Planning a funeral is never easy, and many families find themselves making arrangements for the first time during a very difficult period. When there are many decisions to make in a short space of time, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
At Dotty About Paper we have helped thousands of families create personalised funeral stationery that honours the life of their loved one. We understand how important it is to create a meaningful tribute that reflects the life of someone you love. Alongside our personalised funeral stationery, we have created a collection of helpful guides to support families through the planning process.
Planning a Funeral
When someone dies there are a number of practical arrangements that need to be made. For many families this may be the first time they have organised a funeral, and it can be difficult to know what steps are involved.
The guides below explain the typical stages of planning a funeral in the UK, including registering the death, organising the ceremony and arranging the service.
Funeral Planning Checklist
Organising a funeral often involves several practical steps. Our funeral planning checklist explains the typical stages involved in planning a funeral in the UK, helping families understand what usually happens and what decisions may need to be made.
What Happens at a Funeral?
If you have never attended or organised a funeral before, you may be unsure what to expect. While every service is different, many follow a similar structure. This guide explains what typically happens during a funeral service in the UK.
Celebration of Life Ideas
Many families now choose to create a service that reflects the personality and life of their loved one. A celebration of life may include personal touches such as favourite music, photographs and shared memories.
Creating an Order of Service
An order of service booklet helps guests follow the ceremony and can also become a lasting keepsake for family and friends. Many families include hymns, readings, poems and photographs within the booklet so that the service reflects the life of their loved one.
If you are unsure where to begin, the guides below explain what is typically included and provide example wording.
What to Include in a Funeral Order of Service
Many families creating an order of service booklet for the first time are unsure what information should be included. This guide explains the typical structure of a funeral order of service.
Funeral Order of Service Examples
Seeing examples can make it easier to understand how an order of service booklet is structured. This guide shares typical layouts and ideas used in many funeral services.
Poems, Readings & Wording
Choosing the right words for a funeral service can feel difficult. Poems and readings often help express thoughts and emotions that are sometimes hard to put into words. Many families include readings within the ceremony or printed in the order of service booklet.
Funeral Poems for Mum
A poem can be a meaningful way to honour the life of a mother and express love and remembrance. This guide includes poems often chosen for funeral services.
Funeral Poems for Dad
Many families include a poem within the funeral service to honour the life of a father. This guide shares a selection of poems often used in funeral ceremonies.
Non-Religious Funeral Readings
Not every funeral includes religious readings. Many families choose poems or reflections that celebrate life without a religious focus.
Messages & Memories
Many funerals include a condolence book where guests can leave messages for the family. These books often become treasured keepsakes filled with memories and kind words. If you are unsure what to write or how these books are used, the guides below may help.
What to Write in a Condolence Book
Many people feel unsure what to write when signing a condolence book. This guide offers examples of thoughtful condolence messages and ways to express sympathy.
Memory Table Ideas
Some families create a memory table during the funeral or gathering afterwards. This may include photographs, keepsakes and a condolence book where guests can leave messages.
Memory Card Message Ideas
Memory cards give guests the opportunity to share personal stories or messages about the person being remembered. These messages can become treasured memories for the family.
After the Funeral
In the weeks following the funeral, many families choose to send thank you cards to friends and relatives who attended the service or offered support.
Writing these messages can feel difficult, but even a few simple words can express appreciation.
Funeral Thank You Card Wording
This guide provides examples of funeral thank you card wording that can help you thank friends and family for their support.
Personalised Funeral Stationery
At Dotty About Paper we offer a range of personalised funeral stationery designed to help families create a thoughtful and organised service.
Our collection includes:
• Personalised order of service booklets
• Condolence and memory books
• Memorial cards for guests
• Funeral thank you cards
All of our designs can be personalised online, and we offer fast printing and delivery when time is limited.
If you need help with wording or layout, our team is always happy to help.
Additional Support & Bereavement Resources
Planning a funeral and coping with loss can be incredibly difficult. While friends and family can offer support, there are also organisations that provide guidance and a listening ear during this time.
If you feel you would benefit from additional support, you may find the following organisations helpful:
Cruse Bereavement Support – offers free support, a national helpline and local services across the UK
Child Bereavement UK – provides support for families, children and young people after the death of a loved one
Samaritans – available 24 hours a day for anyone who needs someone to talk to
Speaking to someone who understands can make a difference, and support is available if you need it.
Giving something back
At Dotty About Paper, we feel privileged to support families through such an important time. For every funeral stationery order we fulfil, we donate £1 to Make-A-Wish UK — a charity that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses across the UK.
It feels right to us that an order placed during one of life's hardest moments can bring a little joy to a child and their family who need it most. Read our story here.
Here to Help During a Difficult Time
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, particularly when arrangements need to be made quickly.
Our aim is simply to make this part of the process a little easier by providing helpful guidance and thoughtful stationery that helps families create a meaningful tribute.
If you have any questions about funeral stationery or need help preparing your design, please feel free to contact our team.