Funeral Programs: What to Include, How to Format, and How to Avoid Last-Minute Mistakes

The Funeral Program Site helps families create meaningful funeral programs without the stress of starting from scratch, especially when time is short and details are still coming in. A funeral program is more than a handout—it’s a guide for the service, a keepsake for guests, and a written record of the life being honored. When families ask how to make a funeral program look polished and organized, the answer usually comes down to three things: clear structure, readable design, and accurate information that has been checked twice. This article walks through what to include, which layouts work best, how printing and digital sharing compare, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause delays right when you can least afford them.

If you’re building your program while coordinating travel, communicating with relatives, and managing last-minute changes, the most helpful approach is a simple checklist and a format you can trust. That’s where templates and step-by-step planning make a difference. When you choose a proven layout and fill it in section by section, you reduce the risk of overcrowded text, mismatched dates, or missing names. You also make it easier for others to review the draft quickly, which matters when multiple family members want to approve the final version.

What a Funeral Program Does (Beyond Listing the Order of Service)

At the service, a funeral program helps guests follow along—especially when there are readings, special music, speakers, or a committal service afterward. Afterward, many guests keep the program as a remembrance piece because it includes details that may not appear anywhere else: a favorite photo, a short obituary, meaningful quotes, or a list of pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. For some families, the program becomes a shared reference point for future anniversaries and family history, since it documents dates, places, and names in one carefully assembled piece.

A strong funeral program also reduces confusion. Guests know when to stand, when the eulogy will happen, and whether there is a reception. If the service is large, or if many guests are visiting from out of town, the program becomes a gentle guide that supports the flow of the day. In short, the program isn’t just paper—it’s a practical tool and a personal tribute at the same time.

The Core Sections Most Families Include

1) Cover (Name, Dates, and a Meaningful Photo)

The cover usually includes the full name of the loved one, their birth and passing dates, and a photo that feels recognizable and respectful. If you’re choosing between several photos, pick one with good lighting and clear focus. Blurry images can print poorly and pull attention away from the care you put into the rest of the design. Many families also include a short phrase on the cover, such as a simple line of remembrance or a faith-based sentiment, but it’s optional.

2) Order of Service (The Program Timeline)

The order of service is the backbone. Keep it clear and easy to scan. If you list music, include the song title and performer (live or recorded) if known. If you have multiple speakers, list names in the sequence they’ll appear. If details are still being finalized, leave placeholders until you can confirm the final order, and set a “review deadline” so you don’t keep changing the draft right up to print time.

3) Obituary or Life Story (Short or Full)

Some families write a full obituary. Others prefer a shorter life summary with a focus on values, family, and meaningful moments. Either approach works. The key is readability. If you have a longer obituary, you may need a layout that gives you more inside space—such as a trifold or a multi-page booklet—so the text doesn’t look cramped.

4) Family Acknowledgments and Names

This section is one of the most common places for accidental errors, simply because there are so many names and relationships to confirm. Ask one person to be the “name verifier,” especially for spelling and titles. Consider using a consistent format, like immediate family first, then extended family, then special acknowledgments.

5) Poems, Prayers, or Readings

If you include a poem or prayer, keep it to one or two selections unless you’re creating a larger booklet. If you’re using a reading that’s meaningful to the family, include the author credit when known. Guests often appreciate having the reading in print, especially if it’s referenced in the service.

6) Service Details (Location, Date, Reception)

Make sure the location details are correct, including the address if guests may not know where to go. If there is a repast or reception, include the time and location. If the details are private or invitation-only, you can omit this section or phrase it gently to avoid confusion.

Choosing the Best Layout: Bifold, Trifold, or Booklet

Layout matters because it decides how comfortable the program is to read. A bifold is a classic choice for most services and works well for a moderate amount of text. A trifold gives you more panels and can be helpful when you have extra readings or multiple photo sections. A booklet (multi-page) is best for longer obituaries, photo collages, or services with extensive order-of-service details.

The decision often comes down to content length and timeline. If you’re under time pressure, a simple bifold can reduce complexity and keep edits manageable. If you have time and want a more detailed keepsake, a booklet provides room to breathe. No matter what you choose, prioritize legibility: readable font sizes, adequate margins, and enough line spacing so the page doesn’t feel crowded.

Printing vs. Digital Funeral Programs

Printed programs are tangible and familiar. They’re especially helpful for in-person services where guests appreciate a physical keepsake. Digital programs can be shared instantly by text message, email, or a private family group, which is helpful when guests can’t attend or when last-minute changes make printing difficult.

Many families choose both: a printed program for the service and a digital version for sharing. If you do both, ensure the final file is consistent and that the digital copy is easy to view on a phone. A clean PDF is usually the most universal format for digital sharing.

Comparison Table: Options That Affect Your Timeline and Final Look

Common Mistakes That Make Funeral Programs Hard to Read

Overcrowding the inside panels

When text is squeezed into a small space, guests struggle to read it, and the piece can feel visually stressful. If you’re running out of space, shorten the obituary, move some text to a second page, or switch to a format with more room. White space isn’t “empty”; it’s what makes the content feel calm and intentional.

Using a low-quality photo

A pixelated or dark photo can unintentionally reduce the overall quality of the program. If you only have older photos, choose the clearest one and avoid enlarging it too much. Keep the cover photo simple and use smaller photos inside if you want a collage effect.

Inconsistent fonts and spacing

Too many font styles or frequent size changes can make a program look unorganized. Choose one readable font for body text and one complementary style for headings, then use consistent sizing for each level. Consistency is what creates the “professional” feel.

Skipping the final proofread

Names, dates, and service locations deserve a dedicated review step. Have at least one person read the program slowly, line by line, and another person verify names against a written list. If you can, print a test page to catch spacing issues that are easy to miss on a screen.

A Practical Workflow to Finish On Time

A calm, repeatable workflow helps you finish without panic. Start by collecting only what you need: the preferred name format, dates, service location, and one main photo. Next, draft the order of service using placeholders for items that aren’t confirmed. Then add the obituary and family names. Save the poem or prayer section for last, since it’s easy to swap without disrupting the structure.

Finally, set a firm “final changes” deadline. Even if the family is still discussing small details, you can avoid major disruption by limiting changes after a certain point. That boundary protects your timeline and prevents last-minute mistakes.

Where Templates and Trusted Resources Fit In

When families need guidance, templates reduce the burden of layout decisions and help prevent common formatting problems. A well-built template already accounts for margins, folding, alignment, and image placement, so your energy can go toward the words and photos that matter most. If you’re looking for a central hub to explore options and resources, you can visit the funeral programs site for helpful starting points that support planning, design, and practical next steps.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is a program that feels respectful, reads clearly, and reflects the person being honored. When the structure is simple and the details are verified, you’ll end up with something guests can follow in the moment and keep for years afterward.