Order of Service: Templates & Guide
Key Takeaways
- An order of service tells guests what's happening during the ceremony and when — especially useful for hymns
- Civil ceremonies are short (15-20 mins) and may not need a printed order — a board at the entrance works
- Church ceremonies with hymns and readings benefit most from a printed booklet
- Include: the ceremony running order, readings, hymn lyrics, the couple's names, date, and venue
- Print or display — both work. A large board at the entrance saves paper and money
An order of service guides your guests through the ceremony. It tells them when to sing, when to listen, and when the important moments are happening. For church ceremonies with hymns, it’s almost essential. For civil ceremonies, it’s a nice touch but not compulsory.
What to include
Civil ceremony order of service
| Order | Element |
|---|---|
| 1 | Entrance music: [song name — artist] |
| 2 | Welcome by the registrar |
| 3 | Reading: [title] — read by [name] |
| 4 | Declarations |
| 5 | Vows |
| 6 | Ring exchange |
| 7 | Signing of the register — [background music: song name] |
| 8 | Pronouncement of marriage |
| 9 | Exit music: [song name — artist] |
Note: Civil ceremonies cannot include hymns, prayers, or religious content. The order of service should reflect this.
Church of England ceremony order of service
| Order | Element |
|---|---|
| 1 | Processional hymn: [hymn name] — lyrics printed below |
| 2 | Welcome and introduction |
| 3 | Reading: [passage] — read by [name] |
| 4 | Hymn: [hymn name] — lyrics printed below |
| 5 | Address by the vicar |
| 6 | The marriage (declarations and vows) |
| 7 | Ring exchange and blessing |
| 8 | Prayers |
| 9 | Reading: [passage] — read by [name] |
| 10 | Hymn: [hymn name] — lyrics printed below |
| 11 | Signing of the register — [music during signing] |
| 12 | Recessional hymn or exit music |
Include full hymn lyrics. Not everyone knows the words, and hymn books can be hard to find quickly.
Humanist ceremony order of service
Humanist ceremonies have no set structure — you design the entire ceremony with your celebrant. The order of service should reflect whatever you’ve planned.
Template examples
Front cover
The Marriage of Emma Richardson & Thomas Whitaker
15th August 2026 St Mary’s Church, Bishopthorpe
Inside pages
List each element in order, with readings and hymn lyrics printed in full. Include the reader’s name beside each reading.
Back cover
Thank you for sharing this day with us. [Optional: list of wedding party names] [Optional: “Please join us for the reception at [venue]”] [Optional: a personal quote or message from the couple]
Design and printing options
| Format | Cost Per Unit | Total (80) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 folded booklet (4+ pages) | £1-3 | £80-240 | Church ceremonies with hymns |
| Single A5 card (front and back) | £0.50-1.50 | £40-120 | Civil ceremonies |
| Fan-shaped card | £1-2 | £80-160 | Summer/outdoor weddings |
| Displayed board (A1 poster) | £5-30 (one-off) | £5-30 | Any ceremony — budget option |
| Chalkboard | £10-20 (one-off) | £10-20 | Rustic/barn weddings |
| Digital (wedding website) | Free | Free | Eco-conscious couples |
Design options:
- Match your stationery — use the same fonts, colours, and style as your invitations
- DIY with Canva — free templates, print at home or at a local print shop
- Professional printing — Vistaprint, Printed.com, or your stationer
- Etsy — pre-designed templates you customise and print yourself (£5-15)
Tips
Print 10% more than you need. Some guests take two (one for them, one for a partner who couldn’t attend), and some arrive after distribution.
Large font for hymn lyrics. Guests hold these at arm’s length — 12pt is the minimum for body text.
Don’t include anything last-minute. Finalise and print the order of service 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Last-minute changes can’t be accommodated once printed.
Consider the environment. If sustainability matters to you, use recycled card stock, or skip printed booklets entirely in favour of a displayed board or digital version.
Further reading
- Wedding Readings — poems and passages to include
- Wedding Hymns — hymn selections with lyrics
- Wedding Vows — personal vow guidance
- Church Wedding Requirements — what the church needs
- Wedding Stationery — find stationers on Weddings Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an order of service at a wedding?
An order of service is a printed programme or displayed board that tells guests the running order of the ceremony — who speaks when, which readings are included, which hymns to sing, and key moments (vows, rings, signing the register). It helps guests follow along and know what to expect.
Do you need an order of service at a wedding?
Not always. Church ceremonies with hymns benefit most — guests need the lyrics. Civil ceremonies are short enough that a printed order of service isn't essential, though it's a nice keepsake. A displayed board at the entrance is a free alternative to printed booklets.
How much does an order of service cost?
Printed booklets: £1-3 each (£80-240 for 80 guests). Single-card programme: £0.50-1.50 each (£40-120). A displayed board (printed poster or chalkboard): £5-30 total. Digital version on a wedding website: free. Printed booklets are traditional but the most expensive option.
What wording goes in an order of service?
The running order of the ceremony with: entrance music, opening words, readings (titles and readers), hymns (full lyrics), vows, ring exchange, signing of the register (with background music listed), and exit music. Also include: the couple's names, date, venue name, and the names of readers and musicians.