What to Include in a Funeral Program: The Essential Elements
A funeral program is often the first tangible thing guests hold in their hands when they arrive at a service. It serves as both a roadmap for the ceremony and a keepsake—something people tuck into a book or frame years later. Yet many families aren't sure what actually needs to go into one, or how to organize it so it flows naturally.
This guide walks you through every component of a funeral program, from the cover to the back page, with practical advice on what works and why.
The Cover Page: First Impressions Matter
Your cover is the face of the program. It's the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for the entire service.
Essential cover elements:
- Deceased's full name (and maiden name, if relevant)
- Birth and death dates
- A meaningful photograph (optional but common)
- Service date, time, and location
- A brief quote, scripture, or meaningful phrase (optional)
The cover doesn't need to be cluttered. In fact, restraint often looks more dignified. A single photo, the name, dates, and service details are enough. If you want to add a quote—something the deceased loved, or a reflection of their faith—place it near the bottom in a smaller font.
Photo Selection for the Program Cover
Choose a photo that feels representative and recent enough that attendees will recognize the person. Avoid photos that are overly casual or unflattering. A portrait-style image, a photo from a meaningful moment, or a picture that captures their spirit works well. Make sure the image is high-resolution; blurry or pixelated photos cheapen the overall look.
Inside Left Panel: Order of Service
This is the roadmap. Guests will glance at this page to understand what's coming next, so clarity is critical.
Typical order of service includes:
- Opening remarks or welcome (officiant name, optional)
- Opening prayer or invocation
- Musical selections (with titles and artists)
- Readings or scripture passages
- Eulogy or tributes (with speaker names)
- Additional music
- Closing remarks or benediction
- Recessional music
- Reception details (location, time, if applicable)
List each element in the order it will happen, with speaker or musician names where relevant. If a piece of music is playing during a moment of silence or reflection, note that. Example: "Soft music during candle lighting" or "Instrumental during family viewing."
Timing Notes
You don't need to include exact times, but some families do—especially if the service is long or if there's a gap between the ceremony and the reception. A simple note like "Reception to follow immediately" or "Reception at 2:00 PM at [location]" is helpful.
Inside Right Panel: Biographical or Reflective Content
This is where you tell the story. It's often the most personal part of the program.
Common options for this section:
- A short biography (100–150 words) summarizing the deceased's life, career, and family
- A list of survivors (spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings)
- A list of those who predeceased them
- Favorite quotes, poems, or scripture passages
- A timeline of milestones (birth, marriage, children, retirement, etc.)
- Hobbies and passions they were known for
Choose what feels most authentic. A formal biography works for some families; others prefer a brief tribute in their own voice. Some families list all survivors; others keep it simpler with just immediate family. There's no single "right" way.
The Survivors and Predeceased Section
If you include a survivors list, format it clearly:
Survived by: Spouse [name], children [names], grandchildren [names], and [siblings/extended family as relevant].
If listing those who predeceased, a simple line works: "He was preceded in death by his parents, [names], and his brother [name]."
Back Cover: Acknowledgments and Optional Details
The back page is often left for acknowledgments, thank-yous, or additional practical information.
Typical back-cover content:
- "In lieu of flowers" requests (charitable donations, memorial funds)
- Acknowledgments of those who helped with the service
- Pallbearer names (optional but common)
- A closing prayer, poem, or reflection
- Website or contact info for condolences (if applicable)
- Blank space for guests to sign or write notes
The back cover should feel like a gentle closure. A simple thank-you, a meaningful quote, or a blank space for guests to jot down memories all work well.
Optional but Meaningful Additions
Depending on the service and family preferences, you might also include:
Hymn or Song Lyrics
If the service includes congregational singing, print the full lyrics or at least the verses that will be sung. This helps guests participate and creates a shared moment.
A Prayer or Meditation
Many programs include a printed prayer—either a traditional one or something written specifically for the deceased. This gives guests something to hold onto during quiet moments.
Pallbearer or Honorary Attendant Names
Some families list the people carrying the casket or serving other ceremonial roles. This honors their role and helps guests understand the structure of the procession.
Reception or Gathering Details
If there's a reception, luncheon, or gathering after the service, include the address, time, and any relevant directions (parking, entrance, etc.). This prevents confusion and ensures people know where to go.
A Timeline or "In Memoriam" Section
Some families include a brief timeline of the deceased's life—major milestones, career highlights, travels, or family moments. This can be a touching way to celebrate their journey.
Design and Layout Tips
Even if you're not a designer, a few principles make any program look polished:
- Stick to one or two fonts. A clean serif font for headers and a simple sans-serif for body text reads well.
- Use consistent spacing. Don't cram text; white space makes a program feel calm and readable.
- Choose a color palette. Black text on white or cream is classic. Soft colors (pale blue, gray, or beige) work well; avoid bright or neon shades.
- Keep it to 4 pages max. A single folded sheet (4 panels) or a two-page booklet is standard and manageable.
- Proofread carefully. Typos in a program are memorable for the wrong reasons. Read it aloud and have someone else check it too.
Tools to Help You Build a Program
You don't need expensive design software. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Canva all have funeral program templates that you can customize. If you want professional guidance—including help organizing the order of service, writing a biography, and designing the layout—tools like MemorialSuite can walk you through the entire process and generate a polished program PDF ready to print.
What NOT to Include
Just as important as knowing what to add is knowing what to leave out:
- Controversial statements or inside jokes that might confuse or offend guests.
- Overly detailed medical or personal information unless the family has chosen to be very open about it.
- Inconsistent or hard-to-read fonts. Readability matters; some guests will have vision challenges.
- Cluttered layouts. Less is more. White space is your friend.
Final Checklist Before Printing
Before you send your program to the printer, use this checklist:
- ☐ Deceased's name, birth date, and death date are correct
- ☐ Service date, time, and location are accurate
- ☐ All speaker and musician names are spelled correctly
- ☐ The order of service matches the actual ceremony plan
- ☐ Photos are high-resolution and properly placed
- ☐ All text is proofread (no typos, grammar errors, or awkward line breaks)
- ☐ The program has been reviewed by at least one other family member
- ☐ You've printed a test copy to check colors, spacing, and readability
- ☐ You have enough printed copies for all expected guests, plus a few extra
A Program Is a Gift to Guests
A funeral program is more than a logistical tool—it's a keepsake, a record, and a reflection of how the family wants to honor their loved one. Taking time to thoughtfully include meaningful elements, organize them clearly, and design them with care shows respect for both the deceased and the people who've come to mourn and celebrate.
Whether you're working with a printer, designing it yourself, or using a guided tool, the goal is the same: create something that feels true to the person being remembered and helps guests feel welcomed and informed as they move through the service.
