If you’re reading this, you’re likely planning a service for someone you love, and I’m so sorry you’re facing this. Putting together a funeral program can feel overwhelming when you’re already carrying so much. My hope is that this guide makes one small part of these days a little lighter by walking you through exactly what to include, section by section, at your own pace.
A funeral program (sometimes called an order of service or memorial booklet) is the printed keepsake guests hold during the service. It guides everyone through what’s happening, honors the person who has passed, and becomes something families keep for years afterward. Below, I’ll cover what to include in a funeral program from the front cover to the final acknowledgements, along with practical layout, folding, and printing tips, and a few common mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know about them.
What to include in a funeral program: the standard sections
Most programs follow a familiar structure. You don’t need every section listed here, only the ones that feel right for your loved one and your service. Think of this as a menu, not a checklist you must complete.
1. The front cover
The cover sets the tone. It typically includes:
- A favorite photo of your loved one (a clear, well-lit portrait works best)
- Their full name, including a maiden name or nickname if it feels right
- Birth and passing dates, often shown simply as the two years
- A short heading such as “In Loving Memory” or “Celebrating the Life of”
- Optionally, the service date, time, and location
Keep the cover uncluttered. One strong photo and clean text say more than a crowded design.
2. The order of service
This is the heart of the program: the sequence of what will happen. List each part in order so guests can follow along. A typical order includes:
- Prelude or gathering music
- Welcome and opening words
- Opening prayer or reflection
- Hymns, songs, or musical selections
- Scripture readings, poems, or readings
- The eulogy or words of remembrance
- Tributes or open sharing from family and friends
- Closing prayer or blessing
- Committal or recessional
Next to each item, you can name the person leading it and the title of any song or reading. This helps the day flow and quietly invites guests to participate.
3. The obituary or life summary
This is where you tell the story of a life. It can be a formal obituary or a warm, brief biography. Consider including where they were born and grew up, their family, work or passions, faith, and the people they leave behind. You don’t need to capture everything; a few true, tender details often mean more than a long list of facts.
4. Readings and music
If a reading or song is short, you might print the full text so guests can read or sing along. For longer pieces, the title and author are enough. Printing the words to a hymn or a meaningful poem invites everyone to share the moment together, which can be deeply comforting.
5. Pallbearers and special roles
It’s customary to name the pallbearers, and honorary pallbearers if you have them. You can also acknowledge others with a role in the service, such as the officiant, musicians, readers, and those giving tributes. Listing these names honors the people stepping forward to help carry your loved one, literally and otherwise.
6. Acknowledgements and thank-you
Near the end, many families include a short note of thanks. This often comes from the family and expresses gratitude for the love, prayers, flowers, and support received. A few gentle sentences are all you need. You might also mention any reception or gathering afterward, with the address and time.
7. Committal and graveside details
If there will be a burial, cremation, or graveside service, include the location and timing so guests know where to go next. If the committal is private, a simple line such as “Interment will be private” lets people know with grace and without confusion.
8. Photos, quotes, and personal touches
Beyond the cover, a collage of photos across the years brings warmth and memory to the booklet. A favorite quote, a line of scripture, a verse of poetry, or even a saying your loved one used often can close the program beautifully. These small touches are what turn a program into a keepsake.
You don’t have to design this from a blank page
If laying everything out feels like too much right now, start from a ready-made funeral program template and simply fill in your loved one’s details. For a celebration-of-life style service, this memorial service program template gives you a gentle, ready structure so you can focus on remembering rather than formatting.
Layout, folding, and printing tips
Once your words are gathered, a few practical choices make everything come together calmly.
Choosing a fold
- Single-fold (bifold): One sheet folded in half makes four pages. Simple and elegant, ideal for shorter services.
- Trifold: One sheet folded into three panels. Good when you have a little more content but want a compact, pocket-friendly booklet.
- Booklet (multi-page): Several folded sheets nested together. Best when you have many photos, long readings, or tributes from several people.
Layout and readability
- Use a clear, readable font at a comfortable size; many guests will be older.
- Keep one or two fonts at most, and plenty of white space.
- Choose soft, muted colors that match the tone rather than bright designs.
- Make sure photos are high-resolution so they don’t print blurry.
Printing
- Print a single test copy first and read every word aloud before printing the rest.
- Heavier paper (around 32 lb or cardstock for covers) feels more like a keepsake.
- Print 10 to 20 percent more than your expected guest count; people often want to take one home.
- A local print shop can fold and finish for you if time or energy is short, which is perfectly okay.
Common mistakes to avoid
None of these are the end of the world, but a little care saves stress later:
- Rushing the proofread. Have two people check names, dates, and spelling, especially the order of service and family names.
- Forgetting key details. Double-check the reception address and any directions to the graveside.
- Overcrowding the pages. It’s tempting to include everything; a calmer layout reads better and feels more peaceful.
- Low-quality photos. Avoid screenshots or tiny images that will pixelate when printed.
- Printing too few. Always have extras on hand.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a funeral program be?
There’s no required length. A simple bifold (four pages) is perfectly appropriate and very common. If you have many photos, tributes, or longer readings, a small booklet works beautifully. Let the content guide the size, not the other way around.
What’s the difference between a funeral program and a memorial program?
They’re very similar. A funeral program usually accompanies a traditional service with the body present, while a memorial or celebration-of-life program is used at a service held later, sometimes after cremation. The sections are nearly identical, and a memorial service program template can be adapted for either.
Do I have to include an obituary?
No. Some families prefer a short life summary, a timeline, or simply a favorite quote and photos. Include what feels true to your loved one. The program is meant to comfort, not to follow strict rules.
Can I make a funeral program myself?
Yes, and many families do. Starting from a funeral program template lets you fill in the details without designing from scratch, then print at home or at a local shop. It’s a gentle way to create something meaningful with the energy you have.
Please be kind to yourself through this. A funeral program doesn’t need to be perfect to be loving, and the very fact that you’re putting this care into it says everything. Take it one section at a time, lean on others where you can, and trust that what you create will honor your loved one well.