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When someone we love passes, the details can feel overwhelming. You want to honor them with care, but it’s hard to know where to start—especially when your heart is heavy.
That’s why we’ve put together this simple, step-by-step checklist to help you choose the funeral stationery that’s right for your family. You’ll also find helpful guides and easy templates to make everything feel more manageable during a difficult time.
1. Before the Service
Funeral Invitations
Letting people know about the service is the first step. A printed or digital invitation helps share the details clearly—such as the date, time, location, and any special requests (like wearing a favorite color or bringing a memory to share).
Helpful guide:
What Information to Include on a Funeral Invitation
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Funeral Invitations →
Funeral Welcome Sign
A welcome sign can be placed at the entrance to gently guide guests and honor your loved one. It may include their name, a photo, dates, and a short quote or sentiment.
Helpful guide:
How to Create a Beautiful Funeral Welcome Sign
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Funeral Welcome Signs →
2. During the Service
Funeral Program
A printed program helps guide guests through the service. It often includes the order of events, readings or hymns, a short obituary or life story, and photos. Some families also include space for a personal message or favorite memories.
Helpful guide:
What to Include in a Funeral Program
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Funeral Programs →
Prayer or Memorial Cards
These small keepsakes are often handed out at the service or placed on a memory table. They may include a photo, name and dates, a poem or scripture, and a short message of remembrance. Guests often tuck them into a wallet or Bible to keep close.
Helpful guide:
What is a Funeral Prayer Card?
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Prayer & Memorial Cards →
Guestbook
A guestbook gives family and friends a way to share their name and often a message of love or a favorite memory. It becomes a treasured keepsake, filled with personal notes and names you may want to remember later.
Helpful guide:
What Is the Purpose of a Funeral Guestbook?
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Funeral Guestbooks →
3. After the Service
Funeral Thank You Cards
Sending thank you cards is a kind and thoughtful way to show appreciation to those who supported you. You might send them to people who brought flowers, helped with the service, prepared meals, or simply showed up. There’s no need to rush—sending them within a few weeks, or even a few months, is perfectly okay.
Helpful guide:
A Guide to Funeral Thanks You Cards
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Funeral Thank You Cards →
Keepsake Memory Blankets
Some families choose to create a lasting keepsake to remember their loved one like a memory blanket with a favorite photo and quote. These can also be gifted to close family members as a gentle reminder of love.
Helpful guide:
Why Families Choose Keepsake Blankets to Remember a Loved One
Ready-to-use templates:
Shop Memorial Blankets →
A Gentle Final Thought
Planning funeral stationery can feel like one more task in the middle of a hard moment—but it can also be a quiet way to honor a beautiful life. Whether you’re keeping things simple or including every detail, there’s no right or wrong way to do this—only what feels right for your family.
We hope this checklist has helped you feel a little more prepared and a little less alone. If you’re ready to start choosing your designs, or just want to look around, you’ll find templates and guides throughout the site to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send funeral thank you cards to everyone?
No, you don’t have to send a card to every guest. Most families choose to send them to people who offered special support—like sending flowers, preparing meals, helping with the service, or making a donation.
What’s the difference between a prayer card and a memorial card?
Prayer cards usually include a religious prayer or scripture, while memorial cards may have a quote, poem, or personal message. Both are small keepsakes given at the service.
When should I order my funeral stationery?
If you’re planning a service soon, it’s a good idea to choose and customize your stationery as early as possible—especially if you’ll need time to print and ship items. Some designs can be printed locally the same day.
Do I really need a funeral program?
You don’t have to have one, but a program helps guests follow along and gives them something to keep. It can include readings, songs, photos, and more.