How to Create a Funeral Program: What to Include and Simple Layouts

A funeral program is a small booklet or card that guides guests through a service and offers a lasting keepsake. Many people take it home, tuck it into a book, or keep it on a shelf for years. Creating one can feel like a big task, but it can also be a meaningful way to honor your loved one's life.

You do not need special design skills. A simple, heartfelt program is often the most cherished. This guide explains what to include, common layouts, and gentle wording ideas.

What Is a Funeral Program?

A funeral program, sometimes called an order of service or memorial program, shares the details of a service and a few reflections on the person's life. It may be a single card, a folded sheet, or a multi-page booklet.

Programs are used for many kinds of gatherings. If you are still deciding what type of service to hold, our guide comparing a funeral, memorial service, and celebration of life may help.

What Should a Funeral Program Include?

Most programs include some combination of the following:

1. Front cover: the person's full name, a photo, and birth and death dates

2. Service details: date, time, and location

3. Order of service: the sequence of readings, music, and speakers

4. Names of participants: officiant, speakers, musicians, and pallbearers

5. A short obituary or life story

6. A poem, prayer, or meaningful quote

7. Acknowledgments: a thank you from the family

8. Reception or burial information, if guests are invited

A program is the first page guests read and often the last thing they keep.

What Does a Typical Order of Service Look Like?

Every service is different, but a common order might be:

• Welcome or opening words

• Opening music or hymn

• Reading or prayer

• Eulogy or life story

• Shared memories from family or friends

• Music or a moment of reflection

• Closing words or blessing

• Closing music or recessional

Our guide to choosing readings and music for a memorial service can help fill in these moments.

What Are Simple Funeral Program Layouts?

There are a few common formats:

• Single card: a simple card with a photo on the front and service details on the back

• Bifold: one sheet folded in half, with four panels for the cover, order of service, life story, and back page

• Trifold: one sheet folded into three, often used for longer content

• Booklet: several pages for photos, multiple readings, or longer tributes

Choosing photos

A clear, warm photo for the cover is often enough. Some families add a small collage inside showing different stages of life. Choose images that feel like the person.

What Are Gentle Funeral Program Wording Ideas?

You can keep wording simple and warm. Examples:

Cover lines: "In Loving Memory," "Celebrating the Life of," or "Forever in Our Hearts."

Family thank you: "Our family is deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and kindness. Thank you for being here to celebrate Mom's life."

Reception invitation: "Please join us after the service for refreshments and sharing memories."

The life story can be a shortened version of the obituary. Our guide to short obituary templates offers helpful starting points.

What Practical Tips Help With Printing?

• Ask the funeral provider if program printing is included or available.

• Use a memorial program template from a word processor or design tool.

• Proofread names, dates, and spellings carefully, ideally with a second reader.

• Print a few extra copies for family keepsakes.

• Allow enough time for printing before the service.

If the service is also streamed, consider sharing a digital copy so remote guests can follow along.

How Can a Funeral Program Reflect Their Personality?

Small design choices can make a program feel personal. You might use their favorite color as an accent, include a recipe they were known for, add a line from a song they loved, or print a short list of their favorite sayings. Some families include a blank space for guests to write a memory, or a pressed flower from the garden. A few simple touches like these can turn a printed page into a keepsake that truly feels like them.

If you are short on time, there is no need for anything elaborate. A clear photo, the service details, and a few loving words are more than enough. Our guide to planning a virtual memorial service has more ideas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are funeral programs required?

No. They are optional, though many families find them helpful for guests and meaningful as keepsakes.

How many programs should I print?

Estimate the number of guests and add extra for family and keepsakes.

Who usually creates the funeral program?

It may be a family member, a friend, or the funeral provider. Sharing the task can make it easier.

Can I include humor in a funeral program?

Yes, if it reflects your loved one. A favorite saying or lighthearted memory can bring comfort.

A funeral program helps guests walk through the service together and carry a memory home. Keep it simple, let it reflect the person, and know that care shows in every detail.