How to Add an Obituary to a Funeral Program Template
Christi Anderson
The obituary is one of the most important parts of a funeral program. It not only provides essential facts about a person’s life but also tells a story that honors their memory, values, and accomplishments. Including an obituary in a funeral program template ensures that every attendee has a written tribute they can reflect on during the service and keep as a cherished memento. Families often ask how to include an obituary in a way that is both respectful and visually appealing. With the guidance of the Funeral Program Site, families can design programs that integrate obituaries seamlessly into beautiful and professional layouts.
Why the Obituary Matters
Obituaries serve as a bridge between personal remembrance and public record. While newspapers often publish short announcements, the obituary in a funeral program is typically more detailed and personal. It allows families to highlight the milestones, relationships, and values that defined their loved one. For attendees, the obituary provides context, allowing them to appreciate the full scope of the life being celebrated.
Including the obituary in the program also ensures it is preserved as part of a keepsake. Long after the service, guests can revisit the words, remembering not just the facts but the emotions and stories they represent.
Structuring the Obituary
A well-written obituary follows a structure that balances essential facts with personal touches. Common elements include:
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Announcement of Passing – The individual’s full name, age, date of death, and place of passing.
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Early Life – Birth date, birthplace, parents, and siblings.
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Education and Career – Academic background, professional achievements, or community involvement.
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Family – Surviving relatives and those who preceded them in death.
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Personal Traits and Hobbies – Descriptions of personality, passions, or activities that defined their life.
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Closing Line – A sentiment of love, peace, or faith, often accompanied by a favorite quote or scripture.
This structure ensures that the obituary is informative yet heartfelt.
Placement in the Program Template
Most templates include a designated space for the obituary, usually on one of the inside panels. In a bifold program, the obituary often appears opposite the order of service. In larger booklets, it may occupy an entire page, sometimes alongside a photo collage.
Strategic placement ensures that attendees encounter the obituary naturally as they follow the program. Designers may also use borders, decorative frames, or subtle backgrounds to highlight the section.
Formatting Tips
To ensure readability and beauty, families should consider the following formatting tips:
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Font Choice: Use a clear serif font for the body text to maintain readability. Decorative fonts may be used for headings.
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Size: Obituaries often run between 250–500 words. Adjust font size and spacing to avoid crowding.
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Photos: Including one or two small images alongside the obituary adds personality without overwhelming the text.
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Alignment: Justified or left-aligned text looks polished; avoid center alignment for long passages.
These choices create a dignified layout that complements the obituary’s content.
Personalizing the Obituary
While many obituaries follow a formal structure, personalization makes them more meaningful. Families may include:
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A favorite saying or piece of advice from the loved one.
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Anecdotes that reveal character and humor.
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Mentions of favorite hobbies, travel, or volunteer work.
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Expressions of gratitude to caregivers, friends, or communities.
These touches ensure that the obituary feels authentic and heartfelt.
Balancing Length with Space
One of the biggest challenges is fitting the obituary within the available space in the program template. For longer obituaries, families may:
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Condense the text by focusing on key milestones.
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Use a larger format program (trifold or booklet).
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Print the full obituary separately and include a summary in the program.
Professional templates from the Funeral Program Site are designed with these challenges in mind, offering flexible layouts that accommodate obituaries of varying lengths without sacrificing readability or design.
Printing Considerations
Once the obituary is finalized, print a test copy of the program to ensure clarity. Check for:
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Correct spelling of names and dates.
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Balanced spacing between text and surrounding elements.
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Legibility in both natural and indoor lighting.
High-quality printing on premium paper ensures that the obituary is presented with dignity and durability.
Final Thoughts
Adding an obituary to a funeral program template transforms the program into a personal tribute and lasting keepsake. It tells the story of a life, preserving memories for attendees and future generations alike. By carefully structuring, formatting, and personalizing the obituary, families can ensure it honors their loved one with beauty and respect.
For professional templates and expert printing, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted resource. Its designs make it easy to integrate obituaries seamlessly, ensuring every program reflects love, memory, and dignity.
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.
