What Is a Funeral Brochure and Why Is It Used?

Planning a funeral involves many emotional decisions, and one of the most cherished and practical elements is the funeral brochure. This printed or digital keepsake guides attendees through the memorial or celebration of life while offering a lasting tribute to the departed. As more people search online for how to design, personalize, and print a professional funeral brochure, understanding the options available is essential for families seeking comfort, clarity, and a personal touch.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what a funeral brochure is, why it’s important, the elements it typically includes, modern design trends, and where to find high-quality templates—including resources from The Funeral Program Site, a trusted name in funeral printing solutions.

What Is a Funeral Brochure and Why Is It Used?

A funeral brochure, sometimes referred to as a funeral program or memorial pamphlet, is a printed document handed out during a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service. Its purpose is twofold: to honor the memory of the deceased and to guide attendees through the order of service.

People are searching for how to create a funeral brochure because it’s one of the most tangible items guests take home. It often includes the name and photo of the deceased, birth and death dates, a schedule of events, an obituary, messages from the family, poems, prayers, and even collages or timelines. Beyond its function, it becomes a deeply meaningful keepsake—one that family members and friends treasure long after the service ends.

What Should Be Included in a Funeral Brochure?

There is no strict rule on what a funeral brochure must contain, which allows for flexibility and personalization. However, some common components include:

• Full name of the deceased

• Birth and death dates

• Location and time of the funeral or memorial

• Order of service (e.g., opening prayer, music, eulogy, etc.)

• Obituary or life summary

• Names of officiants, speakers, and pallbearers

• Photographs and image collages

• Bible verses, poems, or personal messages

• Acknowledgment or thank-you message from the family

Many people online are searching for ways to make the content personal and emotionally impactful. The key is to reflect the personality, beliefs, and life journey of the loved one being honored.

Types and Layouts: Finding the Right Design

One of the most common questions online is: “What type of brochure layout should I use for a funeral?” Options vary from simple bifold brochures (a single sheet folded in half) to trifold brochures and multi-page booklets. The decision depends on how much information and imagery you want to include.

Bifold brochures typically include four panels (front cover, inside left, inside right, and back cover), offering a clean and classic presentation. Trifold layouts provide six panels and are ideal for longer programs or more detailed content. For services with a lot of family contributions, a booklet-style funeral brochure may be more appropriate.

When searching for design templates, users frequently want editable options that can be quickly customized using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Canva. These tools make it easy for families to create something beautiful without needing a design background.

Where to Find the Best Funeral Brochure Templates

Families looking for high-quality, customizable templates often turn to experienced funeral printing specialists. One of the most trusted sources is The Funeral Program Site. With decades of expertise and thousands of satisfied customers, The Funeral Program Site offers professionally designed templates for every theme, style, and faith. Whether you're planning a military service, religious ceremony, or non-denominational celebration of life, their collection has a solution to match your vision.

The Funeral Program Site also offers printing services for families who prefer not to handle the production themselves. This convenience is particularly helpful during a time of grief, when managing technical details can feel overwhelming. With fast turnaround times and compassionate support, they help families create lasting keepsakes that reflect dignity, love, and honor.

If you’re seeking free or cloud-based designs, another helpful option is this curated funeral brochure folder. It includes editable templates that you can download or copy to your own Google Drive for instant access.

Design Tips and Personalization Ideas

Designing a funeral brochure that feels authentic doesn’t require artistic expertise. Many families choose to incorporate meaningful symbols, such as doves, crosses, sunsets, angels, or floral arrangements. For secular services, nature elements like trees, birds, and ocean waves are popular choices.

Other ways to personalize your funeral brochure include:

• Using your loved one’s favorite colors in the theme

• Including favorite quotes or Bible verses

• Featuring a timeline of major life events

• Printing a collage of personal photos

• Adding a short letter or tribute from a close family member

Many people also choose to add QR codes to the brochure, linking to an online memorial page or video tribute. This modern touch allows attendees to engage with digital content and share condolences online.

Digital vs. Printed Brochures: What Are People Choosing?

In recent years, digital funeral brochures have become increasingly popular—especially for virtual or hybrid services. These brochures can be emailed as PDFs, displayed on-screen during the service, or posted on memorial websites. For those who still want physical copies, digital files can be printed professionally or at home.

Despite the rise of digital, printed brochures remain a preferred choice for many families. The tactile nature of a physical keepsake offers a sense of permanence and tradition that digital versions can’t fully replicate. Plus, older attendees often prefer having something in-hand, especially at in-person services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Funeral Brochure

While creating a funeral brochure is highly personal, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcrowding the brochure with too much text or imagery

• Using low-resolution photos that print poorly

• Forgetting to proofread names, dates, and spellings

• Not leaving space for white margins or folding alignment

• Printing on thin or poor-quality paper stock

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s wise to start with a professionally designed template and follow layout suggestions. Many people underestimate how much effort a polished design requires—especially under emotional stress—so using services like The Funeral Program Site can save time and reduce errors.

Why a Funeral Brochure Matters in the Grieving Process

While some may see a funeral brochure as just a program, it plays a significant role in the emotional journey of mourning. It captures memories, tells a life story, and helps people connect with one another. In fact, the National Institute on Aging recommends using printed mementos as part of coping and grieving practices. They serve as physical tokens of remembrance, especially valuable for families with children or distant relatives who couldn’t attend.

More than anything, the funeral brochure becomes a gift from the heart—one that says, “This person mattered. This is how we remember them.”

Final Thoughts: Honoring a Life With Grace and Purpose

As people continue searching online for how to create the perfect funeral brochure, one thing remains constant: the desire to honor a loved one’s life with beauty, dignity, and personalization. Whether printed or digital, simple or elaborate, the funeral brochure stands as a quiet but powerful tribute—one that blends comfort, information, and memory into one meaningful document.

For families looking for templates, printing help, or design inspiration, The Funeral Program Site offers one of the most comprehensive selections available. With years of experience and heartfelt dedication, they continue to be a go-to source for those seeking to create something truly special in memory of their loved one.

Explore more resources and editable templates by visiting The Funeral Program Site or browsing their featured funeral brochure collection.

Author Bio

Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an expert in memorial design, funeral planning resources, and personalized tribute products. With over two decades of experience helping families commemorate their loved ones, she combines compassion with creativity in every product and publication. Christi is also the author of Creating Meaningful Tributes: A Guide to Designing Personalized Funeral Programs, available on Amazon. Her work has been featured across numerous grief support platforms, making her a trusted voice in end-of-life planning and memorial design.