How to Make a Custom Funeral Prayer Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Outdoor Landscapes Assorted Funeral Prayer Card Paper (Pack of 24) - The Funeral Program Site

In times of grief, creating meaningful memorial items becomes a comforting and heartfelt way to honor the life of a loved one. Among the most personal keepsakes distributed at funerals and memorial services are funeral prayer cards. These small but powerful items not only preserve the memory of the deceased but also offer spiritual solace to attendees. For families looking to create something special, making a custom funeral prayer card can be both a creative and healing process.

Whether you’re planning a religious ceremony or a more personal memorial gathering, custom funeral prayer cards allow you to reflect your loved one’s faith, values, and personality. Thanks to modern tools, you don’t need to rely on generic templates or impersonal mass printing—you can now make professional, deeply personalized cards yourself from the comfort of your home.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make a custom funeral prayer card step-by-step, along with helpful resources and examples. You'll also find trusted links to free DIY templates, design inspiration, and even official support for funeral planning.

What Is a Funeral Prayer Card?

A funeral prayer card is a small, wallet-sized card—typically 2.5" x 4.25"—that includes a photo of the deceased, their name, dates of birth and death, and a prayer, scripture, or inspirational quote. Often, these cards are handed out during a funeral or memorial service and cherished long after the event.

Many families choose to laminate the cards for durability, ensuring they become lasting reminders kept in wallets, Bibles, or nightstands. The design and message on the card are completely customizable, making them ideal for expressing love, remembrance, and spiritual connection.

Why Create Your Own Funeral Prayer Card?

While many funeral homes offer pre-made templates, they can often feel impersonal or limited in design. By creating your own, you gain full control over every element—from the photo and font to the background and wording.

Here are a few reasons to consider making your own:

  • Personalization: Tailor every element to reflect your loved one’s personality and beliefs.

  • Creative Expression: Add colors, prayers, or images that mean something to your family.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Print at home or through a local printer without paying extra service fees.

  • Timeliness: If you're on a tight timeline, you can produce digital versions immediately.

To begin designing, you can use free online resources like this customizable layout:
➡ Funeral Prayer Cards DIY Creator

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Custom Funeral Prayer Card

Step 1: Choose the Right Size and Format

Most funeral prayer cards follow a standard size of 2.5 x 4.25 inches, which fits easily into a wallet. Decide if you want your card to be single-sided or double-sided. Some families opt for a photo and name on the front, and a prayer or scripture on the back.

Step 2: Select a Meaningful Photo

Choose a high-resolution, front-facing image of your loved one. Ideally, the photo should show them smiling, in good lighting, and reflect the joy of their life.

Step 3: Pick a Prayer or Message

This is the heart of the card. You can use:

  • The Lord’s Prayer

  • Psalm 23

  • Hail Mary

  • A custom poem or quote

  • An original message from family members

Religious families may also include icons such as a cross, angel, or sacred heart to align with spiritual beliefs.

Step 4: Design Your Layout

Use online tools or editing software like Canva, Microsoft Word, or Photoshop. Or, try a premade template like the one in this helpful resource:
➡ DIY Funeral Prayer Cards Blogger Tutorial

Design elements to consider:

  • Font style: Use clear, elegant fonts like Garamond or Times New Roman.

  • Background: Soft colors like white, beige, or pastel tones work best.

  • Borders: Simple or floral borders often add a subtle, respectful touch.

Step 5: Print and Laminate

Once your design is finalized, you can:

  • Print on high-quality cardstock (at least 80lb or 216gsm)

  • Use a home inkjet or laser printer with photo settings

  • Laminate with a basic home laminator for long-term durability

Alternatively, many families upload the file to an office supply store (Staples, FedEx Office, etc.) for professional printing and lamination.

