Memorial Booklet

A running order for a celebration of life program

A celebration of life has no official order of service. It is often more informal than a funeral, may be held without the body present, and can take place anywhere from a family home to a park or a restaurant, days or months after the death.

A common shape

  1. Opening music
  2. WelcomeA family member or friend can lead and introduce the speakers, or a celebrant or member of the clergy can.
  3. Reading or poem
  4. TributeOften from a family member or close friend.
  5. Slideshow with musicOptional.
  6. Second tributeFor example from a colleague or someone from the community.
  7. Closing remarks and thanks
  8. Reception invitation

Worth knowing before you print

  • The National Funeral Directors Association’s consumer site describes a memorial service as one held without the body present, shortly after the death or weeks or months later, and a celebration of life as often more informal, in a park, backyard, restaurant, gallery or museum. (source)
  • AARP, quoting a funeral director, notes that a family member or friend can lead a memorial service and introduce the speakers, or clergy can weave in elements of faith. (source)
  • The running order above follows the shape given by the funeral-planning sites After.com and Funeral.com. There is no authoritative standard, so change it freely. (source)

What to put in the booklet

  • Plain labels read best: Welcome, Reading, Tribute, Reflection, Closing.
  • If ashes are to be scattered later, say where and when on the back page, or leave it out if it is private.
  • The 8-page booklet gives a page of photographs, which suits a celebration of life.

Start a booklet with this running order already filled in. Change, add or remove any part.

Start with the celebration of life running order

Sources

Checked on September 28, 2026.