Planning a Celebration of Life Order of Service in the UK

Last updated: 10 April 2026

Most families spend weeks planning every other aspect of a wake or celebration of life, yet overlook the one document that actually guides the whole day: the order of service. I’ve watched dozens of families in Washington come through the doors of The Teal Farm, and the ones who took time to write a proper order of service seemed calmer, more focused, and able to enjoy the day rather than scramble through it. An order of service isn’t a formal requirement—it’s a gift to your guests and to yourself. It tells people what to expect, when to share stories, where to find the bar, and how long they should plan to stay. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating a celebration of life order of service in the UK in 2026, with practical examples and honest advice from someone who’s supported hundreds of grieving families.

What Is a Celebration of Life Order of Service?

An order of service for a celebration of life is a simple printed or digital document that guides guests through the day, telling them what will happen and when. Unlike traditional funeral service sheets, a celebration of life order of service tends to be warmer, more personal, and often reflects the personality of the person being remembered.

Think of it as the schedule for the day. It might include welcome remarks, readings, music choices, stories shared by family members, perhaps a slideshow, refreshments, and closing remarks. Some families include photos, favourite quotes, or even a bit of humour if that felt right for their loved one.

In my 15 years running The Teal Farm, I’ve seen order of service sheets ranging from a single A5 card to a full A4 booklet with photos and a timeline. The length doesn’t matter—what matters is that it gives people a sense of what to expect and feels like a genuine reflection of the person.

Why You Need One (And What It Actually Does)

I often hear families say: “Do we really need to print something?” The answer is yes, and here’s why.

First, an order of service removes the confusion that happens when 80 people arrive at a venue and nobody knows if they’re supposed to sit down, stand up, or head straight to the buffet. A simple “Welcome drinks 2pm, readings 2.15pm, light refreshments 3pm” solves that instantly.

Second, it’s a keepsake. People take these home. Months later, when they’re thinking about your loved one, they pull it out. It becomes part of the memory.

Third—and this matters in the early days of grief—it gives you a framework. Deciding on the order of events forces you to think through what actually needs to happen and in what sequence. That clarity is enormously helpful when you’re overwhelmed.

Many families I’ve worked with describe the moment they sat down to plan their order of service as the first time they felt they had some control over the day. One Washington family came to us with just two days’ notice after a sudden bereavement. We had their loved one’s favourite drink waiting at the head table before the first guests arrived—and having a simple, clear order of service meant nobody had to ask questions. The day flowed naturally, and the family could actually be present with their guests rather than managing logistics.

What to Include in Your Order of Service

Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your celebration, your venue, and your family. But there are some standard sections that work for most UK celebrations of life.

Header Section

• Full name of the person being remembered
• Dates (birth and death year)
• A short, meaningful quote or phrase that captures something about them
• Date and time of the celebration
• Venue name and location

Order of Events

List the sequence clearly, with approximate times. For example:

• 2:00pm — Welcome and refreshments
• 2:15pm — Opening remarks
• 2:20pm — Music (perhaps a song that was meaningful to them)
• 2:25pm — Family stories (usually 2-3 people share)
• 2:50pm — Slideshow or presentation
• 3:15pm — Light refreshments and informal conversation
• 4:00pm — Closing remarks and thanks

Readings and Reflections

If you’re including any readings, name them and credit who will be reading them. This helps guests follow along and gives readers a heads-up that it’s coming.

For guidance on selecting meaningful readings, many families find it helpful to explore celebration of life readings that resonate with their loved one’s values and personality.

Music

List any recorded music or live performances, with the song title and artist. If there’s significant silence or transitions, it’s worth noting so guests aren’t caught off guard.

Practical Information

• Parking information and directions
• Dietary information (especially if you’re serving refreshments)
• Contact details for queries (phone number or email)
• Any accessibility information (step-free access, disabled parking, quiet spaces available, etc.)

Optional: A Personal Tribute

Many families include a short paragraph about the person—their interests, values, or a memory. This sets the tone and reminds guests why they’re there.

Timing, Layout and Printing

How Long Should a Celebration of Life Be?

Most UK celebrations of life run between two and three hours. The order of service should reflect realistic timings. Don’t schedule 90 minutes of seated events if you only have two hours. People will feel rushed, and you’ll feel stressed.

A good rule of thumb: welcome and settling in (15 mins), formal elements like readings and music (20-30 mins), stories and conversation (30-45 mins), refreshments and mingling (45-60 mins).

Layout and Design

The most effective order of service layout is clean, easy to read, and uses a simple font in 11-12pt size so everyone can read it comfortably. You don’t need fancy design—simple is better. A single colour, a photo of your loved one, and clear section headings work beautifully.

Common formats:

• Single-sided A5 card: Best for small, intimate gatherings. Print around 30-50 copies.
• Folded A4 (A5 when folded): Holds more information, looks more substantial. Print 50-100 copies.
• Full A4 booklet: If you have multiple readings, photos, or a full timeline. Better for larger gatherings.

Printing and Costs

Costs in 2026 are reasonable. A simple single-colour print run of 50-75 copies typically costs £15-40 depending on whether you use a local printer or order online. Some families print at home on good cardstock. Others use local Washington print shops. All work fine.

Don’t overthink this. The content and clarity matter far more than the production quality.

Real Examples and How to Adapt Them

Here’s a realistic example of an order of service for a pub-based celebration of life in Washington, similar to what we regularly host at The Teal Farm:

—————————————————

In Loving Memory of Margaret Ellen Wilson
8 March 1952 – 5 April 2026

“A cup of tea, a good laugh, and family around the table.”

A Celebration of Life
Saturday, 18 April 2026
The Teal Farm, Washington NE38
2:00pm – 4:30pm

Order of Events

2:00pm — Arrival and refreshments
2:15pm — Welcome from Margaret’s daughter, Lisa
2:20pm — Music: “Walking in the Sunshine” (Margaret’s favourite)
2:25pm — Stories and memories from family and friends
3:00pm — Slideshow: Margaret’s life in photographs
3:20pm — Light lunch and informal chat
4:15pm — Thank you and closing words
4:30pm — Carriages

A Few Practical Things
Parking is free and plentiful at the venue. The Teal Farm is completely step-free. We’ve catered for vegetarian and gluten-free diets—if you need anything specific, please let us know on the day. Dogs welcome.

Questions? Call 0191 5800637 or email TealFarm.Washington@phoenixpub.co.uk

—————————————————

This example is simple, clear, and tells guests everything they need to know. You can adapt it by adding more detail, different sections, or a different tone. The key is keeping it focused and honest.

If you’re considering different types of celebrations—perhaps something more themed or personalised—exploring pub-themed celebration of life ideas can give you further inspiration on how to shape your order of service around the person’s interests.

Common Questions About Order of Service

One final thought: when you’re sitting down to write your order of service, you’re making decisions about how to honour someone you’ve lost. That’s never easy. But it’s also one of the most meaningful things you can do. The document you create becomes the roadmap for a day where family and friends come together to celebrate a life well lived.

If you’re planning a celebration of life and need a venue that understands the importance of getting these details right, The Teal Farm in Washington is equipped to support you. We’ve hosted wakes and celebrations for families at every stage of bereavement—from those with months to plan to families who came to us with just 48 hours’ notice. Our step-free venue, free parking, and full AV support mean you can focus on your order of service and your guests, not on logistics. And if you’re planning food, our buffet packages start from just £8 per head, with full flexibility for dietary requirements.

For more information, visit the first 24 hours.

For more information, visit wake venues in washington.

For more information, visit direct cremation washington.

For more information, visit funeral directors north east.

For more information, visit celebration of life washington.