DIY Funeral Pamphlets: Tips from Funeral Directors

Creating a funeral pamphlet is one of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s memory. While many families turn to professional printing services, an increasing number are choosing the DIY route. Whether driven by cost savings, time constraints, or a personal desire to craft something intimate, DIY funeral pamphlets can be just as elegant and heartfelt as their professionally designed counterparts.

To help guide you through the process, this article offers insights and tips straight from funeral directors who’ve seen thousands of pamphlets over the years. With the right resources and thoughtful planning, you can create a beautiful tribute that’s personal, practical, and deeply respectful.

Explore templates to get started with your own funeral pamphlet or view design samples here: funeral pamphlet.

Why DIY Funeral Pamphlets Appeal to Families

More families are taking a hands-on approach to funeral planning, and pamphlets are a natural part of this trend. DIY funeral pamphlets:

• Offer cost savings on design and printing

• Allow for personal customization

• Provide a sense of creative involvement in the tribute

• Can be completed on short notice

• Allow the family to match the tone and aesthetic to their loved one’s personality

However, DIY doesn’t mean “make it up as you go.” There’s still a structure and etiquette to follow, especially when sharing printed materials during a public service.

What Funeral Directors Say About DIY Pamphlets

Funeral directors often work with grieving families who want to be involved in the memorial planning process. Based on their experiences, here are professional insights that can help you avoid common mistakes and create a pamphlet that truly honors your loved one.

1. Start with a Template

“Trying to build a pamphlet from scratch is time-consuming and risky,” says one licensed funeral director from Texas. “Start with a template—even if it’s just a basic layout in Word or Canva. It gives you a foundation to build on.”

Templates save time and ensure essential elements like margins, alignment, and font size are handled properly. You can find many beautiful and affordable templates online, including preformatted examples at:

• funeral pamphlet

• funeral pamphlet

2. Keep the Layout Simple

Funeral directors emphasize readability and flow. “Don’t try to cram in too much. A crowded pamphlet is hard to follow during the service,” notes another director from Illinois. “Prioritize clarity over content volume.”

Stick to a bifold or trifold layout using an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper. This is cost-effective and easy to print at home or at a local print shop.

3. Use High-Resolution Photos

Low-quality or blurry photos are one of the most common issues directors see in DIY funeral pamphlets. “That main portrait on the cover—it matters. It sets the tone,” says a California-based funeral planner.

Select a clear, high-resolution image with a clean background. Consider enhancing the photo with a subtle filter or soft edge using free tools like Canva or Pixlr.

4. Include Only Essential Information

While it’s tempting to include long biographies, multiple poems, or extended thank-you messages, professionals recommend keeping it concise.

A good DIY pamphlet typically includes:

• Full name and dates

• A favorite photo

• Service order

• A brief obituary or life summary

• Readings, poems, or scripture

• Acknowledgment or thank-you note

Extras like donation requests, song lyrics, or quotes can be added—but only if space permits.

5. Stick with Easy-to-Read Fonts and Colors

Funeral directors often point out readability issues. Avoid novelty fonts or light-colored text on light backgrounds. Instead:

• Use traditional fonts like Times New Roman, Garamond, or Lato

• Keep font sizes between 11–14 pt for body text

• Use black or dark gray for body text

• Use color sparingly, primarily for headings or borders

For more visual guidance, you can explore sample layouts via these links:
funeral pamphlet
funeral pamphlet

6. Proof It Multiple Times

Typos and name misspellings are painful when discovered during the service. Funeral homes suggest proofreading multiple times and, if possible, having another family member review the content.

Pay special attention to:

• Names of family members

• Spelling of religious verses or quotes

• Dates of birth and death

• Order of service times and titles

7. Test Print Before Finalizing

Printers and screens display colors differently. A pamphlet that looks perfect on screen might appear too dark, too small, or poorly aligned when printed.

Always print a test copy and check for:

• Print alignment

• Margin balance

• Readability

• Fold placement

Adjust as needed before doing a full print run.

Recommended DIY Tools and Software

Funeral directors often recommend these tools for DIY pamphlet creation:

• Microsoft Word: Best for basic bifold or trifold designs

• Canva: Great for drag-and-drop design with free templates

• Google Docs: Shareable and easy to edit collaboratively

• Adobe Express: More advanced design, still beginner-friendly

• The Funeral Program Site Editor: Professionally designed tool tailored for funeral stationery

These tools provide structure and polish without requiring graphic design experience.

Where to Print

If you’re not printing at home, here are budget-friendly options recommended by directors:

• FedEx Office or UPS Store: Reliable and fast turnaround

• Staples: Offers double-sided printing and folding

• Local print shops: Often more flexible and personal

• Funeral home print services: If available, they may offer package deals

Request 80–100 lb paper stock for a sturdy feel and matte finish to avoid glare under indoor lighting.

The Emotional Value of DIY Pamphlets

While professional printing offers convenience, directors say that DIY pamphlets often carry deeper meaning. “When a family member designs it themselves, there’s something deeply personal about it,” one director explains. “It’s not just a program—it becomes part of the healing process.”

The effort you put into writing the obituary, choosing the layout, and selecting the poem or scripture makes the final product a reflection of love and care.

Final Thoughts from the Experts

DIY funeral pamphlets offer a unique opportunity to blend creativity with tribute. With insights from funeral directors and access to reliable templates, any family can produce a heartfelt, polished memorial piece.

Their advice is clear:

• Don’t reinvent the wheel—use templates

• Keep it clean and simple

• Double-check your content

• Focus on meaning over complexity

For beautiful, editable designs that can be downloaded instantly, visit:
funeral pamphlet
funeral pamphlet

With a little time and intention, your DIY funeral pamphlet can become a treasured keepsake that honors your loved one in a deeply personal way.

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Author Bio:
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site, where she has helped thousands of families create heartfelt tributes through memorial printing and DIY design tools. Her mission is to simplify the process while delivering elegance and meaning. Discover her publications at her Amazon Author Page.