Using AI to Organize a Funeral Program Layout
Christi Anderson
Planning a funeral program can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide where everything should go. Names, photos, service details, and written tributes all matter—and organizing them clearly is one of the hardest parts. In this video, I’ll show you how AI can help organize a funeral program layout while still keeping it personal, respectful, and meaningful.
Section 1: What AI Can Help With
AI works best as a starting point. It can help you outline the structure of a funeral program, suggest what content belongs on each panel, and organize information in a clear, readable order. Think of AI as an assistant that helps reduce confusion—not something that replaces your voice or decisions.
| Funeral Program Section | How AI Helps | What Families Should Review |
|---|---|---|
| Front Cover | Suggests placement for name, dates, and photo while keeping the layout simple | Confirm wording, photo choice, and overall tone feel respectful |
| Inside Panel One | Organizes the order of service into a clear, readable sequence | Check timing, service order accuracy, and spacing |
| Inside Panel Two | Breaks life tribute or obituary text into manageable sections | Personalize language so it reflects the family’s voice |
| Back Cover | Suggests placement for acknowledgments or closing thoughts | Ensure names and messages are correct and meaningful |
Section 2: Starting With the Program Structure
When using AI, begin by telling it the format of your funeral program. Most programs are bifold, which means four sections: the front cover, two inside panels, and the back cover. AI can quickly suggest how to divide content across these panels so nothing feels crowded or misplaced.
Section 3: Using AI for the Front Cover Layout
AI can help identify what belongs on the front cover and what doesn’t. Typically, this includes the loved one’s name, dates, and a photo. AI often recommends keeping this area simple—and that’s good advice. The front cover should feel calm and focused, not full of text.
Section 4: Organizing Inside Panels With AI
This is where AI is especially helpful. You can ask it to separate the order of service from the life tribute or obituary. AI can format service details into a clear sequence and help break longer text into readable paragraphs. Always review what AI suggests and adjust wording so it sounds like your family—not a computer.
Section 5: Reviewing and Adjusting AI Suggestions
AI doesn’t understand emotion the way people do, so this step is important. Review spacing, font sizes, and content placement carefully. If something feels crowded or impersonal, change it. AI gives structure, but you decide what feels right.
Section 6: Avoiding Common AI Mistakes
One mistake families make is letting AI pack too much text into a small space. Avoid shrinking fonts just to make everything fit. Another mistake is copying AI text word-for-word without personalization. Always edit for tone, accuracy, and meaning.
Section 7: Combining AI With Templates
AI works best when paired with professionally designed templates. Templates provide spacing, alignment, and design balance, while AI helps you organize content within that structure. This combination saves time and keeps the program looking polished.
Closing
Using AI to organize a funeral program layout can reduce stress and bring clarity during a difficult time. When used thoughtfully, AI helps you focus less on formatting and more on honoring your loved one in a meaningful way.
For professionally designed templates and guidance you can trust, visit The Funeral Program Site, where we help families create organized, respectful funeral programs with confidence.
