In today’s fast-moving digital world, there’s something deeply grounding about holding a printed order of service at a funeral. It’s more than just a guide to the ceremony — it’s a heartfelt keepsake, a small but powerful token of remembrance that can be revisited, displayed, or tucked away in a memory box.
But have you ever wondered where the tradition came from, why we use them, or who typically does?
Let’s take a closer look. 👇
đź’ˇ Why Do We Use an Order of Service?
At its core, an order of service is designed to guide attendees through the ceremony. It typically outlines the schedule of events: from readings and hymns to eulogies and closing remarks. But its value extends well beyond that.
An order of service helps everyone present to follow along — especially those unfamiliar with certain customs. It also creates a sense of unity, allowing everyone to reflect together, even in silence. In moments of grief, that shared experience is powerful.
đź“ś A Brief History of Funeral Programs
The tradition of printed funeral programs began to take shape in the late 19th to early 20th century, initially among Christian communities in the UK and the US. With the rise of printed media and formalised church services, families started creating small pamphlets to hand out during memorials.
Early versions were simple, often just a folded sheet with the name of the deceased, dates, and order of hymns. Over time, they evolved into more personalised keepsakes — often including photographs, personal tributes, and even favourite poems or lyrics.
Today, while the format has modernised, the sentiment remains the same: to honour a life in a way that’s tangible, respectful, and lasting.
🌍 Are Orders of Service Used Worldwide?
While funeral programs are most common in Western cultures, particularly in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, the concept of a ceremonial guide exists globally — it just looks different across cultures.
In Christian, Catholic, and Anglican services, a printed order of service is often standard practice.
In Jewish funerals, a more informal memorial card or program may be used, though it’s not mandatory.
In Islamic traditions, services tend to be more verbal and spontaneous, and printed programs are less typical.
Hindu and Buddhist services may use printed materials during longer memorial ceremonies, often weeks after passing.
In Asian cultures, there may be scrolls, calligraphy, or ceremonial pamphlets tied to ancestral veneration.
In short, while not every tradition uses printed orders of service, nearly all cultures have rituals of remembrance — and increasingly, families choose to include printed tributes as part of that process.
đź’Ś The Order of Service as a Keepsake
Perhaps what makes the printed order of service so special is its longevity. Long after the funeral ends, it remains — on a mantle, in a drawer, in a photo album. For many families, it becomes a small piece of legacy.
Grandchildren who never met a relative might read it years later.
Friends might keep it as a reminder of their connection.
It’s a tactile way to hold on to the memory of someone no longer here.
And let’s be honest — in a time when digital memories get lost in inboxes and cloud storage, there’s comfort in holding something real.
🕊️ Order of Service Printing at Rapid Print Pro
At Rapid Print Pro, we understand how personal this process is. That’s why we offer:
âś… Same-day printing for when time is tight
âś… Next-day UK-wide delivery on orders placed before 3pm
âś… Page count options from 4 to 12 pages
âś… Elegant paper choices, including recycled off-white stock
✅ Design help from our friendly team if you’re not sure where to start
✅ Collection in London within the hour — or delivery within 90 minutes in a rush
Whether it’s a funeral, wedding, baptism, or memorial, your order of service deserves care and attention. And with us, it will get exactly that.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts
Yes, the world is going digital — but not everything should be. The printed order of service is proof that some traditions are worth holding onto. It offers clarity in the moment, and comfort for years to come.
So if you're planning a ceremony — no matter the type — remember this: A beautifully printed order of service isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a tribute. A memory. A piece of someone’s story.
Let’s print it with love. 🤍