example: Reading: Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep — read by [Name]. If you plan to print a poem or hymn in full, check whether it remains in copyright first; your printer can advise.
Religious vs Non-Religious Wording
Religious services weave in prayers, scripture and hymns, with wording usually guided by the minister or officiant. Non-religious and celebrant-led services keep the same structure but replace prayers with reflections, poems or a moment of quiet, and hymns with meaningful songs. Both are equally valid — choose the tone that best honours your loved one's beliefs and personality.
Making It Personal
The most memorable orders of service include small personal touches: a favourite saying, a line of their humour, a treasured photograph, or a short poem they loved. Don't feel bound by convention — the words that matter most are the ones that sound like them.
When you're ready, our personalised funeral order of service booklets are designed and printed in the UK, fully customised with your wording, photographs and chosen readings. You may also like our memorial books for guests to share their own memories and messages.
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