How Do I Make a Funeral Program?

Creating a funeral program can feel like a deeply emotional and overwhelming task, especially during a time of grief. Yet it is also an opportunity to honor your loved one’s life, preserve their memory, and guide attendees through the ceremony. If you’ve ever asked, “How do I make a funeral program?” you’re not alone. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything from layout and content to printing and presentation—no design skills needed. Thanks to resources like the funeral program site, families can now create professional, heartfelt programs that serve as treasured keepsakes. Whether you're preparing for a traditional service or a celebration of life, this article covers the details in a clear and compassionate way.

What Is a Funeral Program?

A funeral program is a printed booklet or handout given to guests at a funeral, memorial, or homegoing service. It typically includes key details like: * The name of the deceased * Birth and death dates * A photo * The order of service * Obituary or life summary * Poems, scripture, or tributes * Acknowledgments The funeral program acts as both a guide and a keepsake, helping loved ones reflect, remember, and follow the ceremony.

Why Create a Funeral Program?

A funeral program does more than just outline the service. It captures the essence of a person’s life, offering a snapshot of who they were, who they loved, and how they’ll be remembered. For many families, the program becomes a cherished memento. Here’s why it matters: * Helps guests navigate the event * Shares important life milestones * Honors the person’s legacy * Provides comfort through poetry, scripture, and quotes * Offers space for personal tributes Professionally crafted programs—especially those from the funeral program site—bring visual polish and emotional depth to any service.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Funeral Program

1. Choose Your Format

Funeral programs come in several formats depending on your needs, printer, and budget. The most popular are:

Bi-Fold Program

One sheet folded in half, creating four panels. It's simple and widely used for traditional services.

Tri-Fold Program

One sheet folded into thirds, offering six panels. This allows for more photos, tributes, or poems.

Booklet Program

Multiple sheets stapled or bound together. Ideal for services with multiple speakers, a long order of service, or a photo collage.

Digital or Virtual Program

Created as a PDF or online memorial. These can be emailed or displayed at digital funeral services.

2. Gather Content and Materials

Start by collecting everything you might want to include. This helps shape the design and layout: * Full legal name of the deceased * Dates of birth and passing * High-resolution photographs * Obituary or biography * Favorite scripture, poems, or quotes * Order of service details * Names of speakers or performers * Acknowledgments or thank-you messages Tip: Have several family members review the content to ensure accuracy and completeness.

3. Write the Obituary or Life Tribute

This section tells your loved one’s story. Keep it conversational and heartfelt. Include key milestones such as: * Place of birth * Family background * Education * Career and accomplishments * Hobbies or passions * Community involvement * Family survivors Aim for one to three paragraphs, depending on space.

4. Plan the Order of Service

This outlines how the service will proceed. Include times (if needed), names of speakers, and performance details. A sample layout might include: * Welcome or Invocation * Scripture Reading * Musical Selection * Eulogy * Open Remarks or Reflections * Closing Prayer * Committal or Benediction If you're unsure, speak with the officiant or funeral director. Sites like the funeral program site also offer templates with preformatted service outlines.

5. Select Poems, Quotes, or Scriptures

These provide comfort and depth. Some examples include: * Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd…”) * “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” * John 14:1-3 * “Gone but Not Forgotten” Choose passages that reflect your loved one’s faith, spirit, or worldview.

6. Add Photos

Photographs bring warmth and personality to the program. Include: * A large photo on the cover * Smaller photos throughout (childhood, family events, hobbies) * A photo collage (especially in booklet formats) Use high-resolution images to avoid pixelation when printed.

7. Use a Funeral Program Template

Templates are the easiest way to create a polished, professional program. These pre-designed files include text boxes, photo placeholders, and layout guidance. You can customize: * Fonts and colors * Backgrounds or borders * Photo placements * Content sections Look for downloadable templates from trusted sources like the funeral program site. They offer editable files in Word, Publisher, and Canva formats.

8. Review and Proofread

Before printing, ask at least two people to proofread the content for: * Spelling or grammar errors * Correct names and dates * Accurate service details * Proper photo placement Even minor errors can feel amplified during a sensitive time.

9. Print and Assemble

You have several options:

Home Printing

Use high-quality cardstock or brochure paper. Set your printer to its best settings and use full-color ink.

Local Print Shops

Bring the digital file on a USB or email it to the printer. This ensures professional-grade results.

Online Printing Services

The funeral program site offers design, print, and ship options—ideal for stress-free preparation and last-minute needs.

What Should I Avoid When Making a Funeral Program?

To ensure your program is elegant and respectful, avoid: * Low-resolution or blurry photos * Overcrowding text or photos * Distracting color schemes * Misspelled names or incorrect dates * Printing without a test run Less is often more. Choose a clean, dignified layout that puts the focus on the person’s memory.

Do I Need Graphic Design Experience?

Not at all. With today’s templates and user-friendly tools, anyone can create a beautiful funeral program. The funeral program site simplifies everything, offering editable designs for every format and faith tradition. If you’re worried about layout or printing, consider a pre-printed option where you only fill in a form and receive the finished product. This is perfect for those short on time or needing assistance.

Helpful Tips for a Seamless Experience

Start Early

Give yourself at least 24–48 hours to gather content and complete the design. If you're planning on printed copies, allow more time for shipping or pickup.

Ask for Help

Let family or friends help write the obituary, select photos, or choose music. It lightens the load and brings in other perspectives.

Include Contact Info

Add a way for guests to reach the family or leave condolences, especially for virtual services.

Create Extras

Many guests will want to keep the program. Print 10–20% more than your estimated attendance.

Where Can I Find Funeral Program Templates?

The best templates come from services that specialize in funeral printing and memorial stationery. Look for: * Easy-to-edit formats * Professionally designed themes * Religious and non-religious options * Instant downloads For trusted, high-quality templates, turn to the funeral program site. Their selection offers a blend of elegance, flexibility, and simplicity. Whether you need a traditional black-and-white layout or a full-color celebration of life theme, they have a solution to fit your needs.

Conclusion: Honoring Life with a Personal Touch

Creating a funeral program is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate someone’s legacy. It’s more than a printed schedule—it’s a heartfelt tribute, a snapshot of a beautiful life, and a memory that loved ones will treasure. With the right tools and guidance, anyone can create a professional, meaningful program. Whether you're planning a large memorial or a small private ceremony, services like the funeral program site make the process accessible and stress-free. To explore editable templates, printing solutions, and creative inspiration, visit: * funeral brochure templates and tools * funeral brochure layouts and downloads * funeral brochure design and printing Each one helps you focus on what matters most—honoring your loved one’s story, beautifully told and lovingly shared.