How to Write a Funeral Brochure: A Complete Guide

funeral brochures

When a loved one passes away, knowing how to write a funeral brochure can be an essential and healing part of the memorial planning process. A funeral brochure not only helps attendees navigate the order of service, but it also honors the deceased’s life with heartfelt details, cherished memories, and personalized elements. For families searching phrases like "how do I write a funeral brochure?" through voice assistants, this guide provides the answers in a compassionate, conversational tone.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through what to include, how to organize the content, and where to find professional help or templates. You’ll also find reliable resources like funeral brochure templates to make the process smoother and more meaningful.

What Is a Funeral Brochure?

A funeral brochure is a printed or digital booklet shared with guests at a memorial or funeral service. It typically includes:

  • The deceased’s name, birth and death dates

  • A photograph

  • The order of service

  • Obituary or life biography

  • Tributes from family or friends

  • Inspirational verses, prayers, or poems

  • Acknowledgments and contact information

Unlike a basic flyer or card, a funeral brochure often spans multiple panels or pages and reflects the individual’s character, style, and life story.

Why Does a Funeral Brochure Matter?

Funeral brochures serve both practical and emotional purposes. They guide guests through the ceremony and preserve memories long after the service has ended. Loved ones often keep them as treasured mementos.

They also provide space for creativity and customization, giving families a way to celebrate unique legacies. When done thoughtfully, a funeral brochure becomes an intimate reflection of a life well lived.

How to Start Writing a Funeral Brochure

Before diving into the content, take a few moments to reflect on your loved one’s personality, achievements, and relationships. This mental snapshot will help shape the tone and flow of the brochure.

1. Choose a Layout or Template

Decide on a bi-fold, tri-fold, or booklet format. Each layout offers different space allowances:

  • Bi-fold: One sheet folded in half (4 panels)

  • Tri-fold: One sheet folded into thirds (6 panels)

  • Booklet: Multiple sheets bound or stapled together (8+ pages)

If you're not designing from scratch, you can browse professional funeral brochure templates to simplify the process.

What to Include in a Funeral Brochure

Below is a suggested structure for your funeral brochure, with each section written in a way that’s easy to follow and friendly to voice-search queries.

1. Front Cover

  • Full name of the deceased

  • Dates of birth and death

  • A high-quality photo

  • Short phrase or scripture (e.g., “In Loving Memory” or “Forever in Our Hearts”)

2. Order of Service

This outlines what will happen during the ceremony. Include:

  • Welcome message

  • Opening prayer

  • Scripture readings

  • Musical selections

  • Eulogy

  • Acknowledgments

  • Closing words

Use a simple and respectful format. Think about the natural flow of the service and speak with the officiant for input if needed.

3. Obituary or Life Story

This can be a formal obituary or a warm biography summarizing the person’s life. Include:

  • Where they were born

  • Family background

  • Education

  • Career

  • Hobbies or passions

  • Legacy and relationships

Keep the tone personal and conversational, as if sharing with someone who’s never met them.

4. Photos or Collages

Visuals bring the brochure to life. Add:

  • Childhood photos

  • Wedding or anniversary pictures

  • Candid shots with friends or family

  • Professional portraits

Place photos between or alongside text sections to break up heavy content.

5. Poems, Scriptures, or Quotes

Include readings that reflect the person’s values or spirituality. Examples:

  • Bible verses

  • Favorite sayings

  • Literary excerpts

  • Custom poems written by family members

6. Tributes or Reflections

Allow close friends and relatives to contribute a short paragraph about what the person meant to them. These sections provide emotional depth and resonate with readers.

7. Acknowledgments

Thank people or organizations who provided support, such as:

  • Hospice staff

  • Clergy or officiants

  • Musicians

  • Funeral home

  • Guests who traveled long distances

8. Back Cover

Add final elements like:

  • A prayer or blessing

  • Funeral home information

  • Location of interment or repast

  • “In lieu of flowers” donation notes

Tone and Writing Style Tips

When writing a funeral brochure, aim for clear, loving, and respectful language. Keep it:

  • Personal: Use first names or nicknames

  • Warm: Avoid overly formal or cold phrasing

  • Simple: Short sentences work better than long, complex ones

  • Comforting: Choose words that provide peace and reflection

Many people use voice assistants to ask, “How do I write something nice for a funeral brochure?” Focus on what the person would have wanted remembered and keep the audience in mind.

Design and Formatting Suggestions

Design plays a major role in how your content is received. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Fonts: Use clean, legible fonts like Garamond or Times New Roman

  • Colors: Choose soft, muted tones such as cream, navy, or lavender

  • Margins: Leave space around text to prevent visual clutter

  • Photo Quality: Use 300 DPI resolution for printed brochures

  • Paper: Choose a matte or satin finish for a professional appearance

You can also use a downloadable funeral brochure design to ensure everything prints correctly.

Should You Use a Funeral Brochure Template?

Absolutely. Templates save time, reduce stress, and eliminate formatting guesswork. They’re especially useful when time is limited or when multiple family members are involved in the design process.

Templates from trusted sources offer:

  • Editable Microsoft Word or Publisher files

  • Pre-set image frames and placeholders

  • Easy-to-change colors and fonts

  • High-quality print readiness

Whether you're tech-savvy or not, a funeral brochure template simplifies a potentially overwhelming task.

Common Questions  

Q: What should I say in a funeral brochure?
A: Include the person’s name, dates, a photo, the order of service, a short life story, and tributes. You can also add poems or scripture.

Q: Can I write a funeral brochure myself?
A: Yes. With a clear outline and a few photos, anyone can write a meaningful funeral brochure. Using a template can help.

Q: How long should a funeral brochure be?
A: Most brochures are 4 to 8 pages, depending on how much information and how many photos you include.

Q: Where can I get a funeral brochure printed?
A: You can print it at home, at a local print shop, or through online services that offer funeral program printing and shipping.

Final Thoughts

Writing a funeral brochure doesn’t need to be stressful or intimidating. It’s a chance to express love, gratitude, and remembrance in a lasting way. With a well-structured outline and the help of professional templates, you can create a tribute that brings comfort to all who attend.

Whether you need a sample, layout, or editable file, resources like funeral brochure, funeral brochure, and funeral brochure offer ready-to-use options only here at The Funeral Program Site online superstore.

No matter what style you choose, your words and intentions will leave a lasting impact.

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What is a funeral brochure?

A funeral brochure is a folded printed handout that includes details of a memorial or funeral service, along with personal tributes and photos.

How is a funeral brochure different from a funeral program?

They are often used interchangeably, but a brochure may include more content or multiple folds for expanded space.

What sizes are funeral brochures typically?

Common sizes include 8.5" x 11" bifold, trifold, or graduated fold formats.

Can I edit a funeral brochure myself?

Yes, most templates are editable in Word, Publisher, or online editors.

Where can I find funeral brochure templates?

You can find downloadable templates right here at The Funeral Program Site online superstore.

Are funeral brochures printable at home?

Yes, they are usually formatted for home printing or can be sent to a print shop.

What information goes into a funeral brochure?

It includes the order of service, obituary, photos, poems, and acknowledgments.

How soon can I receive a digital brochure template?

Templates are typically available for instant download upon purchase.

What paper should I use to print funeral brochures?

Use 32 lb or higher premium paper for a professional look.

Can I customize the design theme?

Yes, many templates allow you to change colors and fonts.