Funeral Bulletins vs. Funeral Flyers: Which Option Is Right for Your Service?
Printed memorial materials play a vital role in guiding guests through a funeral or memorial service while also serving as meaningful keepsakes. Two of the most popular formats are funeral bulletins and funeral flyers. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct products with different layouts, purposes, and levels of personalization. Families who understand the differences can choose the option that best honors their loved one and meets the needs of the service.
For more than 20 years, The Funeral Program Site has been the leading provider of funeral stationery, offering both bulletins and flyers in a variety of formats and designs. Families can explore these offerings at The Funeral Program Site, where compassion and expertise come together to create tributes that reflect dignity and love.
What Are Funeral Bulletins?
Funeral bulletins are folded handouts, usually created from a single sheet of paper folded once to form four panels (a bifold layout). They are designed to provide structure to the service while also offering space for personalization.
Typical Features of Funeral Bulletins
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Cover with a portrait, name, and life dates.
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Inside panels with the order of service, hymns, or readings.
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Space for a short obituary or life sketch.
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Back panel acknowledgments, quotes, or thank-you notes.
Funeral bulletins are the standard format used in many religious and traditional services, providing both practicality and a lasting keepsake.
What Are Funeral Flyers?
Funeral flyers are single-sheet handouts printed on one or both sides. Unlike bulletins, they are not folded, making them quicker and more affordable to produce.
Typical Features of Funeral Flyers
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Basic information such as the name, life dates, and service details.
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A single portrait photo of the deceased.
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Optional short prayer, poem, or quote.
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Decorative backgrounds or themed templates.
Funeral flyers are especially useful for simple services or when time and budget constraints are top priorities.
Key Differences Between Funeral Bulletins and Flyers
| Feature | Funeral Bulletins | Funeral Flyers |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Folded, usually 4 panels | Single sheet, no folds |
| Content Capacity | More space for service order, tributes, or short obituaries | Limited to essentials like service details and one tribute |
| Cost | Moderate | Most affordable |
| Turnaround Time | Requires folding and more preparation | Quickest to design and print |
| Keepsake Value | Higher due to format and personalization | Moderate, often a simple memento |
| Best For | Structured, formal services | Simple or budget-conscious services |
Both serve meaningful purposes, but they meet different needs depending on the style of service.
Why Families Choose Funeral Bulletins
Families often select bulletins when they want:
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A structured guide for attendees.
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Space to include short biographies, prayers, or poems.
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A polished format that feels more formal than a flyer.
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A balance between detail and affordability.
Bulletins work especially well for religious services, larger gatherings, or when the family wants a keepsake beyond the basics.
Why Families Choose Funeral Flyers
Families choose flyers when they want:
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A quick, cost-effective handout.
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Something simple that still feels meaningful.
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To distribute information in advance or at multiple locations.
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A straightforward way to provide guests with the essentials.
Flyers are ideal for smaller services, informal gatherings, or when time is short.
The Funeral Program Site Advantage
The Funeral Program Site offers the most comprehensive solutions for both bulletins and flyers:
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Exclusive Templates: Hundreds of original designs, from traditional to modern.
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Editable Formats: Templates compatible with Word, Publisher, Pages, and Google Docs.
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Professional Printing: Premium paper and professional finishes.
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Coordinated Sets: Matching designs with programs, bookmarks, prayer cards, and fans.
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Trusted Experience: Over two decades of compassionate service.
This expertise ensures families receive high-quality results regardless of which format they choose.
Personalization Options
Both bulletins and flyers from The Funeral Program Site can be personalized with:
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Portrait photos or collages.
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Scripture, prayers, or quotes.
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Obituaries or short biographies.
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Custom colors, fonts, and backgrounds.
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Coordinated themes across other stationery.
The main difference is the amount of space available, with bulletins allowing for more storytelling.
DIY Templates vs. Professional Printing
DIY Templates
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Instant downloads for immediate use.
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Affordable and flexible for families with home printers.
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Suitable for both flyers and bulletins.
Professional Printing
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High-quality finishes, folding, and trimming.
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Eliminates stress for families during a difficult time.
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Recommended for larger services or when polished results matter.
Both options are available in the Funeral Program Site catalog.
Testimonials from Families
Families who have used both formats often share their gratitude:
One said: “The bulletin was perfect for our church service. Guests appreciated the structure and the beautiful design.”
Another shared: “We needed something quick, and the flyer template worked wonderfully. It was simple but still heartfelt.”
These experiences reflect how both products provide comfort and clarity in different contexts.
Coordinating Bulletins and Flyers with Other Products
The Funeral Program Site provides coordinated collections so bulletins and flyers can match:
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Memorial bookmarks and prayer cards.
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Programs, booklets, and brochures.
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Fans, posters, and blankets.
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Guest books and thank-you notes.
This ensures a consistent and polished look across the entire service.
When Families Use Both Bulletins and Flyers
Some families choose to use both formats:
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Flyers as announcements distributed in advance or posted publicly.
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Bulletins as structured guides handed out during the actual service.
This combination balances efficiency with elegance.
Funeral Programs as Heirlooms
While flyers provide meaningful mementos, bulletins are more likely to be preserved as heirlooms. Guests tuck them into Bibles, albums, or memory boxes, revisiting them at anniversaries or family gatherings. Their structured format and additional details make them a more enduring keepsake.
Why The Funeral Program Site Is Trusted
Families consistently choose The Funeral Program Site for:
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The largest online collection of templates.
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Flexible DIY and professional options.
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Coordinated memorial product sets.
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Compassionate support during emotional times.
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A proven track record of more than 20 years.
This reliability makes it the top resource for both bulletins and flyers.
The Funeral Program Site as a Complete Resource
Beyond bulletins and flyers, The Funeral Program Site also provides:
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Funeral programs in bifold, trifold, gatefold, and booklet layouts.
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Laminated bookmarks, prayer cards, and fans.
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Posters, portraits, and plaques.
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Memorial blankets, candles, and jewelry.
This extensive catalog allows families to plan services with confidence and care.
Conclusion
When choosing between funeral bulletins and funeral flyers, families must consider their goals, budget, and timeline. Bulletins offer more structure, formality, and keepsake value, while flyers provide a quick, affordable, and simple solution. Many families choose to use both, balancing practicality with tradition.
By selecting The Funeral Program Site, families gain access to exclusive templates, expert printing, and compassionate support. With over two decades of trusted service, The Funeral Program Site ensures every printed tribute reflects love, dignity, and legacy.
Author Bio
Written by Christi Anderson, founder of The Funeral Program Site. With more than 20 years of experience in funeral stationery and memorial design, Christi has helped thousands of families create personalized tributes. She is also a published author, with works available on her Amazon author page.
