There’s something about the quiet after a service, the chairs emptying, the soft hum of conversation fading, and that still, lingering feeling of love. I remember it vividly after we held a memorial for my uncle. He was the kind of man who always had a story, and when it came time to plan his service, we knew it needed to reflect that. We didn’t want it to feel stiff or scripted. We wanted it to feel like him, full of warmth, laughter, and the occasional unexpected moment of grace, which is why we used memorial service outlines.
Memorial service outlines have become something I return to often, not just for planning, but to help friends and clients walk through those tender first steps of organizing a service. Whether it’s a simple backyard gathering or a traditional church ceremony, having a thoughtful outline makes all the difference. 
How to Use Memorial Service Outlines for a Funeral or Celebration of Life
Memorial service outlines aren’t about rules—they’re more like gentle guides. When you’re in the thick of grief or logistics, having a clear plan offers structure without overwhelming. Think of it like a script, but one you get to rewrite to fit the person you’re honoring.
Why Use an Outline?
- Reduces decision fatigue: In a time when your mind might be foggy, a clear list of what happens and when can be grounding.
- Keeps the event flowing: Whether you’re having three speakers or ten, the order helps everyone know when and how they’re contributing.
- Gives guests comfort: Guests feel more settled when they know what to expect—and it allows them to fully engage in the moment.
What to Include in a Basic Memorial Outline
Here’s a simple framework I often recommend:
- Welcome Message – Usually from a host, family member, or celebrant.
- Reading or Scripture – Can be religious or non-religious, depending on beliefs.
- Eulogy or Tribute Speeches – One or more people share stories and memories.
- Poem or Song – Adds emotion and allows space to reflect.
- Slideshow or Musical Tribute – Optional, but very impactful.
- Closing Remarks or Blessing – Ties the service together and signals the end.
You can expand on this as needed, but starting with something like this makes planning feel far less daunting.
20 Examples Of Memorial Outlines
Following are one-page memorial service program templates you can use to create single-sheet handouts or digital programs. These outlines work well when you want to keep things simple and elegant, either for printing or sharing on a memorial website.
Each version is structured to help guide attendees through the service, honoring your loved one in a heartfelt and organized way.
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 1
Order of Service
Remembering the Life of
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome
[Full name of host]
Reading
“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“The Dash”
Read by [Full name]
Memorial Slideshow
Final Reading
“Footprints in the Sand”
Read by [Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 2
Order of Service
Celebrating the Life of
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Remarks
[Full name of officiant]
Reading
Psalm 23
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me”
Read by [Full name]
Candle Lighting Ceremony
Closing Reading
“Miss Me But Let Me Go”
Read by [Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 3
Order of Service
In Loving Memory of
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome & Introduction
[Full name of host]
Scripture Reading
John 14:1-3
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“Gone Too Soon”
Read by [Full name]
Slideshow Tribute
Closing Prayer
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 4
Order of Service
Honoring the Life of
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Words
[Full name of celebrant]
Reading
“Desiderata”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“She Is Gone”
Read by [Full name]
Memory Sharing (Open Floor)
Final Blessing
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 5
Order of Service
A Life Remembered
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome Remarks
[Full name]
Reading
“Ecclesiastes 3:1-8”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“Afterglow”
Read by [Full name]
Musical Tribute
Final Reflection
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 6
Order of Service
In Loving Memory Of
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Blessing
[Full name]
Reading
“Let Me Go”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“If Roses Grow in Heaven”
Read by [Full name]
Photo Montage
Closing Message
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 7
Order of Service
Celebrating a Beautiful Life
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome
[Full name of host]
Reading
“We Remember Them”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“To Those I Love”
Read by [Full name]
Balloon Release
Closing Words
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 8
Order of Service
In Tribute To
[Full name of decedent]
Introduction
[Full name of officiant]
Reading
“The Road Not Taken”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“A Life Well Lived”
Read by [Full name]
Slideshow or Musical Number
Final Blessing
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 9
Order of Service
A Celebration of Life
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Statement
[Full name]
Reading
“A Season for Everything”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“The Broken Chain”
Read by [Full name]
Candlelight Ceremony
Closing Reflection
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 10
Order of Service
In Loving Memory
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Prayer
[Full name]
Reading
“May the Winds of Heaven”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“As I Sit in Heaven”
Read by [Full name]
Photo Tribute or Slideshow
Farewell Message
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 11
Order of Service
Remembering With Love
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome
[Full name of host]
Reading
“Sunset and Evening Star”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“Memories in the Heart”
Read by [Full name]
Music or Live Performance
Closing Words
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 12
Order of Service
A Life of Grace and Kindness
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Remarks
[Full name]
Reading
“Irish Blessing”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“His Journey’s Just Begun”
Read by [Full name]
Remembrance Activity
Final Thought
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 13
Order of Service
In Celebration of a Life Well Lived
