Funeral Programs

Losing a loved one is difficult, and planning a memorial service can feel overwhelming. One important element of any funeral or celebration of life is the funeral program (also known as a memorial service program or funeral bulletin). This printed booklet not only outlines the order of service, it also pays tribute to your loved one’s life.

At QuickFuneral, we understand how meaningful these programs are – for over 7 years, our team has been helping families across the USA and Australia create heartfelt funeral and memorial service programs with ease and compassion.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about funeral programs: what they are, why they matter, what to include, and how to create them. You’ll also find a range of beautiful funeral program templates to help you design a fitting tribute, whether you prefer a simple one-page funeral brochure or a multi-page memorial service booklet.

A funeral program is a printed pamphlet or booklet that is given to guests at a funeral or memorial service. It’s sometimes called a memorial program, funeral bulletin, or order of service program. This program serves two main purposes: it provides the schedule or outline of the service, and it serves as a keepsake that celebrates the life of the deceased.

Each funeral program is unique, but they typically include the name, photo, and dates of the departed, an order of service, and often personal touches such as an obituary, favorite poems or scriptures, and heartfelt messages from the family.

For guests, it’s very helpful to know what to expect during the service – the program might list who will deliver the eulogy, the songs or readings that will occur, and any special rituals. For families, the process of creating the program can be part of the healing. After the service, these programs become cherished mementos.

Whether the service is a traditional religious funeral, a contemporary celebration of life, or a quiet memorial gathering, the program helps bring it all together in a meaningful way.

Funeral and memorial service programs play a significant role in the overall service. Here are a few reasons they are so important:

• Guiding the Ceremony: A program outlines the order of service — opening music, welcome message, readings, eulogy, and closing remarks — helping attendees follow and participate.
• Honoring Your Loved One: Programs highlight your loved one’s personality and life through photos, a short biography, or even heartfelt messages and quotes.
• Keepsake for Family and Friends: Printed programs become cherished mementos that people can keep and revisit years later.
• Personal Touch: Include a favorite quote, a thank-you message, or a special poem to make the service feel more intimate and unique.

Every funeral program can be customized, but most will include the following components:

1. Cover Page: Includes the full name, birth and death dates, a photo, a title like “In Loving Memory,” and possibly a quote or scripture.
2. Order of Service: A detailed list of the event flow — welcome, readings, music, eulogy, tributes, and closing.
3. Obituary or Life Sketch: A written tribute about the person’s life story, including family, milestones, and passions.
4. Photos & Collages: Add more personal touches by including additional images or a photo collage.
5. Poems, Quotes, or Scriptures: Uplifting words or religious texts that brought comfort or were meaningful to the departed.
6. Acknowledgments & Thank-You Note: A brief message of appreciation from the family to attendees and supporters.
7. Back Cover: Can include a poem, service details, names of officiants or pallbearers, or decorative elements.

Funeral programs can be customized based on the style of service, available content, and printing preferences. Here are some common types:

• Traditional Bifold Programs (8.5” x 11”): A folded letter-size sheet that creates a front/back cover and two inside pages. The most popular and printer-friendly format.
• Half-Letter Programs (8.5” x 5.5”): Compact and convenient for small gatherings or when minimal content is needed. Easy to print and distribute.
• Tri-Fold Brochures: Folded into three panels like a pamphlet, ideal for dividing content like obituary, order of service, and poems. Stylish and practical.
• Multi-Page Booklet Programs: Used when more content or photos are needed. Suitable for large services, especially with tributes and long obituaries.
• Prayer Cards and Bookmarks: Small keepsakes with a photo, name, date, and a short verse or prayer. Can accompany a program or be handed out individually.

