Funeral Program Templates

How to Make a Funeral Program?

A funeral program has three main purposes, which are to tell the guests of the funeral about:

1. Who the funeral service is for.
2. What is going to happen during the service.
3. How the families of the deceased want to be remembered after.

Funeral programs also help the family of the deceased to lessen their burden and alleviate their grief.

Usually, the funeral homes will prepare the funeral program for the deceased. However, you can also make one by yourself if you want to include some personal details. To make the process easier, you can use the free templates of funeral programs, like the one from our Funeral Program Template printable collection. Our templates are already filled with the required form, so all you have to do is fill each one. You can also add personal details to a message that is special and meaningful.

Here are some easy steps on how to make a funeral program using our printable template:

• Go to our Funeral Program Template printables page.
• Choose the funeral program’s template that matches our needs.
• Personalize the templates by filling out each needed form and adding the photograph of the deceased.
• Review and check the overall template before printing it out.
• Use a good quality paper to print the template to ensure the best end result.

What Can You Include in a Funeral Program?

The funeral program is made as a way to guide the guests of the funeral and as a meaningful and heartfelt keepsake to honor the deceased and celebrate their life.

Here are some elements that can be found in a funeral program:

Cover

The cover of a funeral program usually includes a photograph of the deceased. It also has their full name, including their middle name. Usually, the date of birth and the date of death are placed under the name.

On the cover usually written a phrase like:

• In Loving Memory …
• Forever in Our Hearts …
• Celebrating the Life of …

Visual Details

Photographs are not only placed on the cover. You can include some other photography inside the booklet, especially the one that depicts the deceased’s happy moments.

Besides photographs, it is also a nice touch to add some minimal decorations to honor the deceased.

Service Details

Details of the funeral service are essential elements that should be included in the funeral program. The details are:

• Date and place of the funeral service.
• Opening remarks and prayers.
• Selection of the funeral music with the song titles written.
• Scripture passage readings.
• Eulogy and the speaker's name.
• Closing remarks.
• If the reception location is different from the funeral service’s one, it is also included in the funeral program.
• Some details, like parking or a special entrance for specific people, can also be added in the back of the booklet.

Orbituary

In simple words, an obituary is a life summary of the deceased. Usually, it focuses on happy moments or achievements that they have achieved during their life.

Above are detailed elements of the religious funeral program. Another religion might have its own customs. Also, the non-religious funeral program usually focuses more on personal readings, popular modern music, and shared memories with no spiritual elements.

Why is the Funeral Program Important?

Funeral programs hold various meanings and purposes, either for the guest or the family of the deceased.

• It helps the guest to understand and know what to expect during the funeral service.
• It acts as a keepsake to honor and remember the deceased.
• It is the final ceremony to celebrate the life of someone, in other way it is the last goodbye.
• It helps the family of the deceased to feel less burdened.

What are Some Dos and Don’ts during Funerals?

Funerals are a sacred event. Hence, it is expected that the guests will act accordingly. Here are some dos and don’ts during a funeral:

Do’s

• Arrive on time to not disturb the service.
• Wear simple and appropriate clothes and make-up.
• Offer condolences to the deceased’s families.
• Keep your voice and act quietly.
• Follow and respect the procession.

Dont’s

• Overreact to your emotions.
• Use your phone too often.
• Record or take photos without consent.
• Talk badly about the deceased, family, or the funeral service.