How to Add a Poem or Scripture to a Funeral Program

Funeral programs are more than guides to a service—they are keepsakes that preserve the memory of a loved one. While they typically include details such as the obituary, order of service, and photos, adding a poem or scripture brings comfort, reflection, and inspiration to grieving families and attendees. These words can encapsulate feelings that are often difficult to express, offering solace and hope. With expert resources from the Funeral Program Site, families can easily incorporate meaningful verses into their funeral program templates while maintaining both beauty and readability.

Why Include Poems or Scriptures?

Words hold power, especially during times of loss. Incorporating poetry or scripture in a funeral program provides:

• Comfort: Offers reassurance to grieving hearts.

• Reflection: Encourages attendees to pause and remember.

• Faith and Hope: Religious verses provide spiritual grounding.

• Personalization: Chosen words reflect the beliefs and personality of the loved one.

• Keepsake Value: Programs with meaningful verses become treasured memorials.

Whether spiritual or secular, these words enhance the emotional depth of the program.

Step 1: Select the Placement

Poems or scriptures can be included in various areas of the program:

• Front Cover: A short verse beneath the name and dates.

• Inside Panels: Larger poems or multiple scriptures alongside the obituary or order of service.

• Back Cover: A closing blessing, poem, or prayer.

• Dedicated Section: For booklets, a full page may be devoted to meaningful words.

Placement should balance visual design with emotional impact.

Step 2: Choose the Right Poem or Scripture

Selections should reflect both the tone of the service and the loved one’s values:

• Religious Services: Scriptures such as Psalm 23, John 14:1–3, or Revelation 21:4.

• Secular Services: Poems like “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” or “The Dash.”

• Celebrations of Life: Uplifting verses or quotes about joy, love, and remembrance.

Families may also choose original writings from friends or relatives for a more personal touch.

Step 3: Format the Text

To make poems and scriptures stand out:

• Font: Use italics or script fonts for emphasis.

• Alignment: Center text for a formal look or left-align for readability.

• Spacing: Add extra line spacing to enhance clarity.

• Borders or Graphics: Frame the text with subtle floral designs, doves, or religious symbols.

Templates from the Funeral Program Site are designed with placeholders for poems and scriptures, ensuring they integrate seamlessly.

Step 4: Balance with Other Content

While poems and scriptures are meaningful, they should not overwhelm the program. Consider:

• Keeping verses concise for bifold or trifold programs.

• Using full pages in booklets for longer texts.

• Pairing poems with photos or tributes for added context.

Balancing content ensures the program remains elegant and accessible.

Step 5: Review and Print

Before printing:

• Double-check text accuracy.

• Ensure fonts are readable in print.

• Print a test copy to check layout.

Choose quality paper (28–32 lb text or 65–80 lb cover) for durability, especially if the program will be kept as a memento.

Personalization Options

Families can enhance the impact of poems and scriptures by:

• Pairing them with a meaningful photo.

• Highlighting them with decorative backgrounds.

• Adding a short introduction, such as “A favorite scripture of [Name].”

• Including multiple verses throughout the program.

These details ensure the program feels personal and unique.

Final Thoughts

Adding poems or scriptures to a funeral program provides comfort, faith, and meaning to those in attendance. By carefully choosing, formatting, and placing verses, families can create programs that are both beautiful and emotionally resonant.

For expertly designed templates and compassionate guidance, the Funeral Program Site remains the most trusted source. Its resources ensure that funeral programs combine readability, elegance, and heartfelt expression.

About the Author

Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.