Many families personalize funeral programs by theme to match their loved one’s identity. Some common styles include:

• Military Funeral Programs: Incorporate patriotic elements like the U.S. flag, rank insignia, or service-related colors and imagery.
• Religious Funeral Programs: Christian, Catholic, and other faith-based designs often include scripture, crosses, doves, and church motifs.
• Nature and Landscape Themes: Popular for their calming aesthetic. Includes sunsets, gardens, mountains, or oceans to reflect peace and serenity.
• Contemporary Celebration of Life: Bright, modern templates that express joy and individuality. Often includes bold typography, colorful accents, or hobbies.

Creating a funeral program is simpler when you follow a step-by-step process. Here’s how to craft one with care and confidence:

1. Gather Essential Details: Collect the deceased’s full name, birth and death dates, a short obituary, order of service, chosen photos, thank-you message, and any quotes or verses you’d like to include.
2. Choose a Template & Format: Pick from bifold, trifold, or booklet styles based on your content. Select a theme that reflects your loved one’s personality or beliefs.
3. Personalize the Text: Replace placeholder text in your template with your own words. This includes the obituary, service order, acknowledgments, and headings. Use clear, heartfelt language.
4. Insert Photos: Add a cover photo and any additional images inside the program. Use high-resolution photos for best print results. Optional: add symbols or artwork that match the theme.
5. Review & Adjust: Check layout, spacing, alignment, and spelling. Ensure everything prints correctly and flows naturally from page to page.
6. Print a Test Copy: Print one copy to verify quality, layout, and content. Adjust margins or fonts as needed before printing the full set.
7. Print Final Programs: Print at home, at a local print shop, or use a professional service. Choose suitable paper and quantities based on attendance. Fold and assemble as required.
8. Distribute at the Service: Have a family member or usher hand them out at the venue or place them on a table near the entrance.

Make your program even more meaningful by adding unique and personal touches:

• Meaningful Quotes or Sayings: Add a favorite line, scripture, or phrase your loved one often used.
• Custom Themes: Reflect their personality with icons, colors, or symbols tied to hobbies, culture, or interests.
• Special Wording: Use titles like “In Loving Memory,” or “A Life Well-Lived.” Add poems or blessing lines inside the program.
• Family Contributions: Include handwritten notes, short messages from grandchildren, or drawings to personalize further.
• Multiple Versions: Tailor a version for close family with extended content or photos, and a simpler one for general guests.
• Digital Sharing: Share a PDF version with those who couldn’t attend the service.

You can print funeral programs easily using any of these approaches:

• Print at Home: Suitable for small gatherings. Use a good printer and quality paper. Test before printing in bulk.
• Local Print Shops: Ideal for medium-sized services. Bring your saved PDF and request a sample copy first.
• Professional Printing: Great for large quantities or high-end booklets. Choose premium cardstock or binding if needed.
• Quantity Tips: Print for 75–100% of expected guests. Better to have extras than run out during the ceremony.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Use recycled paper or minimize page count for a sustainable tribute if desired.

At QuickFuneral, we know how important it is to get this right. For over 7 years, we’ve helped thousands of families across the USA and Australia design meaningful, high-quality funeral and memorial programs.

• Experienced & Empathetic: Our team understands funeral planning firsthand. We’re here to offer guidance, compassion, and technical support.
• Easy-to-Use Online Editor: Our drag-and-drop tool makes it easy to create professional programs — no design experience needed.
• Extensive Template Library: Choose from hundreds of customizable templates for programs, memorial cards, bookmarks, and more.
• Full Flexibility: Unlimited edits. Make changes anytime — even at the last minute.
• Instant Download & Printing: Finalize and print your program the same day. Perfect for tight timelines or unexpected needs.
• Affordable & Transparent: One-time payment or membership access — no hidden charges or print restrictions.
• Trusted Nationwide: Families and funeral homes across the country rely on our tools, templates, and support to create beautiful tributes.

With QuickFuneral, you’re never alone. Whether you need a simple program or a detailed tribute booklet, our experience and tools will guide you every step of the way — with dignity, respect, and heartfelt support.