What is a funeral or memorial service program?
A memorial service program, also known as a funeral brochure or order of service, is a printed document that outlines the activities of a burial or memorial service. Its purpose is to include important details of the funeral ritual, such as quotes or poems, to honour the person being remembered.
This printed program helps guide friends and family through the funeral service. It can be given to guests as they arrive or placed on seats for easy access during the service.
You can find all our memorial service program templates here. Please follow the link and view all kinds of funeral program templates.
2 types of memorial service programs.
Traditional memorial service program.
Traditional funerals can vary, but they all follow a similar format. But a typical traditional funeral order of service follows the following format:
- Music: This involves playing music as attendees gather.
- Entrance: The casket and mourners enter, often with accompanying music.
- Welcome: The officiant or a family member gives a brief welcome, setting the tone for the service.
- Readings/Poetry: Selected readings or poems, significant to the deceased, are shared by loved ones.
- Eulogy: A tribute or speech honouring the life of the deceased, usually delivered by a family member, friend, or minister.
- Music/Hymns: During the service, musical selections or hymns may be performed or sung that are meaningful to the deceased or their family.
- Prayers/Blessings: A time for prayer, reflection, or religious blessings, usually given by a church member.
- Committal/Interment: If there is a burial, this is the part of the service when the casket is carried to its final resting place, accompanied by prayers or additional words.
- Closing Words: The officiant, or family members, give their final words of farewell or gratitude.
Non-traditional memorial service program.
A non-religious or non-traditional memorial program service is designed for individuals who prefer a ceremony without religious elements. The ceremony typically includes a welcome, music, personal reflections, a tribute, a moment of silence, readings, a visual tribute, a eulogy, closing remarks, and gatherings after the ceremony.
Non-traditional memorial services provide more flexibility and creativity in honouring and remembering the deceased.
Non-traditional memorials can be held in any location, such as parks, beaches, private homes, or community centres, rather than a funeral home or place of worship.
Some non-traditional memorial services prioritize environmental sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices such as natural burials, tree plantings, and the use of biodegradable decorations and keepsakes.
Non-traditional memorial service program ideas:
- Outdoor Celebration: Plan the memorial service in a natural setting, such as a park, beach, or botanical garden. Attendees can honour and remember the deceased in the natural setting outdoors.
- Memory jar: Set up a memory jar in which guests can record their favourite memories or messages to the deceased. These can be read aloud during the service or kept as family keepsakes.
- Interactive Art: Provide art supplies and encourage attendees to create artwork or crafts in honour of the deceased. These can be used during the service or gifted to the family as a keepsake.
- Music and songs: Create a playlist of the deceased’s favourite songs or music that has special meaning to them. Live music or sing-alongs can also be included in the service.
What should I do for a memorial service?
- Choose a venue that reflects the deceased’s personality and preferences.
- Selecting meaningful readings, music, and rituals that reflect their life and values.
- Invite family, friends, and colleagues to come and share memories.
- Include personal touches like displaying photos or making a memory table.
- Manage logistics such as seating arrangements, transportation, and parking.
- Follow up with attendees to express appreciation for their support, flowers, and donations.
Example of funeral/ memorial program service:
Here is an example of the funeral program:
Front Cover
- Name of Deceased
- Date of Birth
- Date they passed away
- Service date and location
- Photograph of the Deceased
Inside pages:
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Prayer or Moment of Silence
- Reading of Scripture or Poem
- Eulogy or Tribute
- Musical Performance
- Reflections and Memories
- Closing Remarks and Benediction
Back Cover:
- Acknowledgement
- Donations
- Photo of the deceased
- Woke details if any
Printing the memorial service program:
Your funeral director can handle the printing of the memorial programs, which can be a convenient option, allowing you to lighten your workload during this challenging time, but it is often expensive.
When creating a personalized funeral program, the ultimate goal is to honour your loved one. Take into account their preferences, family traditions, and cultural influences to craft a program that perfectly reflects their memory.
Consider choosing us for printing funeral orders of service. We offer professional printing services and can assist you in creating a memorial service program.
