How to Add Poems or Scriptures to a Funeral Program Template

Funeral programs are not just guides to a service; they are heartfelt tributes that reflect love, memory, and faith. While photos and obituaries preserve the story of a life, poems and scriptures bring comfort, inspiration, and meaning to those who grieve. Adding these elements to a funeral program template provides both structure and solace, ensuring that the printed piece becomes a treasured keepsake. With expert resources like the Funeral Program Site, families can easily personalize templates to include carefully chosen verses and passages.

Why Include Poems or Scriptures?

Poems and scriptures give voice to emotions that may be difficult to express. They offer comfort, guidance, and perspective in times of loss. Whether drawn from religious texts, classic poetry, or modern reflections, these words remind mourners of eternal truths, cherished values, or the beauty of a life well lived.

Including them in a funeral program creates an additional layer of meaning:

• Comfort for guests: Attendees can read and reflect on words that bring peace.

• Personalization: Chosen verses reflect the loved one’s faith, personality, or philosophy.

• Keepsake value: Guests often keep programs to revisit the words later for encouragement.

Where to Place Poems and Scriptures

The beauty of using a funeral program template is flexibility. Most templates provide several spaces to add verses, such as:

• Front Cover: A short scripture or poem line beneath the name or photo sets the tone.

• Inside Panels: Verses may accompany the obituary, life story, or order of service.

• Dedicated Section: A full page may be reserved for a favorite scripture or poem.

• Back Cover: Often used for closing blessings, acknowledgments, or reflective verses.

Placement depends on the length of the chosen text and the design of the template.

Choosing the Right Texts

When selecting scriptures or poems, families should consider the personality, beliefs, and life story of the deceased. Examples include:

• Scriptures:

  • Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

  • John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

  • Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

• Poems:

  • Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep by Mary Elizabeth Frye.

  • When Tomorrow Starts Without Me by David Romano.

  • Custom poems written by family members or friends.

Shorter passages work best for covers and margins, while longer ones are ideal for dedicated sections.

Formatting Tips

To ensure readability and beauty, follow these design tips when inserting verses into templates:

• Use italics or quotation marks to distinguish the verse from other text.

• Center-align short poems or scriptures for emphasis.

• Pair decorative fonts for headings with clear serif or sans serif fonts for the body text.

• Add borders, floral motifs, or subtle icons (like doves or crosses) to highlight the section.

These touches ensure the words stand out while harmonizing with the overall design.

Balancing Text with Visuals

While poems and scriptures are important, it’s essential to balance them with photos, tributes, and service details. Too much text can overwhelm the layout, while too little may leave the program feeling sparse. Templates help achieve this balance, ensuring every section flows smoothly and looks polished.

Printing Considerations

Once poems and scriptures are added, it’s important to check how they appear in print. Always do a test run to ensure:

• Fonts are legible at chosen sizes.

• Verses are not cut off by folds or margins.

• The text contrasts well with the background.

High-quality printing on premium paper enhances readability and ensures the verses remain clear keepsakes for years.

Final Thoughts

Adding poems or scriptures to a funeral program template transforms it from a guide into a meaningful keepsake. These words offer comfort, reflect faith, and celebrate the individuality of a loved one. By carefully selecting passages and placing them thoughtfully within a template, families can create programs that bring peace both during the service and long afterward.

For those seeking professional templates, design guidance, and printing services, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted source. Its expertise ensures that every program is not only visually beautiful but also filled with words that uplift and inspire.

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.