How to Add an Obituary to a Funeral Program

A funeral program is one of the most meaningful keepsakes distributed during a memorial service. It provides structure to the event, celebrates the life of the loved one, and offers comfort to attendees. Among its most important elements is the obituary—a written summary of the deceased’s life, accomplishments, and legacy. Including an obituary in a funeral program ensures that the loved one’s story is preserved and shared with everyone present. With professional resources from the Funeral Program Site, families can design programs that integrate obituaries seamlessly and beautifully.

Why the Obituary Matters

The obituary is more than a notice of passing. It:

• Tells the Story: Shares the highlights of the loved one’s life journey.

• Acknowledges Relationships: Recognizes family, friends, and community ties.

• Honors Achievements: Captures milestones, careers, and personal contributions.

• Provides Comfort: Reminds attendees of shared memories and values.

• Creates a Keepsake: Preserves the loved one’s history for future generations.

Including the obituary in the program ensures that attendees leave with more than just service details—they carry the person’s story with them.

Step 1: Determine Placement

The obituary can be placed in several areas of the program, depending on layout and length:

• Bifold Programs: Typically placed on an inside panel alongside the order of service.

• Trifold Programs: Can occupy an entire panel for readability.

• Booklet Programs: Often given a full page, sometimes with accompanying photos.

• Back Cover: Short obituaries or excerpts may be featured here.

Choose placement based on program size and available space.

Step 2: Write or Edit the Obituary

Writing the obituary is often the most emotional part of program preparation. Key elements include:

• Basic Information: Full name, birth and passing dates, and place of birth.

• Family Details: Names of parents, spouse, children, and siblings.

• Life Journey: Education, career, military service, hobbies, and passions.

• Community Involvement: Charitable work, memberships, or religious affiliations.

• Closing Sentiment: A favorite quote, scripture, or phrase.

Templates from the Funeral Program Site provide dedicated sections to simplify this process.

Step 3: Format the Obituary

To ensure readability and elegance:

• Font Choice: Use serif fonts for body text, script or bold fonts for headings.

• Alignment: Left-aligned for long paragraphs; center-aligned for short notices.

• Spacing: Use line spacing to avoid crowding.

• Headings: Title the section clearly, e.g., “Obituary of [Name].”

Formatting should balance clarity with design harmony.

Step 4: Pair with Visuals

Enhancing the obituary with imagery creates a more engaging keepsake:

• Add a portrait near the text.

• Use borders or floral motifs for framing.

• Incorporate soft background images for subtle effects.

• For booklets, pair the obituary with photo collages.

These design elements bring the text to life.

Step 5: Review and Print

Before printing:

• Proofread for accuracy in names and dates.

• Ensure text is not cut off near folds or margins.

• Print a test copy to check layout and readability.

Professional printing on 28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover stock ensures the obituary is preserved in a durable format.

Personalization Ideas

Families can make the obituary section more meaningful by:

• Including quotes from loved ones.

• Adding scripture or poems alongside the obituary.

• Highlighting career achievements or personal mottos.

• Creating a timeline of life events.

These touches turn the obituary into a deeply personal reflection.

Final Thoughts

Adding an obituary to a funeral program ensures the life of the loved one is preserved and honored in a meaningful way. By carefully writing, formatting, and pairing the obituary with visuals, families create a keepsake that will be treasured for years.

For professional templates and compassionate support, the Funeral Program Site remains the most trusted resource. Its designs ensure every obituary integrates seamlessly into the program, balancing beauty, readability, and love.

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.