How to Create a Funeral Program Template for Google Slides

Funeral programs play a vital role in guiding attendees through the order of service and honoring the memory of a loved one. While many families turn to Word, Canva, or Publisher for creating these keepsakes, Google Slides has become a popular alternative thanks to its accessibility, collaboration features, and design flexibility. Though most often used for presentations, Google Slides offers surprisingly powerful tools for creating reusable funeral program templates that look professional and are easy to customize. With resources from the Funeral Program Site, families and funeral professionals can design polished, heartfelt programs without the need for advanced software.

Why Use Google Slides for Funeral Programs?

Google Slides is cloud-based and accessible from any device, making it an ideal tool for families and funeral directors alike. Its benefits include:

• Collaboration: Multiple family members can edit the template simultaneously.

• Ease of Use: Simple drag-and-drop functionality for text, photos, and graphics.

• Flexibility: Supports bifold, trifold, or multi-page program layouts.

• Templates: Easy to duplicate slides to create new programs quickly.

• Cost-Effective: Free to use with a Google account.

These features make Google Slides a versatile tool for funeral program design.

Step 1: Set Up the Document

Begin by opening Google Slides and creating a new presentation. Then adjust it for program design:

• Page Setup: Change slide dimensions under “File > Page Setup.” For an 8.5" x 11" bifold, set the custom size accordingly.

• Orientation: Use portrait for a traditional look.

• Guidelines: Manually add shapes or lines to indicate folds for bifold or trifold layouts.

This creates the proper foundation for your reusable template.

Step 2: Add Placeholder Sections

A funeral program template should include placeholders for all standard elements:

• Front Cover: Name, portrait, dates, and heading (“In Loving Memory”).

• Inside Left: Obituary or life story.

• Inside Right: Order of service, hymns, or readings.

• Back Cover: Acknowledgments, quotes, or reception details.

By setting up placeholders, families can easily swap in new details while keeping a professional layout.

Step 3: Customize with Design Elements

Google Slides offers enough design flexibility to make programs visually appealing:

• Fonts: Import or use built-in fonts, pairing decorative options for headings with clean serif/sans serif fonts for text.

• Colors: Apply soft palettes for traditional services or brighter tones for celebrations of life.

• Graphics: Upload floral images, religious icons, or custom backgrounds.

• Photos: Insert portraits and collages directly into placeholders.

Templates from the Funeral Program Site showcase how to combine readability with elegant design.

Step 4: Save as a Master Template

Once the program is set up, save it as a reusable master:

• Duplicate the presentation for each new funeral.

• Share access with family members or staff for collaborative editing.

• Store it in Google Drive for easy access across devices.

This prevents families from starting from scratch with each service.

Step 5: Print or Share Digitally

Programs created in Google Slides can be distributed in both print and digital form:

• Print: Download as PDF for high-quality printing. Use 28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover stock.

• Digital: Share as a PDF or slideshow file for emailing or posting on memorial websites.

Professional printing ensures the final design looks polished and keepsake-worthy.

Personalization Options

To make the program more meaningful, families can add:

• Multiple photos or collages.

• QR codes linking to online memorials or tribute videos.

• Favorite scriptures, poems, or quotes.

• Decorative motifs that reflect hobbies, faith, or culture.

These personal touches ensure each program reflects the uniqueness of the loved one’s life.

Final Thoughts

Creating a funeral program template in Google Slides provides families and professionals with an accessible, collaborative, and cost-effective solution. With placeholders, simple design tools, and the ability to save and reuse templates, Google Slides bridges convenience with heartfelt personalization.

For expertly designed templates and compassionate guidance, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted resource. Its programs reflect dignity, individuality, and love, ensuring families have keepsakes that endure.

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.