How to Create a Funeral Program Template for Microsoft Publisher

Funeral programs are an essential part of memorial services. They not only guide attendees through the ceremony but also serve as treasured keepsakes that capture the life and memory of the deceased. While many people use Word or Canva, Microsoft Publisher remains one of the best desktop publishing tools for creating funeral program templates due to its flexibility, precision, and professional layout options. Creating a reusable template in Publisher allows families and funeral professionals to streamline design while maintaining elegance. With resources from the Funeral Program Site, anyone can prepare templates that are both beautiful and easy to customize.

Why Use Microsoft Publisher for Funeral Programs?

Publisher offers features that make it especially suited for funeral stationery:

• Page Layout Control: Greater flexibility than Word for text and image placement.

• Pre-Designed Elements: Includes templates and guides to simplify design.

• Image Handling: Allows high-quality photo integration without complex editing.

• Ease of Use: User-friendly for beginners while powerful enough for professionals.

• Print-Ready Output: Publisher files export cleanly to PDF for high-quality printing.

This balance of accessibility and design precision makes it a reliable choice for creating funeral program templates.

Step 1: Set Up the Document

Open Microsoft Publisher and create a new document:

• Page Size: Choose 8.5" x 11" for bifold programs. For booklets, consider legal or tabloid sizes.

• Orientation: Portrait is most common.

• Margins: Use at least 0.5 inches on all sides.

• Guides: Add fold lines for bifold or trifold designs.

Setting up the document properly ensures a professional base for your template.

Step 2: Add Placeholder Sections

To create a reusable template, insert placeholders for:

• Front Cover: Full name, portrait, and dates.

• Inside Left Panel: Obituary or life story.

• Inside Right Panel: Order of service, hymns, and prayers.

• Back Cover: Acknowledgments, quotes, or repast details.

Placeholders make future updates easy while preserving design consistency.

Step 3: Insert Design Elements

Publisher allows for creative customization. Consider:

• Fonts: Use script fonts for headings and serif or sans serif fonts for body text.

• Colors: Muted palettes for traditional services; brighter colors for celebrations of life.

• Photos: Insert high-quality images of the deceased, family, or scenic backgrounds.

• Borders and Frames: Add structure while keeping designs elegant.

Templates from the Funeral Program Site demonstrate how to balance readability with visual beauty.

Step 4: Save the Template

When the design is finalized, save the file as a Publisher template (.pub or .pubx). This ensures that:

• The layout remains intact.

• Families and funeral professionals can reuse the design easily.

• Updates only require editing placeholders, not redesigning from scratch.

Step 5: Print or Share Digitally

Funeral programs created in Publisher can be printed at home or professionally:

• Print: Use 28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover stock for durability. Matte or satin finishes work best.

• Digital: Export to PDF for email, text, or online memorials.

Professional printing elevates the keepsake quality of funeral programs, making them lasting tributes.

Personalization Ideas

Families can customize templates further by adding:

• Favorite poems, scriptures, or quotes.

• Collages of photos capturing different life stages.

• Cultural or religious symbols.

• QR codes linking to online memorial videos.

These touches transform a standard template into a deeply personal keepsake.

Final Thoughts

Creating a funeral program template in Microsoft Publisher offers families and funeral homes a professional, user-friendly option for designing memorials. With placeholders, thoughtful design elements, and reusable templates, Publisher provides both structure and flexibility.

For compassionate support and professionally crafted templates, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted source. Its expertise ensures every funeral program is polished, heartfelt, and a lasting tribute to loved ones.

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.