Inspiration for Funeral Prayer Card Designs

Creating your own card doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Here are a few design ideas to inspire your tribute:

For Religious Services

  • Cross and candlelight background with Psalm 23

  • Virgin Mary image with Hail Mary prayer

  • Rosary background with the Prayer of St. Francis

For Spiritual or Nature-Themed Cards

  • Sky and clouds with a quote like “Forever in our hearts”

  • Watercolor flowers with a poem

  • Mountains or sunset with scripture from John 14

If you’re not sure where to start, browse templates and layouts at:
➡ Funeral Prayer Cards DIY Creator

Digital Options and Sharing

Not everyone can attend the memorial in person. One benefit of creating digital funeral prayer cards is that you can share them via:

  • Email

  • Memorial websites

  • Social media tribute pages

  • Cloud drives

Simply save the file as a PDF or JPG and distribute it as needed. This also allows family members in different locations to print their own copies for remembrance.

Government Resources for Funeral Planning

In addition to personal efforts, the U.S. government provides resources for those planning funerals, particularly for veterans. If your loved one served in the military or you’re looking for financial assistance, you can explore these options:

➡ U.S. Government Funeral Help

This site offers official guidance on:

  • Burial benefits

  • Military honors

  • Planning assistance

  • Grief support

Knowing these services exist can offer additional peace of mind during this emotional time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the process is simple, here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:

  • Using Low-Resolution Photos: Pixelated images will print poorly.

  • Cramming Too Much Text: Keep your message simple and focused.

  • Missing Spelling Errors: Triple-check names, dates, and prayers.

  • Poor Paper Quality: Use quality cardstock to ensure a durable keepsake.

  • Ignoring Time Constraints: Don’t wait until the last minute—start your card as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Creating a custom funeral prayer card is a sacred and meaningful way to say goodbye while preserving the memory of a loved one. By designing it yourself, you ensure every element reflects your family’s love, faith, and devotion.

Thanks to free online tools like the DIY Funeral Prayer Card Builder and helpful articles like this Blogger tutorial, anyone can make a professional, heartfelt card from home—no experience required.

With a thoughtful photo, comforting words, and a bit of creativity, you can turn a simple piece of cardstock into a lasting symbol of love and remembrance.

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Funeral Prayer Cards Collection by The Funeral Program Site

Funeral prayer cards at The Funeral Program Site offer a beautiful and meaningful way to honor and remember a loved one. These cards typically feature a prayer, poem, or scripture on one side, accompanied by a photo or personal details of the deceased on the other. With a wide range of designs available, including religious symbols, floral motifs, and peaceful imagery, families can customize the prayer cards to reflect the life and spirit of their loved one. The Funeral Program Site makes it easy to personalize these keepsakes, ensuring that they serve as a comforting reminder of the love and faith shared during the memorial service, while providing guests with a treasured memento to take home.

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Featured Funeral Prayer Cards

Funeral prayer cards are a timeless and cherished tradition used to honor and remember the life of a loved one during memorial services. These small cards typically feature a meaningful prayer, poem, or verse on one side, with the name, photo, and important life dates of the deceased on the other. They are often distributed to guests at the service as a personal keepsake, offering comfort and solace to those grieving. Funeral prayer cards can serve as a spiritual reminder of the faith and love that surrounded the departed, making them a meaningful addition to any memorial or celebration of life service.

One of the most significant aspects of funeral prayer cards is their ability to be personalized. Families can choose a prayer or poem that resonates with their loved one’s beliefs or legacy, adding a deeply personal touch to the card. Additionally, many cards include a photograph of the deceased, bringing a sense of connection and remembrance for those attending the service. The design can range from traditional religious symbols, such as crosses or doves, to floral patterns or scenic landscapes, reflecting the personality and preferences of the departed.

Funeral prayer cards also serve as a lasting memento for those who attend the service. After the ceremony, guests often keep the cards as a way to continue honoring the memory of their loved one. The small size of the cards makes them easy to carry in a wallet, purse, or book, providing a source of comfort and reflection long after the service has ended. In this way, the cards transcend the memorial, acting as a physical reminder of the connection and faith shared with the deceased, offering moments of peace and remembrance in daily life.

