How to Add a Tribute or Eulogy to a Funeral Program

A funeral program is more than a printed outline of a service—it is a keepsake that captures the heart of a loved one’s life story. While details like the order of service and obituary provide structure, the tribute or eulogy section often carries the deepest emotional impact. It allows family members, friends, or clergy to share stories, express gratitude, and celebrate the individual’s legacy in words that touch every attendee. Knowing how to add a tribute or eulogy to a funeral program ensures the keepsake reflects both love and meaning. With resources from the Funeral Program Site, families and professionals can design programs that balance readability, elegance, and heartfelt expression.

Why Include a Tribute or Eulogy?

The eulogy or tribute is often considered the centerpiece of a memorial service. Including it in the printed program:

• Preserves Words Forever: Attendees can revisit the message long after the service.

• Provides Comfort: Words of love and remembrance help grieving hearts heal.

• Shares Stories: Ensures memories reach those unable to attend the funeral.

• Adds Personalization: Makes the program feel unique to the individual honored.

These benefits make the tribute one of the most meaningful additions to a funeral program.

Step 1: Decide on Placement

The tribute or eulogy can appear in different areas of the program:

• Inside Panels: In bifold or trifold designs, one inside panel can be devoted to the tribute.

• Booklets: Multi-page booklets may dedicate an entire page or spread to eulogies.

• Back Cover: A condensed tribute or poem version may be placed at the end.

Placement should complement the obituary and order of service without overwhelming the layout.

Step 2: Gather the Content

Eulogies can be written by family members, clergy, or close friends. To prepare the section:

• Collect speeches ahead of time.

• Condense longer tributes into key excerpts for readability.

• Proofread for clarity and flow.

For larger services, multiple short tributes can be included instead of one long eulogy.

Step 3: Format the Tribute

The tribute section should be easy to read and visually distinct:

• Font Choice: Use serif or sans serif fonts for body text, with script or bold for headings.

• Text Alignment: Left alignment improves readability for long paragraphs.

• Spacing: Add generous margins and line spacing.

• Headings: Titles like “A Loving Tribute” or “Eulogy by [Name]” provide context.

Templates from the Funeral Program Site include ready-to-use sections for tributes, simplifying design.

Step 4: Pair with Visuals

Enhancing tributes with imagery makes them even more powerful:

• Add a photo of the loved one near the text.

• Incorporate borders or flourishes to frame the words.

• Use soft background images behind text with reduced opacity.

• Include handwritten notes or scanned letters for personal touches.

These design choices highlight the tribute without overshadowing it.

Step 5: Print and Preserve

When printing the program:

• Use premium paper (28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover).

• Ensure text is high contrast for readability.

• Save a digital version (PDF) for emailing or sharing online.

Preserving the tribute ensures future generations can revisit the heartfelt words.

Personalization Ideas

Families can make the tribute or eulogy section more meaningful by:

• Including multiple short tributes from children, grandchildren, or friends.

• Pairing the eulogy with the loved one’s favorite poem or scripture.

• Adding a timeline of major life milestones alongside the text.

• Printing excerpts from letters, journals, or speeches given in life.

These creative options turn the program into a deeply personal keepsake.

Final Thoughts

Adding a tribute or eulogy to a funeral program transforms it from a guide into a true celebration of life. By carefully choosing placement, formatting the content, and pairing it with visuals, families can create a program that resonates with love and remembrance.

For professionally crafted templates and compassionate guidance, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted resource. Its designs make incorporating tributes simple, elegant, and impactful.

About the Author

Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.