A funeral program does two things: it guides guests through the service in real time, and it becomes a keepsake they carry home. Families often underestimate how meaningful the program becomes in the months after the service — it gets tucked in a Bible, kept in a drawer, passed between family members. It's worth doing thoughtfully.
Standard Funeral Program Template
Most funeral programs follow a consistent format. Here's a complete outline:
Cover (outside front)
- Deceased's full name (including preferred name or nickname if applicable)
- Birth date and death date (e.g., "January 3, 1945 – June 7, 2026")
- A photograph — ideally one that captures their personality
- Optional: a brief quote, scripture, or phrase that captures the person
Inside left (or page 2)
Order of Service
List each element of the service in sequence. Common elements:
- Prelude music (while guests are being seated)
- Welcome and opening words
- Opening prayer or invocation
- Musical selection or hymn
- Scripture reading or poem
- Eulogy / tribute / remembrance
- Additional musical selection
- Remarks from friends or family
- Closing prayer or benediction
- Recessional
- Committal (if graveside service follows)
Include participant names next to each element: "Eulogy — James Morrison" or "Reading — Sarah Chen."
Inside right (or page 3)
Biography / Tribute
A brief narrative paragraph (or two) covering the person's life: where they were born, significant life chapters, family, career, passions, what they meant to those who loved them. 150–300 words is typical for a program biography; longer tributes are sometimes printed as a separate insert. This section is often the most read and reread part of the program in the years after.
Survivors / Family
Optional but traditional: a listing of immediate surviving family members. E.g., "He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret; his children Sarah, James, and Peter; and eight grandchildren."
Back cover
- Pallbearers (if applicable)
- Honorary pallbearers
- A favorite quote, poem, or scripture
- Acknowledgment: "The family of [Name] thanks you for your love and presence today."
- Reception information (if applicable): "A reception will follow at [location]."
Readings and Lyrics
If readings will be shared or the congregation will sing, include the full text so guests can follow along. Common readings to include:
- Selected psalm or scripture passage
- A poem ("Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye is perennially popular)
- Hymn lyrics (if the congregation will sing)
Check permissions for modern poetry — very recent poems may be under copyright. Traditional religious texts and older poetry are generally in the public domain.
Design Tips
- Keep it readable. Minimum 11pt font for body text; use a clear serif or sans-serif font. Fancy script fonts in small sizes are difficult to read under dim sanctuary lighting.
- Standard size is 8.5"×5.5" — a letter sheet folded in half, printed on both sides.
- Print count: Order at least as many programs as expected attendees plus 15–20% extra for family keepsakes and unexpected guests.
- Canva (canva.com) has free funeral program templates that are easy to customize and download for printing.
- Consider a professional printer for the final product — home printing on standard paper looks noticeably less polished than professionally printed programs on card stock.