How Many Funeral Prayer Cards Should You Print for a Service?

Funeral prayer cards are a meaningful part of memorial services, serving as cherished keepsakes for family and friends. These small cards, often featuring a photo, name, dates, and a prayer or scripture, offer comfort long after the service ends. They also provide a way to share words of faith and remembrance in a compact, tangible format. But one common question families face when planning is: How many funeral prayer cards should you print for a service?
The answer depends on several factors, including the number of attendees, mailing needs, and whether you want extra copies as keepsakes. This article will guide you through considerations for determining the right quantity, tips for distribution, and cost-saving strategies. For design inspiration and ready-to-use templates, explore these customizable funeral prayer cards.
Why Quantity Matters
Ordering too few funeral prayer cards can leave attendees without a memento, while ordering too many may lead to unnecessary costs. Because these cards are such treasured keepsakes, ensuring that every guest receives one—and that the family has extras—is important for honoring your loved one and preserving memories.
Prayer cards often become items that people keep in their wallets or Bibles for years. Some families even mail them to those who cannot attend the service, making it essential to plan ahead for additional copies.
Factors to Consider When Deciding How Many to Print
1. Estimated Number of Attendees
Start with an accurate estimate of how many people will attend the funeral or memorial service. If the service is being held in a small venue, the number may be straightforward. For larger services or when attendance is uncertain, it’s wise to plan for extra copies.
2. Immediate Family and Close Friends
Beyond the attendees, consider additional prayer cards for family members and close friends who may want more than one. It’s common for people to keep extra cards in scrapbooks, memory boxes, or to share with extended family.
3. Mailing Needs
If you plan to send prayer cards to those who cannot attend in person, add these to your count. Some families include them in thank-you cards sent after the service, which is a thoughtful gesture.
4. Keepsakes for Future Generations
Many families print additional cards as keepsakes for future remembrance. These extras can be placed in family albums, displayed at home, or kept in safe storage for anniversaries or special memorial dates.
5. Unexpected Guests
Attendance can sometimes exceed expectations, especially when friends, colleagues, or distant relatives arrive without prior notice. Having extra prayer cards ensures everyone receives one without stress.
For templates and print-ready designs that make planning easy, visit these funeral prayer cards.
Recommended Quantities for Funeral Prayer Cards
Here are some general guidelines based on service size:
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Small Service (Under 50 guests): Print 75–100 cards. This allows for attendees, mailing needs, and keepsakes.
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Medium Service (50–150 guests): Print 150–200 cards. This covers guests and provides a buffer for unexpected attendees.
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Large Service (150+ guests): Print 250–300 cards or more, depending on the number of out-of-town relatives and mailing plans.
As a rule, printing 20–30% more than your estimated attendance is a safe approach. This extra buffer ensures you have enough for everyone and avoids the need for costly reprints later.
Cost Considerations
The cost of printing funeral prayer cards varies depending on design, paper quality, and quantity. Printing a slightly higher number in the initial order is often more affordable than placing a second, smaller order later. Bulk printing usually reduces the per-card price, so planning ahead can save money.
If you’re on a budget, consider:
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Digital Downloads: Print at home using templates and quality cardstock.
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Professional Printing: Choose bulk pricing or packages that include matching items like programs and bookmarks.
The Funeral Program Site offers a variety of options, including digital templates and professional printing services, allowing families to choose the method that fits their needs and timeline.
Tips for Smooth Distribution
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Place Cards on Seats: Ensures every attendee has access to one when they arrive.
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Provide Cards at Entry: Station someone at the entrance to hand them out personally.
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Include in Thank-You Notes: For those who couldn’t attend, mailing prayer cards is a thoughtful gesture.
Having extra cards available for display near the guest book or photo memorial table also makes it easy for guests to pick up a copy.
Personalizing Funeral Prayer Cards
While deciding on the number of cards, don’t forget the design. A personalized card becomes a meaningful keepsake for family and friends. Most prayer cards include:
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A photo of the loved one
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Full name and dates of birth and passing
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A prayer, scripture, or inspirational quote
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Optional thank-you message from the family
Using customizable templates simplifies the process, allowing you to create elegant, professional designs even at home. Many families coordinate the design of prayer cards with funeral programs or bookmarks for a unified look.
Why Extras Are Always a Good Idea
Printing extra prayer cards provides peace of mind. Families often find that long after the funeral, they want additional copies for anniversaries, memorial displays, or gifts to extended family members. Having extra cards available avoids the stress and cost of reordering.
Final Thoughts
Determining how many funeral prayer cards to print depends on several factors, including the expected number of attendees, mailing needs, and your desire for keepsakes. A good rule of thumb is to print more than you think you’ll need—usually 20–30% extra. These cards are lasting mementos that will be treasured for years, making them one of the most meaningful parts of a memorial service.
By planning ahead and using professional templates or services, families can create prayer cards that reflect love, faith, and cherished memories. Whether you design them at home or order them online, these small keepsakes hold immense value for those who receive them.
Author Bio
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site, a trusted provider of personalized memorial products for over 20 years. She helps families design meaningful tributes that honor life and provide comfort. Learn more about her resources and published works on her Amazon Author Page.
