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When planning a funeral, there are many important details to consider, and one of the most frequently asked questions by families is, “How many copies of the order of service for funerals should we print?” This is a crucial decision, as the order of service for funerals is not just a guide to the ceremony but also a cherished keepsake that many attendees will wish to retain as a memento of the day.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence how many copies you should order, why it’s advisable to have more rather than fewer, and offer some tips to help you make the best decision for your unique situation.
The Significance of the Order of Service for Funerals
The order of service for funerals is more than just a programme detailing the events of the day. It serves as a lasting memory of the person who has passed away and provides comfort to those who are grieving. Typically, the order of service includes a summary of the funeral proceedings, such as hymns, readings, and eulogies, and often features personal touches like photographs, poems, and messages from the family.
Given its sentimental value, it is common for attendees to want to keep the order of service as a memento. Many families also choose to send copies to friends and relatives who were unable to attend the funeral, making it an important consideration when deciding how many to print.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Estimated Number of Attendees
The first and most obvious factor to consider is the number of people expected to attend the funeral. While this may seem straightforward, it’s important to remember that funerals can sometimes attract a larger number of attendees than anticipated, particularly if the deceased was well-known or highly regarded within the community.
It’s also worth considering that some individuals may decide to attend at the last minute, even if they didn’t formally RSVP or inform you of their intention to come. To accommodate for this, it’s often wise to order more copies than the exact number of guests you expect.
2. Keepsakes for Absent Loved Ones
Not everyone who wishes to attend a funeral will be able to do so. Whether due to distance, health issues, or other reasons, some family members and friends may not be able to be present in person. By ordering extra copies of the order of service for funerals, you can ensure that these absent loved ones still receive a keepsake from the ceremony.
In this context, it’s advisable to order additional copies that can be posted to those who couldn’t attend. It’s a thoughtful gesture that will likely be greatly appreciated by those who missed the service.
3. Budget Considerations
Budget is always an important factor in planning any aspect of a funeral, and the number of order of service copies is no exception. While it’s true that printing more copies will increase the cost, it’s also important to consider the potential cost of underestimating your needs.
Reprinting additional copies after the event can be significantly more expensive than printing extra copies in the initial run. This is because setting up the print job again requires time and resources, and there may also be minimum order requirements from the printer.
In most cases, the cost per copy decreases as the quantity increases. For example, printing 50 copies might only be slightly more expensive than printing 30, but reprinting 20 more copies later on could cost nearly as much as the original 50.
4. Personal and Unique Keepsakes
Many families opt for a custom-designed order of service for funerals, which makes the document even more special and valuable. These unique designs often include personal photographs, special messages, and other elements that capture the essence of the deceased.
Because these custom designs are so personal and meaningful, they often become cherished keepsakes. This adds another layer of importance to having enough copies on hand. If you have any left over after the service, they can be distributed to close family members, kept for the family archives, or given to those who couldn’t attend.
5. Potential for Future Reprinting
Despite the best planning, there are times when families find that they did not order enough copies of the order of service for funerals. While it is usually possible to have more printed after the event, as mentioned earlier, this can be more expensive and may involve delays.
Additionally, reprints may not always be identical to the original batch due to variations in paper stock, ink colours, or printing methods. For this reason, it’s generally better to order slightly more than you think you’ll need rather than risk running out and facing the need for a reprint.
Estimating the Right Number
Given all these factors, you might still be wondering how many copies you should print. While every situation is unique, here are some general guidelines:
1. Small, Private Funerals (up to 30 guests)
For smaller funerals, it’s usually safe to estimate one copy per guest, plus a few extras for absent family members and keepsakes. In this case, ordering around 35-40 copies would be a reasonable approach.
2. Medium-Sized Funerals (30-100 guests)
For medium-sized gatherings, you might want to order 10-20% more copies than the number of expected guests. For example, if you expect 80 attendees, ordering 90-100 copies would be prudent. This allows for unexpected guests and ensures you have extra copies for posting or personal keepsakes.
3. Large Funerals (100+ guests)
At large funerals, it’s common to see a higher variance in attendance, so you may want to order 20-30% more copies than the number of RSVPs or expected attendees. For instance, if you’re anticipating 150 guests, ordering 180-200 copies might be the best option. This approach ensures that even if more people show up than expected, everyone will receive a copy.
Why It’s Better to Have Too Many Than Too Few
One of the most distressing situations for grieving families is to run out of copies of the order of service for funerals during the event. This can cause additional stress and disappointment, as attendees who do not receive a copy may feel left out or saddened by not having this keepsake.
Printing too few copies can also lead to additional costs and logistical issues if you need to reprint more later. In contrast, having a surplus of copies presents little downside. Extra copies can be distributed later to those who couldn’t attend, saved as keepsakes, or even donated to organisations that collect funeral memorabilia.
Moreover, a well-designed order of service often becomes a treasured memento, so it’s better to err on the side of generosity when deciding how many to print.
The Environmental Consideration
In today’s world, many people are concerned about the environmental impact of printing materials. If you’re worried about waste, consider using recycled paper or eco-friendly printing options. Additionally, any leftover copies can be donated or recycled, minimising their environmental impact.
Conclusion
Deciding how many copies of the order of service for funerals to print is a crucial part of funeral planning. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, considering the factors discussed in this article—such as the expected number of guests, the need for keepsakes, budget considerations, and the personal nature of the service—can help you make an informed decision.
Remember, it’s always better to have a few extra copies than to run out, especially given the sentimental value of these documents. By planning ahead and possibly ordering slightly more than you think you’ll need, you can ensure that every attendee leaves with a meaningful memento, and that you have additional copies to share with those who couldn’t attend.
For personalised advice and more information on pricing, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you through every step of the process, ensuring that your loved one’s memory is honoured in the best possible way.
