The Funeral Order of Service
The funeral order of service can vary depending on faith traditions, religious beliefs, or a non-religious format. Use the example below as a helpful starting point, then adapt it to what your family and officiant plan for the day.
- Start with a clear flow: prelude → welcome/message → readings or selections → key moments.
- Include what fits: religious elements where appropriate, and non-religious alternatives where needed.
- Keep attendees oriented: timing cues (like minutes of silence) and where the repast happens.
A common funeral order of service template you can use
Every service is different, but many funerals follow a recognizable sequence. Consider the sections below as optional building blocks—include, remove, or rearrange based on your plans.
- Prelude music (instrumental or vocal selections before the service begins)
- Opening welcome/message from the officiant (clergy/pastor or a member of the immediate family)
- Readings (religious: scripture verses; non-religious: poetry or a favorite written work)
- Minutes of silence so attendees can read the obituary in the funeral program
- Sharing from family and friends (special memories and how the person impacted others)
- Additional music and acknowledgments (music selections may be played or sung; acknowledgments may be read aloud and/or noted in the program)
- Prayers of comfort and a message (more common in religious services, offering hope, comfort, and encouragement)
- Recessional and repast (a recessional marks the closing; a repast is the gathering immediately afterward, held at a church hall or another location)
If your faith community or service guidelines specify a structure, you can still use this list to help confirm that your program “runs in the right order.”
Religious and non-religious services may differ
Many parts can be shared, but certain elements often change depending on beliefs and preferences.
Religious services
- Scripture verses may be read aloud from both the Old and New Testament.
- There may be prayers of comfort and a short message offering hope, comfort, and encouragement.
- Some denominations follow specific guidelines for the funeral service.
Non-religious services
- Poetry readings or a favorite written work may be included.
- Sharing from family and friends often plays an important role.
- Music selections may still be used throughout the service.
Common moments families often include
These sections frequently appear in ways that help attendees feel grounded and connected.
- Music selections throughout the service (played or sung, from recorded music to a choir)
- Special acknowledgments announced aloud and/or noted in the funeral program
- Time set aside for silent reading so people can read the obituary in the program
- Family and friend sharing to share memories and reflect on the person’s life
Repast and program details (near the end)
Near the end, you may see the recessional noted. A repast is a gathering immediately following the funeral service—held at a church hall or another location outside of where the service is held.
If you’re preparing the funeral program, it can also help to clearly connect the timing of the minutes of silence with the location details for the repast.
FAQ
Does every funeral order of service look the same?
No. The funeral order of service can vary greatly depending on religious beliefs and affiliations or non-religious funeral services.
What comes first in many services?
Traditionally, services begin with prelude music, followed by an opening welcome or message from the officiant.
Are scripture readings required?
In religious services, scripture verses may be read aloud from both the Old and New Testament. In non-religious services, poetry readings or a favorite written work may replace scripture readings.
Why is there often a few minutes of silence?
A few minutes of silence may be included so attendees can read the obituary in the funeral program quietly.
What does repast mean?
A repast is a gathering immediately following the funeral service, held at a church hall or another location outside of where the service is held.
Can family and friends share during the service?
Yes. Many services include time set aside for sharing from family and friends, such as special memories or how the person impacted their life.