[Full name of decedent]
Greeting
[Full name]
Reading
“There Is No Night Without a Dawning”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“Legacy of Love”
Read by [Full name]
Song or Instrumental Performance
Words of Gratitude
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 14
Order of Service
Honoring a Life of Service
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Words
[Full name]
Reading
“Greater Love Hath No Man”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“A Hero’s Goodbye”
Read by [Full name]
Military Tribute
Closing Tribute
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 15
Order of Service
Cherishing the Memory Of
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome & Acknowledgments
[Full name]
Reading
“Remember Me”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“The Parting Glass”
Read by [Full name]
Candle Lighting or Moment of Silence
Closing Blessing
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 16
Order of Service
Forever in Our Hearts
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Welcome
[Full name]
Reading
“Love Lives On”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“I Carry Your Heart”
Read by [Full name]
Musical Reflection
Final Farewell
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 17
Order of Service
In Loving Remembrance
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Reflection
[Full name]
Reading
“After the Storm”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“We Thought of You Today”
Read by [Full name]
Memory Sharing or Open Floor
Thank You and Dismissal
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 18
Order of Service
Commemorating the Life of
[Full name of decedent]
Welcome & Program Overview
[Full name]
Reading
“Those We Love”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“Safely Home”
Read by [Full name]
Musical Tribute or Song
Final Words of Gratitude
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 19
Order of Service
With Love We Remember
[Full name of decedent]
Opening Words
[Full name]
Reading
“I Am Always With You”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“God’s Garden”
Read by [Full name]
Special Tribute Video
Benediction or Blessing
[Full name]
Memorial Service Funeral Program Sample 20
Order of Service
Treasured Memories of
[Full name of decedent]
Introduction & Welcome
[Full name]
Reading
“Life Is But a Stopping Place”
Read by [Full name]
Poem
“A Butterfly Lights Beside Us”
Read by [Full name]
Slideshow with Music
Closing Remarks
[Full name]
Variations and Add-Ons to Personalize the Service
There’s no “one way” to honor someone. And truthfully, the most beautiful memorials I’ve attended were the ones that let the personality of the person shine through. Here are some meaningful variations you can include:
Non-Religious Options
- Moment of Silence: A few minutes for quiet reflection, instead of a prayer.
- Favorite Quotes or Book Passages: From novels, essays, or even something they wrote themselves.
- Memory Sharing: Let guests stand up and share a short memory—this can be open-ended or time-limited depending on group size.
- Live Music or Playlist: A live acoustic set or a playlist of their favorite songs playing softly in the background can feel deeply personal.
Religious or Spiritual Elements
- Scripture Reading: Choose verses that reflect comfort and peace, such as Psalm 23 or John 14:1-3.
- Opening and Closing Prayers: Offered by a pastor, priest, or spiritual leader.
- Communal Prayer or Chant: Some families invite the whole group to participate in a group prayer or sing a hymn together.
Extra Touches That Make It Personal
- Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light a candle for each year of their life or for each family member.
- Photo Boards or Tables: A physical space filled with memories helps guests connect.
- Memory Jars or Cards: Let guests write down memories and drop them into a jar the family can read later.
The goal is always to honor, never to impress. Even the smallest touch can feel monumental when it’s true to the person you’re remembering.
How to Write a Memorial Service Outline That Feels Personal
Writing a memorial service outline might feel like pressure—but it can also be healing. Think of it like writing a love letter. Here are a few gentle prompts to help shape it:
Start with Their Personality
Were they quiet and thoughtful? Joyful and chatty? A nature lover? A bookworm? Let that essence guide the tone of the service.
- For someone private: Keep things intimate and reflective, with soft music or a quiet poem.
- For someone outgoing: Include humor in the eulogy, a lively playlist, or even a group toast.
Use Their Words
If they left behind journals, notes, or even text messages that felt “so them,” include them. A line or two from a birthday card or a quirky saying they always used can hit home in a beautiful way.
Invite Others to Contribute
Ask close friends or family to write a paragraph about their memories. Even just a sentence or two can round out the service and help it feel communal.
Write in Scenes
Think of the outline like planning a little journey for guests. Each part—welcome, stories, music, goodbye—should feel like a natural next step. You’re creating a shared experience, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
FAQs About Memorial Service Outlines and Funeral Prayers
What if I’m not religious—do I still need prayers?
No. You can absolutely hold a meaningful service without religious elements. Use poetry, quotes, or silent reflection instead.
How long should a memorial service be?
Most services are around 30 to 60 minutes. If there are lots of speakers or add-ons, aim to stay under 90 minutes to keep things comfortable for guests.
Who should read the prayers or poems?
Anyone can. A family member, friend, or officiant. Choose someone who feels comfortable speaking and who has a connection to the words.
Can I have multiple speakers?
Yes—just make sure to outline who goes when and keep time in mind. Three to five speakers is a good balance.
Do I need a printed program?
It’s optional, but it can be very helpful for guests. Even a simple one-page sheet listing the order of service helps people feel grounded.
When I think back on my uncle’s service, it wasn’t the flowers or the venue that stuck with me—it was the flow. The way one moment led into the next, the ease with which we moved from tears to laughter and back again. That’s what a good outline gives you.
Whether you’re writing one for a parent, sibling, friend, or partner, know this: the effort you put into it matters. It becomes part of the memory. A quiet gift to everyone who attends. And, maybe most of all, a balm for you.
