How to Write a Funeral Program: What You Need to Know
A funeral program—sometimes called a memorial program or order of service—is more than a piece of paper handed out at the door. It's a guide that helps attendees follow the service, a keepsake people take home, and a small but important way to honor the person who has died.
If you're tasked with creating one, you might feel overwhelmed. What goes in? What's the right order? How do you fit everything onto a few pages without it looking cluttered or feeling impersonal?
This guide walks you through the essentials of writing and structuring a funeral program, with practical examples and a clear checklist to keep you on track.
Why a Funeral Program Matters
Before diving into the "how," it's worth understanding the "why." A funeral program serves several purposes:
- Provides structure. Attendees know what to expect and when—when to stand, when to sing, when to listen.
- Honors the deceased. It's a reflection of their life, personality, and values.
- Guides the service. It keeps the ceremony moving and ensures nothing is forgotten.
- Becomes a keepsake. People often keep programs long after the service as a memory of the person and the day.
- Provides context for distant mourners. Those who couldn't attend can read the program to feel connected to the service.
Essential Elements of a Funeral Program
Most funeral programs include a consistent set of elements. Here's what typically goes in:
Cover Page
The cover is the first impression. It usually includes:
- The deceased's full name
- Birth and death dates (or "In Loving Memory" as an alternative)
- A photo (optional but common)
- A meaningful quote, scripture, or poem
Example: "Margaret Rose Sullivan | 1945–2024 | 'She made the world brighter.'"
Inside Left Page
This typically contains the order of service—the sequence of events during the funeral or memorial:
- Opening remarks or welcome
- Prayer or invocation
- Hymn or song
- Eulogy or tribute
- Scripture reading
- Additional music or poetry
- Closing remarks or benediction
Each item should list who will lead it (if applicable). For example: "Hymn: 'Amazing Grace' | Led by the congregation."
Inside Right Page
This page often holds biographical or personal information:
- A brief biography (50–150 words)
- Surviving family members
- Predeceased family members (optional)
- A favorite quote or poem
- Information about the burial or memorial donations
Back Cover
The back page might include:
- Thank you message
- Reception location and time
- Acknowledgment of those who helped
- Charity or memorial fund information
- A final photo or meaningful image
Typical Order of Service: A Template
While every funeral is unique, here's a common structure that works for most services:
1. Opening (2–3 minutes)
Officiant welcomes attendees and sets the tone. May include a brief statement about the deceased.
2. Prayer or Invocation (1–2 minutes)
A spiritual opening, whether religious or secular.
3. Opening Hymn or Music (3–5 minutes)
A piece that reflects the deceased's faith or personality.
4. Eulogy or Tribute (5–10 minutes)
A family member, friend, or clergy member speaks about the deceased's life.
5. Scripture or Poetry Reading (2–3 minutes)
A passage or poem meaningful to the deceased or family.
6. Additional Tributes (optional)
Other family members or friends may share brief memories (2–3 minutes each).
7. Closing Hymn or Music (3–5 minutes)
Often a piece that provides comfort or closure.
8. Benediction or Closing Remarks (1–2 minutes)
Final words from the officiant or a family member.
9. Recessional (1–2 minutes)
Music as attendees exit, or transition to a graveside service or reception.
What to Include in the Biographical Section
The biography should be warm, honest, and concise. Aim for 75–150 words. Include:
- Full name and nickname (if applicable)
- Birth date and place
- Death date
- Immediate family (spouse, children, grandchildren)
- Career or main life accomplishment
- Hobbies, passions, or defining characteristics
- Faith or community involvement (if relevant)
- Where they will be buried or memorialized
Example: "Robert James Chen, 72, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024. A retired engineer and devoted grandfather of five, Bob spent 40 years designing water treatment systems and the last decade mentoring young engineers. He was an avid gardener, a passionate jazz enthusiast, and a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda; three children; and five grandchildren. Bob will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery."
Design and Formatting Tips
A well-designed program is easy to read and reflects the tone of the service. Here are some practical tips:
Choose Readable Fonts
Use serif fonts (like Times New Roman or Georgia) for body text and sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Helvetica) for headings. Avoid decorative fonts that are hard to read, especially for older attendees.
Keep It Simple
Stick to one or two colors. Black text on white or cream-colored paper is always appropriate. If using color, choose muted tones that feel respectful.
Use White Space
Don't cram text into every corner. White space makes a program feel less overwhelming and easier to follow.
Organize Clearly
Use bold headings and consistent spacing. The order of service should be immediately obvious.
Choose Appropriate Photos
Use a recent photo on the cover that captures the person's spirit. Avoid photos that are too casual or unclear. If using additional photos inside, keep them to one or two and ensure they're high-quality.
Proofread Carefully
Misspelled names or dates are painful for grieving families. Have at least two people review the program before printing.
Handling Sensitive Details
Some situations require thoughtful handling in a funeral program:
Cause of Death
You don't have to include the cause of death in a program. If you do, keep it brief and factual. "After a long illness" or "suddenly" are common phrasings.
Estranged Family Members
If a surviving family member was estranged from the deceased, you can omit them from the survivors list. Alternatively, list them without comment. This is a family decision.
Unconventional Relationships
Modern families are diverse. Include partners, chosen family, and close friends as appropriate. "Survived by his husband, David, and their two children" is just as valid as traditional family listings.
Donations or Charities
If the family prefers donations to a charity instead of flowers, include this on the back cover. Keep the wording simple: "In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [Charity Name]."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you're drafting your program, watch out for these pitfalls:
- Overcrowding. Trying to include too much text makes the program hard to read. Edit ruthlessly.
- Inconsistent formatting. If you bold one person's name, bold all of them. Consistency shows care.
- Unclear timing. If the service starts at 10 a.m., say so. If the reception follows immediately, note that too.
- Forgetting contact information. Include the funeral home's phone number or website in case attendees have questions.
- Using the wrong tone. Match the program's style to the service—somber for a traditional funeral, warmer and lighter for a celebration of life.
Tools and Resources for Creating a Funeral Program
You have several options for putting a program together:
Funeral Home Templates
Many funeral homes provide free templates or will create a program as part of their service. Ask what's included.
Microsoft Word or Google Docs
Both offer templates for brochures and programs. Search "funeral program template" and customize from there.
Canva
Canva has free and paid funeral program templates that are easy to customize, even for people without design experience.
MemorialSuite
If you're also working on an obituary and eulogy, MemorialSuite generates a matching funeral program as part of its bundle, so all three documents have a cohesive look and feel. You answer questions about the service details, and the program is created automatically.
Final Thoughts
Writing a funeral program is a meaningful task, even if it feels daunting at first. You're creating a document that will guide people through a difficult day and become a lasting memory of someone important.
Start with the template structure outlined above, gather the key information (dates, names, order of service), and don't overthink the design. A simple, clear program that honors the deceased is always the right choice.
Take your time, involve family members in decisions, and remember that the goal isn't perfection—it's creating something that feels true to the person being remembered.