Order of Service

• Material type: Saddle stitched order of service booklet
• Standard sizes: A5, 148mm x 210mm
• Custom sizing: Available on request
• Orientation: Portrait, landscape or square, depending on specification
• Material/stock options: Silk or uncoated paper
• Print options: Full colour or black only
• Finish options: None, matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination available for covers
• Special finishes: Available on request for suitable artwork
• Page count / quantity: 8 to 68 pages including cover, supplied in multiples of 4
• Suitability: Indoor use for funerals, weddings, memorials, ceremonies, services and events
• Artwork setup: Supply as single pages in reading order with bleed, crop marks and safe margins

What is an order of service booklet?
An order of service booklet is a printed programme that guides guests through a ceremony or event. It usually includes the running order, readings, music, hymns, poems, prayers, photographs and messages.

Are these only for funerals?
No. They can be used for funerals, weddings, memorials, thanksgiving services, baptisms, confirmations, civil ceremonies, school services, award ceremonies and other formal occasions.

What can I include inside?
You can include the order of events, welcome message, names of speakers, readings, poems, hymns, lyrics, prayers, photographs, tributes, thank-you messages and venue details.

What size are the booklets?
The standard size is A5, which is 148mm x 210mm when closed. This is a popular size because it is easy to hold and gives enough space for text and images.

How are the booklets bound?
Order of service booklets are usually saddle stitched, which means the folded pages are stapled through the centre fold.

How many pages can I have?
Booklets start from 8 pages and can go up to 68 pages including the cover, depending on the paper stock selected. Pages must be supplied in multiples of 4 because each folded sheet creates four printed pages.

What if I only need a simple folded order of service?
A 4-page folded leaflet may be more suitable for shorter ceremonies. If you only need a front cover, inside spread and back cover, ask us before setting up your artwork.

What paper should I choose?
Silk paper gives a smooth finish with a slight sheen and works well for photographs. Uncoated paper has a softer, more natural feel and is often chosen for traditional or understated designs.

Can the cover be thicker than the inner pages?
Yes. A heavier cover can give the booklet more structure, while lighter inner pages can help it open more easily. The best option depends on the page count and finish you want.

Can I print in black and white?
Yes. You can choose black-only print or full colour print. Black-only is often suitable for simple text-based designs, while full colour works well for photographs, floral details, artwork and themed designs.

Can I include photographs?
Yes. Photographs can be included on the cover or inner pages. For best results, supply high-resolution images, ideally 300dpi at the final printed size.

Can I have a laminated cover?
Yes. Covers can be supplied without lamination or finished with matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination. Lamination can help protect the cover, especially if the booklet will be kept as a keepsake.

What finish is best for a wedding order of service?
Silk paper with a matt or soft-touch laminated cover is a good option for a refined finish. Uncoated paper works well for softer, more natural wedding stationery styles.

What finish is best for a funeral or memorial order of service?
Uncoated or silk paper are both suitable. Uncoated has a calm, traditional feel, while silk can make photographs appear clearer and more vibrant.

Should I supply artwork as single pages or spreads?
Please supply artwork as single pages in reading order, not printer's spreads. This helps us check the file and prepare the booklet correctly for print.

Do I need bleed and crop marks?
Yes. Please include bleed and crop marks on your print-ready PDF. Any background colours, images or design elements that run to the edge should extend into the bleed area.

How do I avoid text being too close to the fold?
Keep important text, faces, page numbers and fine details away from the centre fold and trim edges. Use the safe area on the template to prevent content being lost when the booklet is folded and trimmed.

What font size should I use?
For readability, avoid very small text. A minimum of around 10pt is a sensible guide for most body text, especially for hymns, readings and longer passages.

What file format should I supply?
Please supply a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts, crop marks, bleed and high-resolution images. PDF/X-1a is preferred where possible.

Can I design my order of service in Canva?
Yes. Export your finished design as a PDF Print file with crop marks and bleed selected. Canva artwork is usually RGB, so colours may shift slightly when converted for print.

Can SM1 help with the design?
Yes. We can help with layout, photo placement, cover design, typesetting and print-ready setup. This is useful if you have the wording and images but need help turning them into a finished booklet.

Can you print quickly if the service is soon?
We can advise on the best available turnaround once we know the size, quantity, page count and whether artwork is print-ready. Supplying final approved artwork as early as possible helps avoid delays.