Planning a funeral involves many decisions, both big and small. One of the most common questions families ask is how many copies of the order of service they should have printed. The order of service is more than just a schedule of events. It is a keepsake that guests can take home, reflecting the life of the person who has passed away. Getting the quantity right is important to ensure that everyone attending the funeral has a copy, while also avoiding unnecessary printing costs.
Understanding how many orders of service you need depends on a few key factors, such as the number of guests expected, whether you want to send copies to people who cannot attend, and whether you would like to keep some for yourself and close family.
Thinking About the Guest List
The first step in deciding how many order of service sheets to print is to think carefully about the number of people who are likely to attend. Funerals can vary greatly in size. Some are intimate gatherings with just close family, while others may involve a large turnout of friends, colleagues and extended relatives.
It is often helpful to make a list of the people you expect to attend. If the funeral is being announced publicly, for example through a newspaper notice or social media post, it can be harder to know exactly how many will come. In these cases, it is usually better to print a few extra copies to ensure there are enough for everyone.
Many families choose to have at least one order of service per guest. However, couples or families attending together often share a single copy, so you may not need as many as you think. A good starting point is to estimate one copy per person and then adjust this number slightly down if you know that many guests will arrive in pairs.
Providing Copies for Those Who Cannot Attend
It is becoming increasingly common for people to want an order of service even if they are unable to attend the funeral in person. Friends and relatives who live far away, are unwell, or cannot travel for other reasons may appreciate receiving a copy in the post. Some families like to send these out with a thank-you card after the funeral as a gesture of remembrance.
If you intend to do this, you should order additional copies in advance. Printing a few extras is often more cost-effective than going back to the printer later for a very small reprint. Having spare copies can also be useful if you wish to keep one for your own memory box or give one to children or grandchildren as a keepsake for the future.
Keeping Extra Copies as Keepsakes
The order of service often becomes an important keepsake for families. It is a tangible way to remember the day and to reflect on the hymns, readings and tributes that were part of the ceremony. Many people like to frame the cover or keep it in a memory box alongside photographs and other mementoes.
Close family members, especially those who helped plan the funeral, may wish to have their own copy. Printing extra ensures that there is one for each immediate family member, such as children, grandchildren, siblings or close friends of the deceased. Some people also choose to place a copy in the coffin as a final tribute, which can be a meaningful gesture.
Allowing for Last-Minute Guests
Even with careful planning, funerals often have unexpected attendees. Old friends, neighbours or colleagues may decide to come at the last minute after hearing about the death. Having a few extra copies of the order of service ensures that no one is left without one on the day.
Funeral directors usually recommend printing more copies than you think you will need. A general guide is to order around 10 to 20 per cent more than your estimated number of guests. For example, if you expect 100 people, ordering 110 to 120 copies is a safe approach. It is better to have some left over than to find yourself short on the day of the funeral.
The Cost of Printing
Another factor to consider is cost. The price of printing an order of service can vary depending on the paper quality, design, and the number of pages. Ordering a slightly higher quantity is often not much more expensive than printing the exact number, as printers usually have set price brackets.
It is worth speaking to your funeral director or printer about the options. Many families find that the order of service is one of the most important aspects of the funeral, so it is often worth investing in a design that feels personal and meaningful. The additional cost of a few extra copies is usually very small compared to the overall expense of the funeral.
Deciding on the Right Number
The right number of order of service sheets will ultimately depend on your unique circumstances. If you are expecting a small, private gathering, then printing one copy per guest plus a few spares is usually enough. For larger funerals, it is wise to order a generous number to ensure everyone receives one and that you have enough to send to people who cannot attend.
Funeral directors are experienced in helping families estimate the correct quantity. They can provide advice based on the venue size, the guest list, and the type of service you are planning. At LDC Funerals, we guide families through every step, ensuring that the order of service is beautifully designed and that the right number of copies is prepared for the day.
Why the Order of Service Matters
While it may seem like a small detail, the order of service is a key part of a funeral. It gives guests a sense of what will happen during the ceremony, providing the words to hymns, prayers and readings so that everyone can take part. More than that, it is a reflection of the person being remembered. The choice of photographs, colours, quotes and tributes makes each one unique.
Because it holds so much meaning, many families want to ensure that there are enough copies for everyone. Guests often keep them as a way to remember the day and the person who has passed away. It can be comforting to look back at the order of service in the weeks and months following the funeral, especially for those who may have found the day itself overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Deciding how many orders of service to print is one of those small but significant details that can make a big difference to the smooth running of a funeral. The safest approach is to estimate the number of attendees, add extra copies for last-minute guests, and consider anyone who might appreciate receiving one later.
At LDC Funerals, we understand how important these details are when planning a meaningful farewell. Our team can advise you on every aspect of the order of service, from design to printing quantities, ensuring that there are enough copies for everyone who wishes to take part in remembering your loved one.
By allowing for a few extra copies, you can be confident that friends, family and guests will all have a keepsake to take home, helping them cherish the memory of the day and the life of the person being honoured.