Programs & order of service
Order of service for a funeral
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
The order of service is the running list of everything that happens during a funeral, from the first hymn to the procession to the graveside. It tells mourners when to stand, sing, listen and pray. This page gives you a ready-to-use Christian order of service plus notes for other faiths.
A good order of service flows naturally and does not run too long. Most South African services last between forty-five minutes and ninety minutes, depending on the number of tributes.
Copy the template below and adjust the steps, names and hymns to suit your family and faith.
Standard Christian order of service
This is the most common running order at a South African Christian funeral.
1. Processional / seating of the family
2. Opening hymn
3. Welcome and opening prayer [Pastor]
4. Scripture reading [Family member]
5. Hymn
6. Tribute from family [Speaker]
7. Tribute from friends or colleagues [Speaker]
8. Special item (choir or solo)
9. Reading of the obituary [Family member]
10. Sermon / message of comfort [Pastor]
11. Acknowledgements and thanks [Family spokesperson]
12. Closing hymn
13. Closing prayer and benediction [Pastor]
14. Recessional / procession to the cemetery
Keep tributes to two or three so the service keeps its pace.
Notes for other faiths and traditions
The Christian order above is the most common, but it is not the only one:
- Islamic (Janazah) - the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is short and led by an imam, usually at the mosque or graveside, with burial as soon as possible. There is no long programme of tributes.
- Hindu - rites are led by a priest and centre on cremation, with prayers, readings from scripture and the lighting of the pyre or cremation.
- Jewish - a service led by a rabbi includes psalms, a eulogy (hesped) and the burial, followed by the mourning period of shiva.
- African traditional - often blends church elements with family rites, clan praises (izithakazelo) and a graveside ceremony.
When in doubt, ask the officiant or an elder to confirm the correct order for your tradition.
Memorial service order of service
A memorial service is held without the body present, sometimes weeks after the burial or cremation. The order is gentler and more reflective:
1. Welcome
2. Opening prayer or moment of silence
3. Reading or poem
4. Shared memories (open floor)
5. Music or a song the person loved
6. Message or reflection
7. Closing words and thanks
8. Refreshments
Memorials allow more open sharing because there is no graveside procession to follow.
Tips for keeping the service on time
- Give each tribute speaker a clear time limit, around three minutes.
- Print the order of service in the program so the master of ceremonies can keep things moving.
- Brief the speakers and the choir before the service starts.
- Have the obituary read by someone calm and clear.
- Build in a quiet moment after the sermon rather than rushing to the procession.
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of service at a funeral?
The order of service is the running list of everything that happens during the funeral, in sequence - usually opening hymn, prayer, scripture, tributes, obituary, sermon, acknowledgements, closing hymn and the procession to the cemetery.
How long should a funeral service be?
Most South African funeral services run between forty-five and ninety minutes, depending on how many tributes there are. Keeping speakers to two or three, with a clear time limit each, keeps the service from running too long.
What comes first in a funeral service?
The service usually opens with the processional and seating of the family, followed by the first hymn and the welcome and opening prayer led by the pastor or officiant. The obituary and sermon come later, before the closing hymn.
Is the order of service different for other faiths?
Yes. Islamic, Hindu, Jewish and African traditional funerals each have their own order. Islamic funerals centre on a short prayer and quick burial, Hindu on cremation rites, and Jewish on psalms, a eulogy and burial. Ask the officiant to confirm the correct order.
What is the order of service for a memorial?
A memorial service, held without the body present, is gentler - a welcome, opening prayer, a reading, open sharing of memories, music, a reflection and closing words, followed by refreshments. It allows more open sharing than a graveside funeral.
