What Should a Funeral Program Say?

A funeral program is far more than a printed handout—it’s a tribute, a guide, and a keepsake. It outlines the flow of the service, honors the life of the deceased, and offers comfort to those who attend. But one of the most common questions during funeral planning is: “What should a funeral program say?”

This question is especially important to answer when families are grieving and overwhelmed with details. Knowing what to include, how to phrase it, and how to present it can relieve some of the pressure. A well-prepared funeral program ensures that every guest understands the ceremony and leaves with something tangible to remember your loved one by.

In this guide, we’ll walk through all the key components your funeral program should include, optional content you may wish to add, and how to structure everything clearly and respectfully. We’ll also highlight professional tools and templates from The Funeral Program Site, a trusted provider that makes it easier to design and print heartfelt memorial materials.

Why Is a Funeral Program Important?

Before breaking down what a funeral program should say, it helps to understand its purpose. A funeral program is:

• A ceremony guide: It tells attendees what to expect during the service.

• A tribute: It honors the life, beliefs, and legacy of the deceased.

• A keepsake: Guests often take programs home and save them for years.

• A communication tool: It thanks attendees, acknowledges contributors, and shares family messages.

Whether you’re planning a traditional church funeral or a non-religious celebration of life, your funeral program serves as both a logistical resource and a personal expression of love.

What to Include in a Funeral Program

While there’s no single correct format, most funeral programs follow a familiar structure and tone. The most common elements are:

1. Cover Page

The front of your funeral program typically includes:

• A portrait or photo of the deceased

• Their full name (first, middle, last)

• Birth and death dates

• A title such as “In Loving Memory” or “Celebration of Life”

• The date and location of the service

This sets the tone and serves as the visual introduction to the memorial.

2. Order of Service

The order of service lays out the ceremony step-by-step. This may include:

• Musical prelude

• Processional

• Opening remarks or prayer

• Scripture readings or poems

• Tributes or eulogies

• Solo performances or hymns

• Benediction

• Closing song or final blessing

Make sure to include the names of those participating (officiant, speakers, singers, readers) and the sequence of events.

For a wide selection of templates that include pre-formatted order of service sections, visit this downloadable funeral program library. It’s designed to work with Word, Canva, and Publisher—making it easy for families to personalize the layout.

Optional, Yet Meaningful Additions

Beyond the essentials, many families choose to include other content that reflects the personality and journey of the deceased. Here are some thoughtful additions to consider:

3. Obituary or Life Tribute

This is a written narrative of your loved one’s life, typically covering:

• Birthplace and childhood

• Family and relationships

• Career and accomplishments

• Hobbies and passions

• Faith or philosophy

• Legacy and surviving family members

You can write the obituary yourself or use AI tools like ChatGPT to help draft a heartfelt version based on shared memories and biographical details. Keep it between 250–500 words, and speak in a tone that feels natural and respectful.

4. Photos or Collage

Adding images is a powerful way to visually celebrate a life. You might include:

• A baby photo and current portrait

• Photos of special moments (wedding, travel, hobbies)

• A group photo with family or friends

• A timeline or life journey collage

Be sure to use high-resolution images (300 DPI) to ensure clarity when printed.

5. Scripture, Prayers, or Quotes

Depending on your loved one’s faith or worldview, consider including:

• Bible verses, such as Psalm 23 or John 14:1-3

• Favorite prayers or blessings

• Inspirational quotes or song lyrics

• A poem that holds personal meaning

These messages offer comfort to mourners and give spiritual or emotional depth to the program.

6. Acknowledgments

This section is where the family expresses gratitude. It might say:

“The family of John A. Smith sincerely thanks you for your love, support, and presence during this time of loss. We appreciate your prayers, kind words, and shared memories.”

You can also thank specific individuals—officiants, musicians, pallbearers, or anyone who assisted with the service.

For layout examples that accommodate acknowledgments and photo sections, view this beautiful funeral program collection, featuring editable templates for bifold and trifold designs.

Back Page or Final Panel Suggestions

The back panel of a funeral program is often left blank, but you can use it creatively. Here are a few ideas:

• A final farewell message

• A quote that captures the person’s spirit

• A list of surviving relatives

• A poem or song lyrics

• A QR code to a memorial video or website

Some families also include directions to a repast or meal following the service.

Tone and Language Tips

When deciding what your funeral program should say, pay attention to tone. Here are a few key suggestions:

• Be respectful and loving: Avoid anything that could feel overly casual or impersonal.

• Write in first person or third person: Choose one and stick with it for consistency.

• Balance emotion and clarity: Be heartfelt, but also informative for guests.

• Honor diverse relationships: Consider including content that resonates with different generations and family members.

If you’re unsure of what to write, The Funeral Program Site offers example wording, editable samples, and customer support to help you craft the perfect tribute. Their goal is to make a hard moment just a little bit easier through compassionate service.

Structure Recap: What Your Program Should Say

Here’s a simple layout checklist:

1. Front Cover

   • Photo

   • Name and dates

   • Title (“In Loving Memory”)

   • Service date and location

2. Inside Left Panel

   • Obituary or tribute

3. Inside Right Panel

   • Order of service

   • Names of speakers and musicians

4. Back Cover

   • Closing quote or message

   • Family acknowledgments

   • Optional repast or celebration info

To simplify the process even further, you can use this pre-built funeral program resource, which includes drag-and-drop design tools and customizable text sections.

Why Use The Funeral Program Site?

Designing a funeral program from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already navigating grief. That’s why many families turn to The Funeral Program Site—a company that specializes in funeral templates, memorial printing, and custom design services.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• Instant downloads in Word, Publisher, and Canva formats

• Hundreds of themed designs: floral, spiritual, modern, military, and more

• Matching items: prayer cards, thank-you cards, memorial bookmarks

• Printed and shipped options if you need ready-to-distribute copies

• Excellent customer service and fast turnaround times

With over a decade of experience, The Funeral Program Site is trusted by thousands of families and funeral professionals for their quality and care.

Final Thoughts

So, what should a funeral program say? It should speak with the voice of love. It should guide, inform, comfort, and preserve. From names and dates to heartfelt words and cherished photos, every piece of content you include paints a fuller picture of the life being honored.

With resources like The Funeral Program Site and online design templates at your fingertips, you have all the tools you need to create a funeral program that’s not just functional—but deeply meaningful.

Take your time. Speak from the heart. And let the program be a final gift—one that guests will remember long after the service ends.