With the variety of customizable options available, funeral prayer cards can be tailored to suit the tone and style of the service, whether it’s a traditional religious funeral or a more personalized celebration of life. They not only offer a meaningful way to reflect on the life of the deceased but also help unify the service by bringing guests together in shared prayers or reflections. Overall, funeral prayer cards play a significant role in honoring the departed, offering comfort to mourners, and creating a lasting tribute that can be cherished for years to come.

Use Funeral Prayer Cards For Honoring A Memory

A funeral prayer card is a small yet deeply meaningful keepsake often distributed at memorial services to honor the memory of a loved one. Typically the size of a business card, these cards feature a photo of the deceased, their name, and important dates, along with a short prayer, scripture, or poem that reflects their faith or values. Funeral prayer cards provide attendees with a personal token of remembrance, allowing them to carry a piece of the service with them. The compact size makes them easy to keep in a wallet or purse, serving as a comforting reminder of the love, faith, and shared memories surrounding the departed.

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  • Bouquet Funeral Prayer Card Design & Print (Pack of 50) - The Funeral Program Site
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Bouquet Funeral Prayer Card Design & Print (Pack of 50)

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How to Use Funerall Booklet Templates

Using funeral booklet templates can simplify the process of creating a meaningful and well-organized tribute during a difficult time. These templates provide a pre-designed structure, allowing you to focus on personalizing the content without worrying about the layout or formatting. Typically, funeral booklet templates include sections for the order of service, obituary, prayers, hymns, and personal tributes, making it easy to ensure that all necessary information is included. By selecting a template that reflects the tone and style of the service, whether formal or more relaxed, you can create a booklet that aligns with the atmosphere of the memorial.

The first step in using a funeral booklet template is choosing one that suits your needs. Many templates offer a variety of designs, from simple and elegant to more elaborate styles with floral borders or religious symbols. Consider the personality of your loved one and the type of service you’re planning when selecting a template. Once you’ve chosen the design, download the template in a format compatible with your software, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Adobe InDesign. Most templates are customizable, allowing you to modify colors, fonts, and images to make the booklet more personal.

After selecting and downloading the template, begin by entering the essential details. Start with the front cover, which typically includes the name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, and perhaps a meaningful photo or quote. Inside the booklet, follow the template’s structure to input the order of service, including any readings, hymns, or eulogies. Many templates also offer space for a short biography or obituary, where you can share highlights of your loved one’s life, achievements, and special memories. This section often serves as a heartfelt tribute that helps attendees reflect on the life being celebrated.

Once the content is added, take the time to review and make any final adjustments to the layout. Ensure that all photos are clear and properly aligned, and that the text is easy to read. If the template allows, consider adding personal touches such as favorite quotes, scriptures, or poems. When satisfied, save the final version and print the booklet using high-quality paper to ensure it looks polished and professional. By using a funeral booklet template, you can create a meaningful and beautiful keepsake that honors your loved one while reducing the stress of designing from scratch.

Shop Funeral Prayer Cards Done For You

Simple funeral program templates at The Funeral Program Site offer a perfect blend of elegance and ease of use, making them an ideal choice for families seeking a meaningful yet straightforward way to honor their loved one. These templates are thoughtfully designed to provide a clean and organized layout, ensuring that essential elements like the order of service, obituary, and personal tributes are presented with clarity and respect. With user-friendly customization options, families can easily personalize the templates with photos, quotes, and specific details that reflect the personality and life of the deceased. The simplicity of these templates does not compromise on quality, allowing for a dignified and polished final program that serves as a cherished keepsake for all attendees.

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Funeral Booklet Templates

Using a funeral booklet template also allows you to easily collaborate with other family members or friends during the creation process. Since templates are typically editable and sharable, you can involve loved ones in choosing photos, adding memories, or suggesting prayers and readings. This collaborative approach can help ensure that the booklet truly reflects the diverse experiences and relationships your loved one had.

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