How to Create a Funeral Booklet Template

A funeral booklet is one of the most detailed and meaningful printed pieces prepared for a memorial service. Unlike a simple pamphlet or brochure, a booklet provides multiple pages to include not only the order of service and obituary but also extended tributes, photo collages, poems, scriptures, and acknowledgments. Because of its depth and keepsake value, many families prefer booklets for larger services or when they want to create a lasting memorial. Designing a reusable funeral booklet template helps families and professionals save time while maintaining a polished, heartfelt design. With expert resources from the Funeral Program Site, families can create templates that are flexible, professional, and deeply meaningful.

Why Choose a Funeral Booklet?

Booklets are ideal for services where families want to include more than the basics. They provide space for extended storytelling, more photographs, and multiple contributions from family and friends. Booklets also:

• Serve as a keepsake guests will treasure for years.

• Allow for personalization with design elements, scriptures, and quotes.

• Provide flexibility in page count to suit any family’s needs.

• Create an opportunity to combine tradition with modern design.

Because booklets often become cherished family heirlooms, creating a strong template ensures they can be designed efficiently while still reflecting individuality.

Step 1: Decide on the Booklet Size and Format

Most funeral booklets are created using:

• Letter Size (8.5" x 11") folded in half: Produces 8.5" x 5.5" booklets, a standard and manageable size.

• Legal or Tabloid Sizes: For larger layouts that accommodate more photos or longer obituaries.

The number of pages is typically in multiples of four (e.g., 4, 8, 12, 16) due to printing and folding requirements.

Step 2: Set Up the Document

In design software such as Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, or Word:

• Page Setup: Select booklet mode or adjust margins manually for folding.

• Guides: Add page number placeholders and fold guides.

• Bleeds: If images extend to the edge, allow for bleed margins to avoid white edges after trimming.

Setting this up correctly ensures professional printing results.

Step 3: Add Placeholder Sections

A reusable template should include placeholders for common booklet elements:

• Front Cover: Full name, dates, photo, and a title such as “Celebration of Life.”

• Inside Pages:

  • Order of Service

  • Obituary or Life Story

  • Tributes from family and friends

  • Poems, scriptures, or quotes

  • Photo collages or memory pages

• Back Cover: Acknowledgments, repast details, or closing blessings.

These placeholders ensure families don’t overlook key sections.

Step 4: Design with Readability and Elegance

Because booklets contain more content, readability is essential. Tips include:

• Font Pairing: Use a script or decorative font for headings and a clean serif or sans serif font for body text.

• Consistent Layouts: Repeat styles for each section to maintain unity.

• White Space: Leave breathing room around text and photos to avoid overcrowding.

• Color Scheme: Choose muted tones for tradition or brighter colors for a celebration of life.

Professional templates provide harmony across pages, avoiding the “cluttered” look that can happen with too much content.

Step 5: Incorporate Photos and Collages

One advantage of booklets is the ability to include multiple photos. Families often dedicate full pages to collages or life stages. To manage this effectively:

• Use grids for neat arrangements.

• Balance candid and formal photos.

• Keep captions short to maintain focus.

Photos paired with stories or tributes enhance the keepsake value.

Step 6: Save as a Template

Once your design is complete, save it as a reusable template format. For example:

• InDesign: .indt

• Word: .dotx

• Publisher: .pub with placeholder text and images

This allows families or funeral homes to update content easily for future services without redesigning from scratch.

Step 7: Print Professionally

Booklets are best printed by professionals due to folding, binding, and higher page counts. For durability:

• Choose premium text-weight paper for inside pages (28–32 lb).

• Use cardstock for the cover (65–100 lb).

• Consider matte or satin finishes for readability.

Providers like the Funeral Program Site specialize in booklet printing, ensuring polished, high-quality results.

Final Thoughts

A funeral booklet is more than a guide—it is a treasured keepsake that tells a complete story. By creating a reusable template, families and professionals can simplify the design process while maintaining a professional, heartfelt result. Templates also ensure consistency, allowing every service to be honored with dignity and beauty.

For expertly designed templates and professional printing, the Funeral Program Site remains the most trusted resource. Its guidance helps families create funeral booklets that are polished, meaningful, and enduring.

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.